ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces six different understandings of the notion of natural theology in relation to the doctrine of revelation. In engagement with Alister McGrath and other scholars, these six different understandings are evaluated in light of Scriptural passages, Greco-Roman background, Christian tradition, and comparative religions and philosophies. These considerations indicate that the term ‘natural theology’ should be used to refer to what can be known, rationally believed, and/or demonstrated about God by observing and thinking about the natural world, without using the doctrines of a particular religion as premises, in distinction from ‘theology of nature.’ This chapter also offers corrections to the misinterpretations of important primary sources (e.g., the writings of Augustine, Aquinas, Sebonde, and Alsted) and the errors of reasoning in recent literature, such as those found in Peter Harrison’s influential historical narrative. The latter fails to consider (among other things) how the arguments of natural theology have been effectively used by early missionaries in engagement with people of other (e.g., Asian Buddhist) worldviews who do not share similar background religious convictions. Finally, this chapter shows the rich history and contemporary relevance of the use of the arguments of natural theology across diverse Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
