現代キリスト教思想における自然神学の意義

Abstract

In contemporary society, science has become an indispensable presence. But at the same time, science is an intellectual issue which warrants further reflection; and even in discussions of Christian Thought, since 3/11 topics relating to science such as "Christianity and Nuclear Power" have been vibrantly debated. Keeping in mind such weighty science-related technological issues as these, the purpose of this paper is none other than to attempt a full-scale reconsideration of the significance of traditional Natural Theology as the foundational theory in evaluating scientific technology from a Christian standpoint. To this end, an historical analysis of the interrelationship of "Science and Religion" since the modern period is critical. As such, this paper will focus on two representative Christian thinkers of the early and mid-twentieth century : Paul Tillich and Jürgen Moltmann. In doing so, Moltmann's proposal in his later works of a theoretical basis regarding the cooperative and complementary work of science and religion in underpinning Natural Theology will become very clear. Moltmann's later works represent a watershed in twentieth-century theological undertakings in this regard; but as the Conclusion section of this paper points out, discourse on the relationship between science and religion is still as vibrant as ever, and there is much anticipation for new developments in this field.