Seminary discussion this week

Our Systematic Theology discussion this week included a concept called Natural Theology. Here is a excerpt from this discussion:





When I read the discussion on natural theology, my immediate reaction was that I was familiar with the concept, but had no idea it had a name. For example, as an amateur astronomer I always loved Psalms 19:1, “the heavens declare the glory of God..”. Additionally, Psalms 147, “He counts all the stars and knows them all by name”. The basic idea being that God is presenting us with supporting evidence to confirm some of His attributes, and glorious nature, much like a gifted artist presents attributes of his nature (attributes) in his paintings or sculptures. The role of this “stirring of spiritual consciousness”, (that there is something out there bigger than me, for example), within mankind in general, is described by John Calvin as being a “seed of religion” which has been planted in every human being by God himself. This is all well and good, but the opponent would try to argue that there are other explanations of natural phenomena besides God. As Jim pointed out, “One of the risks of using natural theology is that framing an argument is risky in that scientific advancement may unravel it.”

The use of natural theology therefore seems to be best utilized as a “signpost” to direct the seeker to the truth and source of truth, and not become the prolegomena of belief, solely. In fact, revelation as it exists in natural theology seems to be able to serve as supporting evidence of faith (one of many reasons for believing) for the believer, and as convincing stimuli for searching for more complete revelation, for the “nonbeliever”, as alluded to in Romans 1:20, as Bill pointed out. The Scriptures become the prolegomena then for the nonbeliever to experience more complete revelations through a personal experience with the Living God through “the truth”, Jesus Christ, the very “reason for the hope that is within us”.


Have a Blessed Day!
George