NATURE GOOD AND EVIL: A theological evaluation

Abstract

In general I agree with Hefner's theological view on nature. The framework of his approach to nature is praxis-oriented. This is in line with his main work The Human Factor with the thesis: human beings are created co-creators. Moreover, he regards the relation between human beings and nature as a communion. In spite of my agreement in general with Hefner's view, I have some comments on its elaboration. My main objection is his too optimistic view on nature. The title of his conference-paper is: Nature Good and evil: A Theological Sketch, but he is speaking only about evil in passing. In his book The Human Factor he is calling natural evil the falsifier of his theory of man as a created co-creator. In the preliminary of his conference-paper he refers to his article on natural evil and says God is not yet finished with nature, and that divine providence will unravel the contradictions that are noted. Has this statement to be explained in line with Hick's theodicy which he endorses in The Human Factor and the mentioned article on natural evil? I would like to discuss three questions. Firstly the issue of nature as creation, secondly the problem of natural evil and thirdly nature as a communion.