Why critical theism cannot do without idealism

Abstract

Panentheism is a theological answer to the challenge posed by science and the Enlightenment. It is itself enlightenment in the strict sense of the word, arguing as it does for the primacy of reason. This is one of the motives for the program of panentheism. This chapter explores that Timothy Sprigge’s absolute idealism fails exactly those criteria of theism that pose the greatest difficulties for it. It must, hence, be viewed as a strength, since Sprigge’s absolute idealism can pass by these criteria thanks to its own approach. Naturally, the problem of evil is the touchstone of whether Sprigge’s concept of absolute idealism may be accepted by a Christian philosophy of religion. Sprigge’s is a very moderate position. The personalist dimension, a topic permanently raised in critiques of panentheism, can be integrated into Sprigge’s concept with great ease.