Naturalism in the Natural Sciences: A Christian Perspective
Journal Title: Filozoficzne Aspekty Genezy - Year 2011, Vol 8, Issue 0
Abstract
Author argues for the thesis that – contrary to the opinion of thinkers holding a materialistic worldview – some kind of naturalism in natural science is compatible with Christian faith. It is methodological naturalism which prescribes scholars to explain natural phenomena solely in terms of natural causes (excluding the possibility of invoking the action of supernatural beings, such as God). According to the author, properly understood naturalism is not leading to any worldview conclusions, because it is only a method of pursuing natural science. Those who claim otherwise or who ignore philosophical subtleties (identifying methodological naturalism with metaphysical naturalism) are trying to use the authority of science for the realization of their own ideological agendas. Both of these approaches distort science and faith. However, the successes of science governed by the methodological naturalism do not present danger for the Christian truth, because scientific and religious claims concern issues of entirely different nature.
Authors and Affiliations
Paul de Vries
Keywords
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