Does it Make Sense to Believe in Miracles?
In the final chapter of my current book on providence, I address the issue of miracles. This book project is funded as part of a larger grant I received to explore what it means to believe God acts providentially in a world of randomness. Much of my discussion in this last chapter revolves around various […]
Creatio Ex Nihilo and Its New Rivals
Routledge sent copies yesterday of a new book I edited, Theologies of Creation: Creatio Ex Nihilo and Its New Rivals. It explores current thinking about creation out of nothing, and several essays propose alternative theories of creation.
Pannenberg Dies; An Interview
One of the most influential theologians in the latter half of the 20th century, Wolfhart Pannenberg, has died. I sat down with Pannenberg a decade or so ago to talk about his life and thought. For the first time in print, here’s my full-length interview with him.
Random Events in a God-Created World
We live in a world characterized by a degree of randomness. Scientists speculate that randomness occurs at the quantum, genetic, and environmental levels of existence. But I’ve been wondering lately, What does this mean for theology?
God and the Laws of Nature
Theologians and philosophers are especially interested in the fundamental nature of law-like regularity in our world. I’ve been thinking lately about how we might best think of God’s relationship to these so-called “laws of nature.”
Godfather of Science and Religion Dies
My friend, Ian Barbour, died recently. He was 90 years old. Widely considered a groundbreaking giant in the science-and-religion dialogue, Ian was especially kind to me. I consider him the godfather of contemporary science and religion scholarship.
The Unsatisfactory Mystery of Divine Action
I just finished a wonderfully accessible and clear book on God’s activity in the world. It was written from an advocate of Thomas Aquinas’s theology, and it addresses recent scientific theory and scholarship. I’ll be recommending that serious scholars of science and theology read this book… even though I strongly disagree with its proposals!
Pastors On Evolution and Creation
A recent survey indicates that pastors are beginning to change their views on evolution and creation. And I think that’s a good thing!
Plantinga, Divine Action, and Free Will
Alvin Plantinga is an excellent philosopher and someone I admire greatly. His new book, Where the Conflict Really Lies, offers great arguments and insights. But when it comes to the relationship between science, God’s action, and creaturely freedom, Plantinga’s proposals disappoint.
An Alternative Doctrine of Creation: God Always Creates out of Creation in Love
In previous blog essays, I’ve offered reasons why Christians should reject the idea God creates from nothing. I’ve also hinted at an alternative doctrine of creation that embraces the positive elements of creatio ex nihilo but is not susceptible to the negative elements. It’s finally time to offer the basics of my alternative: creatio ex creation en amore (God always creates out of creation in love).