A critical survey of the models, perspectives, figures, and arguments in natural theology. By examining traditional natural theological methods, ramified natural theology, and new natural theological perspectives, students develop their own patterns and approaches for discerning or detecting Divine action. Finally, students develop a theology of nature and explore ways to link Divine action to a theology of the mission of God to natural events. A fresh link between nature and the supernatural is examined through the human person as the imago Dei, imitatio Dei, and the mission of God.
Mission in ‘science and theology’ contexts is driven by a comprehensive theology of Divine action and mission in revelation. The present course gives students insight into how some theologians of the past have discerned or detected Divine action and further how that relates to broader purposes in redemption and the ability to analyze those arguments.
The Christian Church (i.e., People of God) must find its rootedness in Scripture, the teachings of the People of God, and the ways in which theologians have arrived at knowledge of the Divine nature through Divine actions. The present course prepares students to critically engage with the sources of natural theology with the clarity of the gospel guided by the mission of God.
Critical survey of arguments for the existence and nature of God have often provided a link from the natural world to the world of Scripture. The present course considers the Bible in two ways, first as it illuminates nature/creation, and how it is that nature might illuminate aspects of Scripture.
Considering the relationship between nature and Scripture aids the student in developing a sense for where God may be working in nature in the past, the present, and in the future thereby illuminating the mission of God.
As with all academic disciplines, natural theology is contextual and follows certain conventions in the wider academic guild. Students gain a deeper awareness of how practitioners develop their conceptions of God and nature.
Students interact with and gain the tools to critically assess issues that are informed by an international set of scholars.
The course concludes with a concrete product that the student can use in real life circumstances that reflects a mastery of the methods, perspectives of natural theology and the tools for developing a theology of nature.
Through student interactions, projects, and writing one or two research papers, students develop an environment that prepares them as ‘missionizers’ in natural theological conversation.
