Natural Theology

Introduction to Natural Theology

  • Overview: Present considerations about natural theology, its significance, and themes for discussion.

    • Emphasis on topics for the fourth section of the course.

  • Opening Prayer: Acknowledge divine blessings and seek guidance for the discussion.

Definition of Natural Theology

  • Definition: Natural theology refers to knowledge of God derived from human reason and experience, including general revelation.

    • It encompasses what can be known about God's existence, nature, and attributes based on human faculties.

  • Components:

    • Human nature: Insights into the divine obtained from our innate understanding.

    • Human experience: Engaging with the world to glean theological implications.

    • General revelation: The notion that God's existence can be inferred from observing the natural world.

Contemporary Issues Surrounding Natural Theology

  • Challenges from New Atheism:

    • Assertion that scientific advancements challenge the validity of seeking God through nature.

    • The secularization thesis posits that as science progresses, religion recedes.

  • Historical Context:

    • 20th century marked a decline in confidence in natural theology.

    • Influences of Enlightenment thinkers like Hume and Kant strengthened skepticism toward natural theology.

Critiques of Natural Theology

  • Philosophical Opposition: Fundamental critiques arose during the Enlightenment, particularly from Kant and Hume.

    • Enlightenment thinkers questioned the validity of natural theology, impacting both secular and religious domains.

  • Acceptance of Conclusions but not Premises:

    • Theologians may embrace the conclusion that natural theology is invalid while disputing the epistemological foundations of such arguments.

Immanuel Kant's Contribution

  • Kantian Epistemology:

    • Distinction Between Noumena and Phenomena:

    • Phenomena: The world as we experience it; how things appear to us.

    • Noumena: Things-in-themselves, which are inaccessible to human understanding.

    • Implications for Natural Theology:

    • Knowledge is limited to phenomena, making knowledge of God (noumena) unreachable.

  • Critique of Kant:

    • Assert that humans can know things as they truly are, not just through appearances.

    • Claim that intellect is proportioned to know reality adequately.

David Hume's Perspective

  • Hume's Empiricism:

    • Emphasis on sense impressions as the foundation of knowledge.

    • View that knowledge cannot extend beyond observable phenomena, particularly questioning causality.

  • Critique of Hume:

    • Argue that causality is an essential feature of reality and cannot be dismissed as mere habit.

    • Knowledge of causal relationships is fundamental for coherent reasoning.

Concerns with Natural Theology and Divine Self-Revelation

  • Critique by Karl Barth & Others:

    • Claim that natural theology is autonomous and could detract from the revelation of God in Christ.

  • Moser's Perspective:

    • Argues natural theology leads to a "thin theism"—knowledge of God's existence without a personal relationship.

    • Suggests that it lacks fullness regarding key theological concepts like the Trinity or salvation.

  • Responses to Moser:

    • Even a thin understanding of God is better than none and paves the way for further inquiry into divine knowledge.

Natural Theology as Anti-Naturalism

  • Evans' Position:

    • Natural theology seeks to establish anti-naturalism, arguing against the notion that the naturalistic worldview is self-evident.

    • Naturalism asserts that material realities are the only true existence, overlooking non-material aspects of humanity like morality or spirit.

  • Counterarguments to Naturalism:

    • Naturalistic assumptions often rely on Occam's razor—favoring simpler explanations without considering broader, philosophical implications.

    • Suggests that evidence should not merely be assessed through scientific methodologies but should also incorporate philosophical considerations.

Distinction Between Science and Naturalism

  • Commitment to Science vs. Philosophical Naturalism:

    • Belief in natural sciences is distinct from adopting naturalism as a worldview.

  • Evans’ Thesis:

    • Natural sciences provide insights about the natural world, but cannot verify whether it is all that exists.

    • Questions about the existence of the supernatural or non-material realities remain philosophical and beyond scientific testing.

Pascalian Constraints on Natural Theology

  • Evans' Inferences from Pascal:

    • If God intends for His existence to be known through nature, the signs left would have two constraints:

    1. Broad Accessibility:

    • Signs should be universally available to a diverse range of people, transcending cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

    1. Easy Resistibility:

    • Signs must be sufficiently subtle to allow free will in acknowledgment, avoiding compelling individuals against their will to accept God.

Conclusion and Reflective Summary

  • Review of Natural Theology Discussion:

    • Recap significant critiques and responses to natural theology, focusing on Kant, Hume, and modern considerations from theologians like Barth and Moser.

    • Highlight the purpose of natural theology in navigating existential questions about reality, human understanding, and divine presence.

    • Emphasize the philosophical debates regarding naturalism and the intersection with the natural sciences.

  • Invitation for Reflection:

    • Encourage students to share key takeaways and discuss topics of interest for future sessions concerning faith and contemporary issues.