Who's Afraid of the Unmoved Mover?: Postmodernism and Natural Theology

Are postmodern philosophy and Christian theology compatible? A surprising number of Christian philosophers and theologians think so. However these same thinkers argue that postmodern insights entail the rejection of natural theology the ability to discover knowledge about the existence and nature of God in the natural world. Postmodernism they claim shows that appealing to nature to demonstrate or infer the existence of God is foolish because these appeals rely on modernitys outmoded grounds for knowledge. Moreover natural theology and apologetics are often hindrances to authentic Christian faith. Notions like objectivity and rationality are forms of idolatry from which Christians should repent. This book carefully examines the nature of truth rationality general revelation and evangelism to show that the postmodern objections fail and that Christians ought to lovingly and faithfully use natural theology and apologetics to defend and commend the Christian faith to a world in need of the knowledge of God. Andrew Shepardson has done evangelicals a great service. He carefully has exposited and assessed the views of several leading postmodern evangelicals who reject natural theology and apologetics. Contrary to their claims he makes a compelling case that these tools are not dead in our postmodern milieu; indeed they are vitally needed. His recommendations for Christian education and churches should be taken to heart. This book should be read carefully by evangelical academics pastors and students. --R. Scott Smith Professor of Christian Apologetics Biola University In an age when science and theology are finding greater compatibility harmony should not come at the expense of natural theology and objective apologetics. Shepardson strategically engages popular thinkers who unnecessarily cut a limb of philosophy to save evangelical life. When the unmoved Mover acts epistemology can be remarkably comprehensive. Christian thought gains an argument for honest but challenging compatibility between postmodernism and natural theology in this valuable work. --W. Brian Shelton Professor of Theology and Church History Toccoa Falls College Andrew I. Shepardson is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Denver Seminary and Life Pacific College and co-pastor of Hope Denver Church in Denver Colorado.