By asking how well theological views of human nature stand up to the discoveries of modern science, Alan Olding re-opens the question of whether the "design" argument for the existence of God is fatally undermined. A distinctive feature of the work is its emphasis on the metaphysical implications of biology and how these at times conflict with other, more plausible metaphysical positions. Another is its close critical examination of the "design" argument and of the relation God has to the world he creates. "Modern Biology and Natural Theology" takes up issues currently of concern to many thinkers and will provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in philosophical problems, particularly the impact of Darwinism on natural theology.
By asking how well theological views of human nature stand up to the discoveries of modern science, Alan Olding re-opens the question of whether the "design" argument for the existence of God is fatally undermined. A distinctive feature of the work is its emphasis on the metaphysical implications of biology and how these at times conflict with other, more plausible metaphysical positions. Another is its close critical examination of the "design" argument and of the relation God has to the world he creates. "Modern Biology and Natural Theology" takes up issues currently of concern to many thinkers and will provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in philosophical problems, particularly the impact of Darwinism on natural theology.
Darwinism and the Divine examines the implications of evolutionary thought for natural theology, from the time of publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species to current debates on creationism and intelligent design. Questions whether Darwin's theory of natural selection really shook our fundamental beliefs, or whether they served to transform and illuminate our views on the origins and meaning of life Identifies the forms of natural theology that emerged in 19th-century England and how they were affected by Darwinism The most detailed study yet of the intellectual background to William Paley's famous and influential approach to natural theology, set out in 1802 Brings together material from a variety of disciplines, including the history of ideas, historical and systematic theology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, sociology, and the cognitive science of religion Considers how Christian belief has adapted to Darwinism, and asks whether there is a place for design both in the world of science and the world of theology A thought-provoking exploration of 21st-century views on evolutionary thought and natural theology, written by the world-renowned theologian and bestselling author
This work re-opens a controversial subject by calling into question how well theological views of human nature stand up to the discoveries of modern science. Emphasizing the metaphysical implications of biology, Modern Biology and Natural Theology takes up issues which concern many thinkers, particularly those interested in the impact of Darwinism on natural theology.
Paley's examination of Christian theology identifies and attributes aspects of human physiology to divine creation, arguing that the appearance of man itself is a basis upon which we can determine the existence of God. This edition includes the author's anatomical illustrations. The book commences with the famous watchmaker analogy - the proposition that if you find a watch, you must assume there is a watchmaker. Going further, Paley points out that such a maker must have specifics of design in mind, and intentions for his creation. It follows therefore that all animals and humankind, as complex organisms, are creations; the middle chapters of the book sequentially examine aspects of human and creature anatomy which support this assertion. Paley conducts a wide-ranging investigation, wherein plants, birds, insects, mammals, humans and others are shown to be peculiar and thus a part of God's creation. The distinctness of certain organs, the valves of the heart, the intricacy of the skeletal musculature, and - in insects - the stings of wasps and probosces of bees, are cited in support of the overarching argument. Finally the astronomical heavens are mentioned as a sign of the creator's dazzling and intricate ability. The later chapters of the book are more overtly theological in tone; in particular, Paley is concerned with the personality of God. What attributes the creator might have, how great his abilities of planning and arrangement are, and how his being is essentially good since his creations can experience happiness and enjoy their existences. In the modern day, Natural Theology continues to be consulted both by creationists and by those seeking to understand the arguments of creationism. It is also read by modern scientists and atheists, that they may understand and counter the creationist arguments they disagree with.
Originally published in 1915, The Natural Theology of Evolution looks at the concept of natural theology, examining the argument for the existence of God based on reason and ordinary experiences of nature. The book looks at natural theology in light of Darwin's theory of evolution, and how this important discovery affected belief in intelligent design. The book argues that the discovery of evolution, far from diminishing the existence of God, provides stronger proof for an intelligently designed earth and therefore the existence of God. This book provides a unique and interesting take on the debates surrounding evolution in the late 19th and early 20th century. It will be of interest to philosophers, historians of religion and natural historians alike.
