From: David F Siemens <dfsiemensjr@juno.com>
Burgy and Howard,
My quick appraisal of this interchange suggests that Howard and Griffin are
talking about two different things. Howard's version of naturalism is a
matter of the way in which scientists look for answers, one without
metaphysical assumptions. Griffins "naturalism(ns)" has a load that makes it
compatible with deism (a deity who does not interact with an independent
nature), process theology (a deity which is part of the universe) and
probably Spinoza's deus sive natura, but not with Christian theism.
Yes, Griffin's 'naturalism(ns)' would be considered incompatible with
traditional Christian theism, which is clearly 'supernaturalistic' in
character. The question is whether or not there is a (process) version of
Christian theism that includes naturalism(ns). Griffin, I believe, would
say Yes, but I suspect that most members of the traditional Christian
community would say, in effect, "Sorry, but the 'Christian' label is no
longer applicable. Call it 'process theism' and be done with it."
Howard
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