Who’s Afraid of the Unmoved Mover? Postmodernism and Natural Theology
Are postmodern philosophy and Christian theology compatible? A surprising number of Christian philosophers and theologians think so. However, these same thinkers argue that postmodern insights entail the rejection of natural theology, the ability to discover knowledge about the existence and nature of God in the natural world. Postmodernism, they claim, shows that appealing to nature to demonstrate or infer the existence of God is foolish because these appeals rely on modernity's outmoded grounds for knowledge. Moreover, natural theology and apologetics are often hindrances to authentic Christian faith. Notions like objectivity and rationality are forms of idolatry from which Christians should repent. This book carefully examines the nature of truth, rationality, general revelation, and evangelism to show that the postmodern objections fail and that Christians ought to lovingly and faithfully use natural theology and apologetics to defend and commend the Christian faith to a world in need of the knowledge of God.
"Andrew Shepardson has done evangelicals a great service. He
carefully has exposited and assessed the views of several leading
postmodern evangelicals who reject natural theology and
apologetics. Contrary to their claims, he makes a compelling case
that these tools are not dead in our postmodern milieu; indeed,
they are vitally needed. His recommendations for Christian
education and churches should be taken to heart. This book should
be read carefully by evangelical academics, pastors, and
students.”
—R. Scott Smith, Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola
University
“In an age when science and theology are finding greater
compatibility, harmony should not come at the expense of natural
theology and objective apologetics. Shepardson strategically
engages popular thinkers who unnecessarily cut a limb of philosophy
to save evangelical life. When the unmoved Mover acts, epistemology
can be remarkably comprehensive. Christian thought gains an
argument for honest but challenging compatibility between
postmodernism and natural theology in this valuable work.”
—W. Brian Shelton, Professor of Theology and Church History, Toccoa
Falls College
"Andrew Shepardson has done evangelicals a great service. He
carefully has exposited and assessed the views of several leading
postmodern evangelicals who reject natural theology and
apologetics. Contrary to their claims, he makes a compelling case
that these tools are not dead in our postmodern milieu; indeed,
they are vitally needed. His recommendations for Christian
education and churches should be taken to heart. This book should
be read carefully by evangelical academics, pastors, and
students.”
—R. Scott Smith, Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola
University
“In an age when science and theology are finding greater
compatibility, harmony should not come at the expense of natural
theology and objective apologetics. Shepardson strategically
engages popular thinkers who unnecessarily cut a limb of philosophy
to save evangelical life. When the unmoved Mover acts, epistemology
can be remarkably comprehensive. Christian thought gains an
argument for honest but challenging compatibility between
postmodernism and natural theology in this valuable work.”
—W. Brian Shelton, Professor of Theology and Church History, Toccoa
Falls College
Product Details
- Title : Who’s Afraid of the Unmoved Mover?: Postmodernism and Natural Theology
- Authors:
- Shepardson, Andrew I.
- Moreland, J. P.
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Publication Date: 2019
- ISBN: 9781532656798
Andrew I. Shepardson is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Denver Seminary and Life Pacific College and co-pastor of Hope Denver Church in Denver, Colorado.