The Apologetic Value of Natural Theology

Natural Theology was the reaction of William Paley (1743-1805) to Enlightenment’s skeptical David Hume (1711-1776) who denied all revelation, the teleological argument, and miracles. William Paley wrote Natural Theology and famously defended the teleological argument or the Design/Designer argument with the illustration of the watch found in the desert. Not all theologians believe Natural theology is valid. Michael Horton represents this group: “Our natural experience of God is itself an interpretation, and as the interpretation of our fallen hearts, it is corrupt. As soon  as we see a glimmering ember of divine truth we smother it, and this is why there can be no true natural theology, even though we are swimming in general revelation.”[1] This is the strong presuppositional view that many great theologian like Dr. John Whitcomb held to. I will argue that Scripture presents God using both evidentialist and presuppositional approach. For example, Paul in Acts 14 at Lystra first preached the gospel in 14:7 and then employed the teleological argument in 14:15-17.

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Review of Christians Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith by Douglas Groothius

In chapter nine, In Defense of Theistic Arguments, Groothius states that natural theology consists of theistic arguments (sometimes called theistic proofs). They are rational arguments for the existence of a monotheistic God that do not appeal to sacred scriptures for their cogency.

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Review of Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics By William Lane Craig

In the Introduction, Dr. Craig says his book is answering the question, “What rational warrant can be given for Christian faith?” Of course, that question can be answered with apologetics. To opponents of apologetics who say, “Nobody comes to Christ through apologetics because people are not won by arguments” Craig gives three vital roles of apologetics.

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