God and Nature A Theologian and a Scientist Conversing on the Divine Promise of Possibility

by Thompson, Curtis L.; Cuff, Joyce M.

• ISBN13: 9781441131706
• ISBN10: 1441131701
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-03-29
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

The current religion and science dialogue begs for greater clarity on the relation of God to nature. InGod and Naturetwo scholars who embrace contemporary insights from science and religion explore the complexities of this debate. As the narrative unfolds, classical and contemporary thinkers are engaged as discussion partners in articulating a philosophical theology of nature. Conceptual pairs, in which two concepts play off of each other, provide the structure for each of the seven chapters, with usually the first concept being more scientific in character and the second more religious in tone. These pairs of conceptsfrom chronology and creation to creativity and creatorhelp to thematize and structure the progressing narrative. Within each chapter the two concepts are first investigated independently, then interdependently, and finally in relation to the divine. At the story's completion nature has emerged as alive with possibility that is as alluring as the actuality it evokes. Envisioned is a divine Creator who works in and through the possibility of creation to lure it into fuller manifestations via creative transformation.

Table of Contents

Commencements / Chapter 1. Chronology and Creation / Chapter 2. Contingency and Consilience / Chapter 3. Chaos and Connectivity / Chapter 4. Complexity and Coinherence / Chapter 5. Cooperation and Compassion / Chapter 6. Consciousness and Co-creation / Chapter 7. Creativity and Creator / Conclusions / Glossary / Bibliography / Index