[asa] Theological Naturalism - 'The Nature of God' = Naturalism

In order to open new ground that is not limited to one particular author's reading of 'science's blind spot' or the so-called 'religion of scientific naturalism', a thought came to me that expresses a challenge to naturalism in social-humanitarian thought. Perhaps those of you who will consider the relevance of reflexive thought and hermeneutics to natural scientific thought and practice will engage the proposition that I will now raise.
   
  Anytime a person questions or speaks to "the nature of God" they are utilizing a type of theological naturalism. It is theological naturalism because they are applying the concept of 'nature' to something that both created and therefore exceeds nature; what some here call 'the supernatural.' Once a person speaks about 'the nature of' the Divine, they are compromising their views as a scientist because they are considering an extra-scientific Thing.
   
  This is to add to the definition of theological naturalism provided by Janice's link:
  "theological naturalism, a phrase he [Hunter] uses to describe the restriction of science to naturalism for religious reasons." From the comments of George Murphy, I interpret that he is arguing for this type of naturalism (sometimes equivalent with physicalism) based on theological premises. On the other hand, I do not limit science to naturalism or to nature and I think the record shows that it is not necessary to do so. There are many things that are not-natural besides the supernatural and there are sciences of things that go beyond the call of 'nature'.
   
  This thread is meant for those who would offer an alternative definiton of 'theological naturalism' than C. Hunter or who would rather clarify his perspective with their own in order to acknowledge other seemingly important concerns.
   
  G. Arago

       
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Received on Thu Jul 19 23:01:12 2007