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Loading... The Open Secret: A New Vision for Natural Theologyby Alister E. McGrath
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.  deusvitae | May 17, 2010 |  no reviews | add a review
Natural theology, in the view of many, is in crisis. In this long-awaited book, Alister McGrath sets out a new vision for natural theology, re-establishing its legitimacy and utility. A timely and innovative resource on natural theology: the exploration of knowledge of God as it is observed through nature Written by internationally regarded theologian and author of numerous bestselling books, Alister McGrath Develops an intellectually rigorous vision of natural theology as a point of convergence between the Christian faith, the arts and literature, and the natural sciences, opening up important possibilities for dialogue and cross-fertilization Treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment Explores topics including beauty, goodness, truth, and the theological imagination; how investigating nature gives rise to both theological and scientific theories; the idea of a distinctively Christian approach to nature; and how natural theology can function as a bridge between Christianity and other faiths No library descriptions found. |
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)211.3Religions Natural Theology and Secularism Deism and Atheism TheismLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (4)
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Wikipedia in English (2)
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McGrath brings his extensive knowledge in the sciences and theology to set forth a coherent expression of natural theology. The basis is the idea of the "open secret," the idea that whereas a Christocentric view of nature is not mandated, nature can be seen in a way that is consistent with Christian trinitarian theology. The parables of Jesus, the call of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, the failure of pure Enlightenment ideology, and the complexities in the nature of perception are all brought to bear to explain this concept.
McGrath counters many of the fallacies that have developed in both natural theology and in the scientific world as a whole in the past few hundred years, especially the objectification of nature and the unwillingness to grapple with the "darker side" of nature. McGrath shows how we are part of nature, showing how the Incarnation can demonstrate a way of understanding nature while being part of it. He also points forward to a more robust natural theology taking not just matters of the intellect into account but also truth, goodness, and beauty as perceived in the creation.
A most recommended exploration into establishing a viable natural theology for today. (