Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense, 2nd ed.

by David Haines

Publisher:

The Davenant Institute

, 2024

Overview

Christians affirm that Scripture alone reveals truths about God which cannot be known by mere reason, such as the Trinity or the Gospel itself. But how do we account for Scripture’s apparent talk of a knowledge of God possible solely from creation? Or for our own sense of the divine in nature? Or for the startling insights of ancient philosophers about the nature of God? The answer: natural theology.

Often misrepresented as a fruitless human attempt to comprehend God, natural theology has in fact been a significant part of Christian theology throughout history. It has shaped the Christian doctrine of God and provided a starting point for evangelizing non-Christians. In an age when theologians and missionaries alike are in need of stronger doctrinal foundations, it is a doctrine as vital as ever.

In this guide, David Haines first outlines the biblical basis for natural theology, suggesting that, if Scripture is correct, certain truths about God should be well attested by non-Christians. A thorough historical survey demonstrates that this is indeed the case, and that the Church has long made use of that which is revealed to reason in order to serve Christ, who is revealed to faith.

This second edition comes with substantial updates across 120 additional pages, including an all-new chapter on Thomas Aquinas, a brand new preface, revisions to existing chapters, and thorough indices.

Key Features

• Outlines the biblical basis for natural theology
• Includes substantial updates across 120 additional pages, including an all-new chapter on Thomas Aquinas
• Features a thorough historical survey

Contents

• Preface to the Second Edition
• Preface to the First Edition
• Introduction: What is Natural Theology?

Part I: The Biblical Foundations of Natural Theology

• The Biblical Foundations of Natural Theology

Part II: A History of Natural Theology from the Pre-Socratics to the Reformers

• Pre-Socratics to the Early Church Fathers
• Augustine on Natural Theology
• Thomas Aquinas on Natural Theology
• Protestant Theologians from the 1500s to the 1700s
• Responding to Some Objections
• Conclusion

Praise for Natural Theology

No doubt we are seeing in our day a renewed appreciation among Protestants for natural theology. This is a good thing, and Haines show us why. With an emphasis on the Greeks and the Romans and the first centuries of the church, Haines makes the convincing case that natural theology has been around a long time, is taught in the Bible, and has been the default position in the Western Church (Catholic and Protestant) until the last century

—Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte

A very important, well-informed, and articulate exploration of a major piece of theology that has been missing of late from our memory.

—Dr. Michael Horton

Haines presents a well argued and historically grounded case for the value of what he calls ‘natural theology’. He writes clearly. And he accurately spells out ways in which philosophers and theologians can work together so as to appreciate how faith and reason might complement each other.

—Brian Davies

Product Details

• Title: Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense, 2nd ed.
• Author: David Haines
• Publisher: The Davenant Institute
• Print Publication Date: 2024
• Pages: 315
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Resource ID: LLS:NTRLTHNTRDCDFNS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-06-18T14:49:03Z

About David Haines

David Haines (PhD, Université Laval), is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethlhem College & Seminary, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at VIU, a Visiting Fellow at Davenant Hall, and a lecturer in philosophy at Université de Sherbrooke. He has previously co-authored Natural Law: A Brief Introduction and Biblical Defense and edited Without Excuse: Scripture, Reason, and Presuppositional Apologetics, both with The Davenant Press.