Gregersen's Vision of a Theonomous Universe

In his article, “The Idea of Creation and the Theory of Autopoietic Processes,” Niels H. Gregersen has proposed an important thesis: God supports and sustains autopoietic processes in nature. This contribution underscores what Paul Tillich called theonomy, a conception of the divine presence or acti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Main Author: Gilkey, Langdon 1919-2004 (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell 1999
In: Zygon
Further subjects:B Tanabe Hajime
B Providence
B power to be
B Alfred North Whitehead
B Theonomy
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
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Summary:In his article, “The Idea of Creation and the Theory of Autopoietic Processes,” Niels H. Gregersen has proposed an important thesis: God supports and sustains autopoietic processes in nature. This contribution underscores what Paul Tillich called theonomy, a conception of the divine presence or action as one which under-girds, makes possible, and brings to perfection the creature's autonomy and creativity. The concept of theonomy is represented not only in contemporary Christian theology, but also in the work of Alfred North Whitehead and the Japanese Buddhist thinker, Tanabe Hajime. Gregersen shows that this concept extends not only to existential realities, but also to science and the processes of nature. There are connections, as well as differences, to be noted between Gregersen and Whitehead. This train of thought would be further enhanced if it included a discussion of the concept of God as the power to be—a connection that certainly is implied in Gregersen's argument.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/0591-2385.1961999196