Should a Christian Adopt Methodological Naturalism?
It has become standard practice for scientists to avoid the possibility of references to God by adopting methodological naturalism (MN), a method that assumes that the reality of the universe, as it can be accessed by empirical enquiry, is to be explained solely with recourse to natural phenomena. I...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Open Library of Humanities$s2024-
[2017]
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In: |
Zygon
Year: 2017, Volume: 52, Issue: 3, Pages: 691-725 |
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Natural scientist
/ Christian
/ Naturalism (Philosophy)
/ Theological cognition theory
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RelBib Classification: | CB Christian life; spirituality CF Christianity and Science FA Theology |
Further subjects: | B
Theology
B Holy Spirit B Creation B Dietrich Bonhoeffer B Alvin Plantinga B Faith B Christianity B Naturalism B Jesus Christ B Methodological Naturalism |
Online Access: |
Presumably Free Access Volltext (Verlag) Volltext (doi) |
Summary: | It has become standard practice for scientists to avoid the possibility of references to God by adopting methodological naturalism (MN), a method that assumes that the reality of the universe, as it can be accessed by empirical enquiry, is to be explained solely with recourse to natural phenomena. In this essay, I critique the Christian practice of this method, arguing that a Christian's practices should always reflect her belief that the universe is created and sustained by the triune God. This leads me to contend that the Christian should adopt a theologically humble approach to the sciences (instead of MN), with which she humbly acknowledges that special divine action is not discernible by empirical science. To further my critique, I consider three ways in which the practice of MN can be particularly problematic for Christianity. |
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ISSN: | 1467-9744 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Zygon
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1111/zygo.12363 |