RICHARD DAWKINS’ THE GOD DELUSION: AN ATHEIST SCIENCE CONFRONTS A SUPERSTITIOUS FAITH

  • Klaus Nürnberger University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg
Keywords: Dawkins’ The God Delusion, Science and Faith, Evolution and Faith, Emergence and Transcendence

Abstract

Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion challenges theology to take the method and mandate of science seriously (1 Cor 9:19-23). His argument is based on a naturalistic metaphysic heavily biased against transcendence. Going through various stages of emergence, cosmic evolution has led to a creature faced with options that have consequences and demand accountability. A transcendent frame of reference that provides meaning, criteria of acceptability and authority is indispensable for human life. His theory of evolution is, therefore, deficient in terms of an experiential approach to reality. But it also challenges theology to integrate best science or lose its plausibility. The Christian faith assumes that its notion of God, though provisional, partial and problematic, reflects the self-disclosure of the creative and redemptive intentionality of the ultimate Source and Destiny of reality, the very reality that we experience and which the sciences explore.

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Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles