An Eastern Orthodox Critique Of The Science–Theology Dialogue

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleAn Eastern Orthodox Critique Of The Science–Theology Dialogue
3. Language term English
4. lemma author Tampakis, Kostas
5. lemma category Modes of interaction - Various approaches to the problem of correlation between science and theology
6. Publication date 9-10-2018
7. lemma work Knight, Christopher [Author]. An Eastern Orthodox Critique Of The Science–Theology Dialogue
8. lemma manifestations Zygon
9. Keywords miracles - naturalism - Critical realism - Divine action
10. Lemma body

    1. On the basis of both philosophical arguments and the theological perspectives of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, a critique of two beliefs that are common within the mainstream science–theology dialogue is outlined. These relate to critical realism in understanding the language usage and to naturalistic perspectives in relation to divine action. While the naturalistic perspectives on the history of the cosmos that are predominant within the dialogue are seen as generally acceptable from an Orthodox perspective, it is argued that they require theological expansion. This expansion suggests an understanding other than the “causal joint” model commonly adopted in relation to “special” divine action. This alternative model renders the distinction between “special” and “general” divine action redundant and is based on what has been called a “teleological-Christological” understanding of the cosmos, rooted in the fourth gospel’s notion of the divine Logos. The relevance of this critique to scholars outside of the Orthodox community is urged.