Speaking of God in an Age of Science

Abstract

In this thesis the theological perspective of Arthur R. Peacocke is brought to front. Three distinct chapters examine, explore and expound Peacocke's perspective in different ways, but the whole approach is unified by a chosen meta-perspective, that is Peacocke as a functionalist. This meta-perspective is imagined as a key unlocking some of Peacocke's central concepts, while it also suggests that diverse aspects of Peacocke's thought can be unitied by this analysis. Peacocke's contribution to theology is considered with special focus on the interface between science and religion. Peacocke is examined as a resource for a integrationalist approach in this regard. Chapter II explore Peacocke's position in more detail. A broader understanding of Peacocke's scientific worldview is sought for, where the chosen meta-perspetive on Peacocke is developed with regard to some religious implications. It is especially the connection between functions, emergence and transcendence which is brought to fruition. Chapter III rounds off the thesis by recollecting the focus on the science and religion interface, but with an interest for how this affects Peacocke's theology. An emergent philosophy of science, that is abductive reasoning, makes interaction between science and religion possible, but with some sobering demands to the modus operandi of theology. Reasoning characterized by reasonableness is suggested as a viable way for the future enterprise of theology, and a look at Peacocke's treatment of the significance of Jesus the Christ gives an impression of this new mode of theology.