Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense

WHAT DOES THE WORLD TELL OF GOD?

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.

315 pages. 

“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

J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California