Abstract

This dissertation argues the relationship between theology and natural science should not be viewed as one of conflict or irrelevance for new developments in philosophy, science, and the philosophy of science have made it possible for theology and natural science to engage in an interaction or positive dialogue which should result in a harmony or consonance which the theologian should incorporate into his or her coherent world-view. ;Chapter One argues that the collapse of scientism and the limitations of science remove one of the major obstacles to a harmonious relationship between theology and science and make possible a new opportunity for dialogue between the two disciplines. ;Chapter Two discusses the question of the relevance of natural science to theology. It is shown here that those who claim science is irrelevant to theology have failed to make their case, and it offers good reasons why theologians should see science as relevant to theology. Furthermore, some suggestions for how the relevance of science to theology should be conceived are made. ;Chapter Three examines the effort of Ian Barbour to create a unified approach to the relationship of natural science and theology. It is argued that while Barbour's work has many commendable insights, especially in using informal criteria to evaluate science and religion, his attempt is ultimately unsuccessful. ;Chapter Four analyzes the approach to relating theology and natural science in the work of Thomas Torrance. It is argued that Torrance's conception of the relationship between theology and science is a convincing way of harmonizing theology and science even though his work does still leave some unresolved problems. ;The conclusion to the dissertation provides a conspectus and offers some suggestions for the future of the discussion of the interaction between theology and science