McGrath's book attempts to identify and resolve some primary issues at the centre not only of the conversation between theology and the natural sciences but also of the Christian doctrine of creation. This bold and wide-ranging theolgical essay on nature and the knowledge of nature should provoke serious and sustained debate. John Webster Professor McGrath explores a difficulty that follows from the widely held view that nature, as with culture, is a social construct. The prlgem is that there can then be no neutral concep of nature to servce as the basis of an autonomous and effective apologia. Taking his inspiration from Thomas Torrance's understanding of Karl Barth, he contends that there can be a defensible natural theology within the scope and framework of a revealed knowedge of god. Where nature is already read as a work of creation it takes on meanings that may be consonant with the affirmation of an order that is ultimately presupposed in the sciences. This is a serious arguement that commands attention. John Hedley Brooke
Professor McGrath explores a difficulty that follows from the widely held view that nature, as with culture, is a social construct. The prlgem is that there can then be no neutral concep of nature to servce as the basis of an autonomous and effective apologia. Taking his inspiration from Thomas Torrance's understanding of Karl Barth, he contends that there can be a defensible natural theology within the scope and framework of a revealed knowedge of god. Where nature is already read as a work of creation it takes on meanings that may be consonant with the affirmation of an order that is ultimately presupposed in the sciences. This is a serious arguement that commands attention. -- John Hedley Brooke
McGrath's engagement with the notion of nature, from Aristotle to deconstructionism, is brilliant and illuminating...the conversation between theology and science has been enriched. Adonis Vidu, Emmanuel University, Orada, Romania, Heythrop Journal
The most ambitious, profound and effective defense of non-foundationalist critical realism by a theologian to date ... a stellar work, McGrath's most constructive piece so far. -Pro Ecclesia * Pro Ecclesia *
McGrath can now claim to join the ranks of the most significant theologians of this new century. * Theological Studies *
