McGrath's newer form of natural theology is, in a sense, somewhat less ambitious than the old version. It doesn't claim to "prove" the existence of God. Unlike some proponents of "intelligent design," it typically doesn't even speak of probabilities. Rather, it seeks to demonstrate not only that what we're learning about nature is consistent with a Christian view of the universe, but that Christianity explains apparent "fine-tuning" better than other worldviews, such as secular materialism.
Daniel C. Peterson is a professor of Islamic studies and Arabic at BYU, where he also serves as editor in chief of the Middle Eastern Texts Initiative. He is the founder of MormonScholarsTestify.org, the general editor of "Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture" online at www.mormoninterpreter.com and he blogs daily at www.patheos.com/blogs/danpeterson.
DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.
— About comments
Daniel C. Peterson, professor of Islamic studies and Arabic at BYU, is editor-in-chief of the Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, founder of MormonScholarsTestify.org, chairman of "Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture" more ..
- Hundreds of teens in Southern California go...
- Frances Monson, wife of LDS prophet, passes away
- Amy Donaldson: LDS boxer B.J. Flores hopes...
- Funeral services for Sister Frances J. Monson...
- Watch a video tribute to Sister Frances B....
- Mormon NFL safety Eric Weddle: Balancing...
- Muslim leaders in U.S. facing challenges...
- Hundreds of volunteers tackle service...
Subscribe
Mobile
RSS
- Mormon NFL safety Eric Weddle:...
67 - Frances Monson, wife of LDS prophet,... 66
- Elder Oaks promotes strengthening the... 26
- Community of Christ recommends... 20
- Muslim leaders in U.S. facing... 17
- Hundreds watch as Angel Moroni statue... 16
- LDS Church is smart to reach out to... 14
- LDS Meridian Idaho Temple artist's... 11
David Hume, in his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, surgically dismantled Paley’s argument as any sort of proof of God. Now we are getting a retooled version that simultaneously postulates both a fine tuner of it all, and a God in the More..
Peterson's article is one more exasperating example of how Christian apologists try to muddy the waters between believing in God and believing in Christianity--as though if you believe in God (as I do), it must necessarily lead you to believing More..
These old arguments date back to the "Age of Reason" and predate Darwin by 50 to 100 years. Darwin demonstrated that species change over time and in isolation the changes accumulate to result in a new species. Thus, the invisible hand of More..