Blackwell Reference Online

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[ xiii.c ] The understanding of the nature and existence of G od and of the duty, freedom and immortality of human beings, which is held in Western thought to be obtainable through rational reflection on the world, taking account of human thought and experience. It is usually contrasted with revelation, i.e. that theological understanding which is held to have been given to humankind by God, either through some quasi-verbal communication or through events discerned as disclosing God's nature. Some theologians (e.g. Barth; see N eo-orthodoxy ) hold that the only authentic knowledge of God is by divine self-revelation. Others (e.g. Aquinas; see T homism ) hold that some valid conclusions may be reached by reason but that revelation provides the norms of correct understanding. Especially since John Locke (1632–1704), other theologians have seen natural theology as the only acceptable foundation of theological understanding. ‘Apologetics’ is the use of the arguments of natural theology to defend the reasonableness of religious beliefs. [3; 3a; 6a; 15; 17; 18b; 18c] ... log in or subscribe to read full text