The Open Secret

Natural theology, in the view of many, is in crisis. In this long-awaited book, Alister McGrath sets out a new vision for natural theology, re-establishing its legitimacy and utility.* A timely and innovative resource on natural theology: the exploration of knowledge of God as it is observed through nature* Written by internationally regarded theologian and author of numerous bestselling books, Alister McGrath* Develops an intellectually rigorous vision of natural theology as a point of convergence between the Christian faith, the arts and literature, and the natural sciences, opening up important possibilities for dialogue and cross-fertilization* Treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment* Explores topics including beauty, goodness, truth, and the theological imagination; how investigating nature gives rise to both theological and scientific theories; the idea of a distinctively Christian approach to nature; and how natural theology can function as a bridge between Christianity and other faiths

ISBN	1405126914	Pages	384
ISBN13	9781405126915 (What's this?)	Volumes	1
Publisher	John Wiley and Sons Ltd	Weight (grammes)	548
Imprint	Wiley-Blackwell (an imprint of John Wiley & Sons Ltd)	Published in	Chicester
Format	Paperback	Height (mm)	227
Publication date	28 Mar 2008	Width (mm)	152
Library of Congress	2007041410	Spine width (mm)	21
DEWEY	211.3	Academic level	Professional / Scholarly
DEWEY edition	DC21

Pt. I		The Human Quest for the Transcendent: The Context for Natural Theology
2		The Persistence of the Transcendent
3		Thinking About the Transcendent: Three Recent Examples
4		Accessing the Transcendent: Strategies and Practices
5		Discernment and the Psychology of Perception
Pt. II		The Foundations of Natural Theology: Ground-Clearing and Rediscovery
6		The Open Secret: The Ambiguity of Nature
7		A Dead End? Enlightenment Approaches to Natural Theology
8		A Christian Approach to Natural Theology
Pt. III		Truth, Beauty, and Goodness: An agenda for a Renewed Natural Theology
9		Truth, Beauty, and Goodness: Expanding the Vision for Natural Theology
10		Natural Theology and Truth
11		Natural Theology and Beauty
12		Natural Theology and Goodness
13		Conclusion
		Bibliography
		Index

Unlike many working in the sciencetheology field, McGrath makes a real effort to address issues of biblical criticism, which gives his work some significant depth, as he incorporates an engagement with the Jesus of history and an application of this to contemporary understandings of natural theology. ( Reviews in Science and Religion , May 2009) McGrath seeks to develop a specifically Christian approach to natural theology, anchoring it in the Christ event, and interpreting natural theology as something that is both historically located in the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth and theologically interpreted by the church. ( New Testament Abstracts , January 2009) As we have come to expect from McGrath, the book is historically well-researched, conversant with recent literature, theologically creative, and carefully argued. It will certainly reshape contemporary discussions of natural theology and natural law. ( Religious Studies Review , March 09) "McGrath's book starts from distinctively Christian Trinitarian theology and then develops what the author sees as ways for Christian beliefs to create a means of seeing nature with a new sense of vision with the purpose of understanding the connections between Christian belief and natural science. It is extremely well-researched and footnoted, with an extensive bibliography of sources cited. Summing Up: Recommended." ( CHOICE ) "The book is learned, covering a great deal of historical ground." ( First Things )

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A New Vision for Natural Theology