Natural Theology

Definition

Natural theology is the branch of theology that seeks to prove the existence of God and divine attributes through reason and observation of the natural world, without relying on supernatural revelation or religious faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural theology aims to establish the existence of God and the divine attributes through rational inquiry and observation of the natural world.
2. The cosmological argument posits that the universe's existence and order point to a First Cause or Prime Mover, which is identified as God.
3. The teleological argument suggests that the apparent design and purpose in nature are evidence of an intelligent Creator.
4. The ontological argument attempts to prove God's existence through the very definition of God as a being greater than which cannot be conceived.
5. Natural theology has been a subject of philosophical and theological debate, with critics arguing that it cannot conclusively prove the existence of God.

Review Questions

• Explain how the cosmological argument relates to natural theology and the existence of God.
  • The cosmological argument is a key component of natural theology, as it seeks to establish the existence of God through reason and observation of the natural world. The argument posits that the universe's existence, order, and complexity point to the necessity of a First Cause or Prime Mover, which is identified as God. By observing the universe and its origins, natural theologians aim to provide a rational basis for believing in the existence of a divine Creator without relying on supernatural revelation or religious faith.
• Describe how the teleological argument supports the goals of natural theology.
  • The teleological argument, also known as the argument from design, is another important aspect of natural theology. This argument suggests that the apparent design and purpose observed in nature, such as the intricate workings of the human body or the complex ecosystems of the natural world, are evidence of an intelligent Creator. By observing the apparent order and functionality of the natural world, natural theologians aim to use the teleological argument to rationally infer the existence of a divine Designer, without resorting to supernatural explanations or religious belief.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the ontological argument within the context of natural theology.
  • The ontological argument is a unique approach within natural theology, as it attempts to prove the existence of God through the very definition of God as a being greater than which cannot be conceived. This argument, developed by philosophers like Anselm of Canterbury, posits that the concept of God as a perfect, all-powerful being logically implies God's existence. However, the ontological argument has faced significant criticism, with some arguing that it relies on questionable logical assumptions and cannot conclusively prove the existence of God. Despite these limitations, the ontological argument remains an important part of the broader natural theology discourse, as it represents an attempt to rationally establish the existence of the divine through reason and logic alone.

Related terms

Cosmological Argument: The argument that the existence of the universe and its order and complexity point to the existence of a divine Creator.

Teleological Argument: The argument that the apparent design and purpose observed in nature is evidence of an intelligent Creator.

Ontological Argument: The argument that the very concept of God, as a being greater than which cannot be conceived, logically implies God's existence.