Continuing notes on Griffin's book.
GRIFFIN2.TXT
2. Notes on the PREFACE (3 pages)
"The central question of this book is simply whether there is anything
essential to science that is in conflict with any beliefs essential to
vital religion, especially theistic religion. My answer is No, but the
dominant answer has been Yes." (pg xv).
"The main reason ... is ... the equation of religion with supernaturalism
and the equation of science ...with a materialistic version of scientific
naturalism" (pg xv).
Griffin defines two terms, "naturalism(sam)" and "naturalism(ns). The
first of these is maximal naturalism; the second minimal naturalism.
These words appear to be close to, but not quite synonymous with
metaphysical naturalism and methodological naturalism. Almost everyone,
Griffin claims, understands scientific naturalism as naturalism(sam).
Later on in the book he cites about two dozen authorities as evidence for
his use of "almost everyone" in the above. It is, I think, because
Bultmann understood naturalism this way, that his resulting liberal
theology became so irrelevant to most of the religious community.
However, Griffin asserts, naturalism(ns) is fully compatible with
theistic religion, if that religion does not require a supernaturalistic
version of theism. The book argues this thesis. It is dedicated to the
thinkers at CTNS and the Templeton Foundation, to Bob Russell and Ian
Barbour, and also to Jack Haught and Ted Peters. Griffin is a professor
of the Philosophy of Religion & Theology at Claremont.
End Preface notes.
Burgy (John Burgeson)
www.burgy.50megs.com
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