Theological Critiques of Natural Theology: A reply to Andrew Moore

Abstract

Summary In leading academic publications, Oxford theologian Andrew Moore has systematically developed new objections to natural theology based on Karl Barth’s methodological arguments, historical considerations as well as theological considerations related to Scriptural passages such as Romans 1:18 ff, the noetic effects of sin, whether natural theology leads to the God who has revealed himself in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and attitudes such as humility and self-denial. I demonstrate the inadequacy of his methodological and historical arguments and show that the numerous Scriptural passages cited by Moore do not really support his objections, and that Moore neglects other passages (e. g. Acts 14:15–17, 17:22–31) which contradict his arguments. I defend the value of natural theology as the first of a two-step approach which (1) shows that there is a Creator God (2) shows that this God has revealed himself in Christ.