A Scientific Theology, Volume 3

Front Cover
A&C Black, Jan 1, 2003 - Religion - 352 pages
Noting the important parallels between scientific theory and Christian doctrine, McGrath offers a sustained defense of the necessity of doctrine within Christian theology against those who argue for a "non-dogmatic" Christianity. The approach developed within this volume builds on the work of writers such as Heidegger and Habermas, and argues that theory is to be conceived in terms of the communal beholding of reality. The many theoretical issues to be addressed in this volume include the manner in which closure is secured in theological theorizing, the implications of the stratification of reality for its representation, the place of metaphysics in Christian theology, and the nature of revelation itself. Viewed as a whole, Theory represents a fresh evaluation of the origins and place of theory in Christian theology, which is certain to provoke discussion and debate. This third volume completes the A Scientific Theology series. A Scientific Theology is a groundbreaking work of systematic theology in three volumes: Nature, Reality and Theory. Now available as a three volume set.
 

Contents

THE LEGITIMACY OF THEORY WITHIN A SCIENTIFIC
3
the place of doctrine
21
some hesitations over theory
29
Theory and the redemption of particulars
38
three theses
50
the ecclesial function of doctrine
66
THE REPRESENTATION OF REALITY IN A SCIENTIFIC
77
THE PLACE OF EXPLANATION IN A SCIENTIFIC
133
Revelation and history
165
A scientific theology and the explanation of reality
193
of theoretical anomalies
210
THE PLACE OF METAPHYSICS IN A SCIENTIFIC
237
The twentiethcentury revolt against metaphysics
250
The metaphysical implications of the natural sciences
267
On reaffirming the metaphysical dimensions of theology
274
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2003)

Alister McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University, UK, and the first Director of the newly-established Oxford Centre for Evangelism and Apologetics. He holds the Oxford degrees of Doctor of Divinity for his work on historical and systematic theology, and Doctor of Philosophy for his work on molecular biophysics.