Transcendence as the key issue between naturalism and the Christian concept of God: A dialogue with Richard Dawkins, Stuart Kauffman, and Brian Swimme

Abstract

In this essay I compare the stances of three prominent naturalists with the assumptions of an enlightened theology. Is the reality we experience and explore closed in upon itself – self-generating, self-sustaining, self-destructing – or is it derived from, and dependent on a transcendent Source and Destiny? We do not know. But the two assumptions have contrary existential, social and ecological consequences: are humans, as the peak of the evolutionary process, their own highest authority, the owners and masters of their life worlds, entitled to subdue and utilise the rest of creation, or are they derived from, dependent on, and accountable to a transcendent Source and Destiny who is concerned with the well-being of the whole of reality? This is the central issue in the dialogue between naturalism and faith in God. In spite of the affinity between naturalism and the natural sciences and in spite of the obsolescence of traditional faith assumptions, both positions are convictions rather than facts. They are also closer to each other than usually acknowledged. Their respective validity can be assessed by examining their potential consequences for human existence, society and the natural world.