An Introductive Exploration in the Integration of Theology and Science - with Hamartiology as an example

Abstract

This paper is divided into 4 parts.

The first part concerns 3 historical cases when natural science met theology, Galilee and heliocentirc system, Darwin and evolution, and Hawking and quantum field theory. The interaction between theology and natural science is explored, and concluded their integration is unavoidable. 

The second part explores the natural theology promoting by Alister McGrath, focusing on the 3 books of A Scientific Theology. McGrath’s natural theology brings a new vision to the integration of natural science and theology, establishing a new way of apologetics and public theology for Christian Theology. However, it is still in the stage of development and foundation, its contribution to Christianity is anticipated.

 

The third part of this paper is dealing with the application of “resonance", which introduced by McGrath and John Polkinghorne, on natural science and theology on Hamartiology. Resonance of natural science and theology means they can enrich each other, brings new insights to Original Sin and the propagation of sin. 

The fourth part is the conclusion of this paper, foreseeing the capability and contribution of natural theology to be an apologetic and public theology of Christianity. Natural theology has much potential towards both inside and outside of the Church, unfortunately there is not enough resources for its development in sino-Chinese community. Natural theology as an apologetic lays a epistemic foundation for Christian theology, and it is also capable to develop theologies concerning the Truth, the Goodness, and the Beauty and Spirituality.

(This paper is in Chinese.)

http://www.chinesetheology.com/CYKwan/TheologyNNaturalScience.htm