Toward a Theology of Nature

Many scholars of religion sit by timidly waiting to hear what physicists and biologists say about the world of nature, then adjust their religious visions accordingly; but not systematic theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg. Based on a dialogue between theologians and scientists from more than three decades, Pannenberg poses theological questions to natural scientist that illuminate his personal position on issues dealing with theology and the natural sciences, especially physics. He says the scientific view of nature is incomplete and challenges scientist to incorporate the idea of God into their picture of nature. He reviews the relationship between natural law and contingency, the importance of the spirit in the phenomenon of life, field theory language, and the theological account for the nature of God and of God's creative activity. Pannenberg believes the world we live in is a creature of a creating God, and unless we understand this, we cannot fully understand the world.