Posted on 06/11/2008 8:15:36 AM PDT by Matchett-PI
The Open Secret: A New Vision for Natural Theology by Alister E. McGrath
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Editorial Reviews Review "Alister McGrath's The Open Secret provides nothing less than the foundations of a vigorous renewal of natural theology for our time. Theologians and others who have considered natural theology an exhausted topic will have second thoughts after reading this richly nuanced, scholarly, creative, and enjoyable book." John F. Haught, Georgetown University
"This is vintage McGrath: confident, capacious in scope, brisk in exposition, decisive in argument. Noone is better placed to make a case for a revisionary theology of nature; this book is sure to command a wide audience and to generate profitable debate." John Webster, King's College, Aberdeen
"For much of the twentieth century natural theology was regarded as intellectually moribund and theologically suspect. In this splendid new book, best-selling author and distinguished theologian Alister McGrath issues a vigorous challenge to the old prejudices. Building on the foundation of the classical triad of truth, beauty and goodness, he constructs an impressive case for a new and revitalized natural theology. This is a well-conceived, timely, and thought-provoking volume." Peter Harrison, Harris Manchester College, Oxford
Product Description Natural Theology explores the knowledge of God as it is observed through nature. This book sets forth a new approach to the study of natural theology, reestablishing its legitimacy as a distinct aspect of Christian theology. While remedying some of the criticisms of traditional presentations and perceptions of the concept, this new approach treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment.
Beginning with an introduction to human engagement with nature, this volume goes on to explore topics such as 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 the Christianity and other faiths. With a resurgence of interest that is taking place in the field, this book is a first-rate, innovative resource for the study of natural theology.
From the Back Cover Natural Theology explores the knowledge of God as it is observed through nature. This book sets forth a new approach to the study of natural theology, reestablishing its legitimacy as a distinct aspect of Christian theology. While remedying some of the criticisms of traditional presentations and perceptions of the concept, this new approach treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment.
Beginning with an introduction to human engagement with nature, this volume goes on to explore topics such as 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 the Christianity and other faiths. With a resurgence of interest that is taking place in the field, this book is a first-rate, innovative resource for the study of natural theology.
About the Author Alister E. McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University, and Senior Research Fellow at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. He is a world-renowned theologian, and is the author of numerous bestselling titles.
http://www.amazon.com/Open-Secret-Vision-Natural-Theology/dp/1405126914
Thanks for the suggestion.
These books by Alister McGrath have been of great help and well worth the time spent studying them.
“An Introduction to Christianity”
“Beyond the Quiet Time: Practical Evangelical Spirituality”
“The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World”
“The Intellectual Origins of the European Reformation”
bttt You’re welcome! McGrath is a international treasure to God’s people. Too bad more of them don’t spend some time reading his books rather than watching the embarrasing pop-culture grifters on TBN, CBN, etc., ad nauseam. They’d have a much better education in both science AND (small “o”) orthodox religion.
Natural Theology is not to be confused with Christianity, right?
(I’m a little rusty on that wing of theism.)
The Holy Bible does tell us that even the existence of God is apparent to the unchurched pagans. These peoples can recognize the harmony and the beauty of creation and reach the only possible conclusion. They understand that our world is not an accident. They can even worship God, because He is apparent everywhere.
we only need to consider our father Abraham, who believed onto God and it was accounted to him righteousness.
Opps, don't want to get it from the letter God has written to each of us?
Reading the Word is much more valuble. It hits you from a new angle everytime.
From the description:
Natural Theology explores the knowledge of God as it is observed through nature. This book sets forth a new approach to the study of natural theology, reestablishing its legitimacy as a distinct aspect of Christian theology. While remedying some of the criticisms of traditional presentations and perceptions of the concept, this new approach treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment.
“Is there a best selection of one particular book you are suggesting?”
I’d recommend the first two listed below.
“An Introduction to Christianity” is a good introduction and refresher. I use it in teaching new believers and as a resource.
“Beyond the Quiet Time: Practical Evangelical Spirituality” is a guided study for daily devotions for mature believers. It requires the bible, a journal and time.
“The Intellectual Origins of the European Reformation” is heavy reading and one you do not want to sit in front of the fireplace with an accompanying glass of wine. It is a good study if you are interested in that particular area. From what I’ve seen on this forum between the Reformed and the Catholics, it would probably help.
“The Twilight of Atheism: The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World” is a very encouraging book, but again, it helps to be particularly interested in the area of study.
You will enjoy and be challenged by anything written by Dr. McGrath, even his interviews.
ena
Romans 1: 18-32 proves that. Because of that, Pagans worship the creation, as it tells them nothing about Jesus Christ. Nature doesn't reveal the fact that we have a Savior, and that it is he and he alone who is deserving of our worship.
It takes the book of nature and the book of revelation (Scripture) to get the complete picture.
So, how does Evangelical "natural theology" differ from Catholic "natural theology" (Catholics have incorporated "natural theology" from the very earliest days of the Church).?? And how does it square with the "Bible only" perspective that Protestants are supposed to have?? (Catholics have incorporated "natural theology" from the very earliest days of the Church).
Alister McGrath can answer that question for you much better than I, and with less words, too.:)
From the article, “......how natural theology can function as a bridge between the Christianity and other faiths.....”.
Jesus Christ didn’t say much about a bridge, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
But He did speak about roads and where they led.
“Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.” (Matt. 7;13,14)
Going backwards to a study of God through observation of the natural world is like going back to writing on pottery shards when we have computers.
If you want to get it, you might want to see what McGrath means by reading his works.
Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus. He wasn't impressed.
TBN grifters quote Scripture to biblical illiterates; they ARE impressed.
“Jesus Christ didn’t say much about a bridge,”
Paul was a master of the “bridge”. “I see you are a religious people...let me tell you of the unknown God”. That is what Natural Theology should do, act as a bridge, a witness “in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness........ That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us”
One cannot know the love, mercy and grace of God through the natural or rational order, those attrubutes are understood by revelation, but one can know beyond a reasonable doubt that there is a transcendent being through Natural Theology.
bttt
I read Twilight of Atheism a couple years back. Good book.
Maybe--but I don't have McGrath's book, hence the question. Given a reasonable answer I "might" be moved to get it. But the questions are legit.
Then why not look in Bible to find “beyond a reasonable doubt” what one needs to know about God?
Paul followed up, not with “Natural Theology” but with, as he said in Acts 17:30,31 ‘That God had overlooked such times of ignorance and was telling mankind everywhere that they should repent seeing that mankind was to be judged by the one God appointed and the guarantee was that this one had been resurrected.’
The pagans Paul met there in Athens were in spiritual darkness and he pointed out that they had a spiritual need as evidenced by their devotion even to “An Unknown God”.
Is God overlooking ignorance now that Christ has been resurrected and appointed as judge? Or is so-called “Natural Theology” really a going backwards?
Because the bible tells us there is a “Natural Theology” and we are to appreciate it and use it. Natural Theology is used as a “bridge” to unbelievers as well as another confirmation for believers. When the Psalmist says “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth His handiwork.....”, or when Paul says “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”, they are using Natural Theology to teach and to glorify God.
It is used with those who have no apparent interest in the bible or know enough to trust the Word. It is also used by believers to reason through some of the passages, such as “my ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not yours” or “In the beginning God created...” as an answer to the question of the orderliness of the universe.
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