A Scientific Theology: RealityA Scientific Theology is a ground-breaking work of systematic theology in three volumes: Nature, Reality, and Theory. Written by one of the world's best-known theologians, these volumes together represent the most extended and systematic exploration of the relation between Christian theology and the natural sciences yet produced. Thoroughly ecumenical in approach, A Scientific Theology is a significant work for Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and evangelical readers. Each volume is marked throughout by a sustained and critical engagement with the history and philosophy of the natural sciences and by a passionate commitment to the legitimacy of theology as an academic discipline. The three volumes together attempt to present an essentially linear argument from nature to theory, so that questions of how reality is represented will be dealt with entirely in the final volume, though preliminary discussions of aspects of reality are naturally included in this present volume. The second volume in the series thus provides a detailed and thorough examination and defense of theological realism. Its themes are set against the backdrop of radical changes in Western philosophy and theology resulting from the collapse of the Enlightenment project and the consequent fragmentation of intellectual discourse. Engaging critically with writers such as George Lindbeck and John Milbank, McGrath offers a sparkling and sophisticated affirmation of theological realism against its modern and postmodern critics. His refutation of the claim that the rise of philosophical nonfoundationalism entails the abandoning of any form of realism is of particular importance, as is his application of the highly influential form of "critical realism" developed by Roy Bhaskar. Viewed as a whole, Reality represents a sustained engagement with natural theology as the basis of a broader dialogue between the Christian tradition and other religious traditions. Book jacket. |
Contents
RATIONALITY and Knowledge in TheoloGY AND | 3 |
The natural sciences and the question of knowledge | 11 |
The rise and fall of classical foundationalism | 20 |
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affirm Alasdair MacIntyre analysis anti-realism approach argues basic beliefs Cambridge University Press Chicago Christian doctrine Christian theology Christian tradition classic coherence concept concerning critical realism critique cultural Cupitt Dawkins determined developed distinction divine doctrine of creation electrons empirical engagement Enlightenment entities epistemic epistemological existence experience explanation explore foundation foundationalism Fraassen fundamental grounded human mind ideas important incarnation insists intellectual interpreted issue Jesus Christ John Kant Karl Barth Keats knowledge laws of nature Lindbeck London MacIntyre mathematics metaphysical Milbank modern moral natural law natural sciences natural theology natural world notion objective observation offers ontological Oxford University Press Philosophy of Science physical postmodern question rationality reality reason reflection regarded religion revelation role Rorty Routledge Roy Bhaskar Scientific Realism scientific theology scientific theories seen significant social construction specific T. F. Torrance theologians theoretical thought Torrance transcendent truth understanding W. V. O. Quine writings York