Saving Natural Theology From Thomas Aquinas

Saving Natural Theology from Thomas Aquinas

Natural theology has been a subject of great interest and debate throughout history. One prominent figure in this field is Thomas Aquinas, whose ideas and philosophy have dominated discussions for centuries. However, it is time to reevaluate the role of Aquinas and save natural theology from the limitations imposed by his perspective.

Towards a New Paradigm

Natural theology aims to understand the existence and attributes of God through reason and empirical evidence. It seeks to bridge the gap between faith and reason, allowing us to explore the divine using our natural faculties. While Aquinas made significant contributions to natural theology, his philosophical framework limited the scope of exploration and hindered the progress of this discipline.

Saving Natural Theology from Thomas Aquinas

by Jeffrey D. Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

FREE

The first step towards saving natural theology is acknowledging the need for a new paradigm. We must embrace a more inclusive and diverse approach that allows for multiple perspectives and interpretations. By doing so, we can break free from the constraints imposed by Aquinas and explore natural theology from fresh angles.

Expanding the Scope

Aquinas heavily relied on Aristotelian concepts, such as the idea of God as the "unmoved mover" or the "first cause." While these ideas were groundbreaking in their time, they fail to capture the complexity and diversity of religious experiences across cultures and traditions. Saving natural theology requires expanding the scope to include a broader range of philosophical traditions, such as Eastern philosophy, indigenous perspectives, and contemporary philosophical developments.

By exploring diverse philosophies and religious traditions, we can gain new insights into the nature of God and the universe. This expansion will allow us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human beliefs and experiences, and avoid the trap of reducing natural theology to a homogeneous and narrow framework.

Redefining God and Divinity

Another crucial step in saving natural theology is redefining our understanding of God and divinity. Aquinas emphasized a hierarchical view of God, where certain attributes and qualities define the divine. While this approach has its merits, it limits our understanding of the complexities and mysteries of the divine.

To save natural theology, we must embrace a more expansive and inclusive understanding of God. We should explore the concept of divine immanence, where God is present within and throughout creation. This allows for a more personal and intimate relationship with the divine, transcending the rigid philosophical definitions that have constrained our exploration thus far.

Revitalizing Natural Theology for the Modern Age

Natural theology has the potential to play a vital role in bridging the gap between science and religion in the modern age. By saving natural theology from the limitations of Aquinas, we can redefine its purpose and relevance in today's world. This revitalization can bring together scientists, philosophers, and theologians in a collaborative effort to explore the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.

It is essential to recognize that natural theology is not about proving God's existence through empirical evidence or creating a rigid dogma. Instead, it is a journey of exploration, wonder, and personal growth. By embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach, we can save natural theology and unlock its full potential as a bridge between different disciplines and worldviews.

Saving natural theology from Thomas Aquinas requires us to reimagine its foundations and expand its boundaries. By embracing a more inclusive approach, exploring diverse philosophical traditions, redefining our understanding of divinity, and revitalizing its purpose for the modern age, we can ensure that natural theology remains a thriving field of study. Let us venture forth on this intellectual expedition and breathe new life into this age-old discipline.

Saving Natural Theology from Thomas Aquinas

by Jeffrey D. Johnson(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

FREE

In this much-anticipated follow-up to The Failure of Natural Theology, Jeffrey D. Johnson seeks to separate the reality of natural theology from the Greek philosophy-laden counterfeit advanced by Thomas Aquinas and others.

Johnson endeavors to show how classical apologetics became tainted with the of Greek philosophy. Though Aquinas was not the first to seek to syncretize the pantheistic notions flowing out of Athens with the ontologically distinct and self-contained God who personally revealed himself in Jerusalem, he is one of the most influential and well-known perpetrators of this school of thought. He and pagan philosophers throughout the ages have suppressed, twisted, and perverted what has been communicated in natural revelation. They rejected what they knew in their hearts by attempting to formulate their own explanation of God and instead created an abstract being that is not the personal caretaker and judge of the universe. Such a god is not the God of natural revelation, and in fact, is no God at all.

Thus, in this short treatise, Johnson presents the problems in Aquinas's version of natural theology. He not only explains why Greek philosophy is unsavable but also points to the apostle Paul's rejection of it. Finally, he discusses various Reformers who have rejected Aquinas's natural theology.

Ultimately, Johnson shows that if natural theology can be saved (and he believes it can be),it must be saved from Thomas Aquinas.