A History and Critique of Methodological Naturalism: The Philosophical Case for God’s Design of Nature
Methodological naturalism is the thesis that only natural features can be factored into any legitimate explanation. Moreover, the thesis contends, any attempt to explain natural phenomena by appealing to supernatural features is unscientific and, therefore, illegitimate. This book argues that nothing inherently problematic afflicts possible appeals to supernatural agency in the attempt to explain select phenomena in nature. Reputable philosophers of the ancient and medieval periods, as well as prominent scientists of the early modern era, invoked supernatural agency in their attempts to understand nature. For them, miraculous interventions in nature by a supernatural agent were not unreasonable. However, the super-naturalistic worldview has been replaced by methodological naturalism. The assumptions of two pivotal figures--David Hume and Charles Darwin--brought about this change. This book shows that this change was motivated by unscientific means. Hence, the change itself remains inconsistent with the assumptions of methodological naturalism.
"Dr. Joseph Okello's presentation on the history and
critique of naturalism reflects the clarity of his thinking and the
convincing logic of his argument that an unqualified naturalism
fails to embrace the larger and more rational comprehension of
nature. In our postmodern culture, with its expectation of a more
inclusive and relational interpretation of life, this book shows
that naturalism fails to account for a more inclusive vision of
reality and its larger relational context."
--Laurence W. Wood, Frank Paul Morris Professor of Systematic
Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary
"The assumption that supernatural explanations have no place in
science is common among many today. In this informative and
stimulating book, Okello not only demonstrates that this assumption
is philosophically flawed, he also shows that supernatural
explanations have played a prominent role throughout the history of
science. But Okello also insists that appealing to God is not a
substitute for the task of unearthing scientific explanations. The
book is an important voice in the debate."
--John Njoroge, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
"Dr. Joseph Okello's presentation on the history and
critique of naturalism reflects the clarity of his thinking and the
convincing logic of his argument that an unqualified naturalism
fails to embrace the larger and more rational comprehension of
nature. In our postmodern culture, with its expectation of a more
inclusive and relational interpretation of life, this book shows
that naturalism fails to account for a more inclusive vision of
reality and its larger relational context."
--Laurence W. Wood, Frank Paul Morris Professor of Systematic
Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary
"The assumption that supernatural explanations have no place in
science is common among many today. In this informative and
stimulating book, Okello not only demonstrates that this assumption
is philosophically flawed, he also shows that supernatural
explanations have played a prominent role throughout the history of
science. But Okello also insists that appealing to God is not a
substitute for the task of unearthing scientific explanations. The
book is an important voice in the debate."
--John Njoroge, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Product Details
- Title : A History and Critique of Methodological Naturalism: The Philosophical Case for God’s Design of Nature
- Author: Okello, Joseph B. Onyango
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498283755
Joseph B. Onyango Okello is an associate professor of philosophy and ethics at Asbury Theological Seminary, Dunnam Campus, in Orlando, Florida. He holds both a master of arts and a doctor of philosophy degree, both in philosophy, from the University of Kentucky. He also holds a master of divinity and a master of arts in church music from Asbury Theological Seminary. Joseph has authored two books: Revisiting God and Heaven: God's Solution to Human Pain. Joseph, his wife, Sophie, and their son, Sean, live in Oviedo, Florida.
Reviews
1 rating
Zeke Vasquez
7/24/2020
To an amazing thinker and a devoted professor. I have had the privilege to sit in a classroom with Dr. Okello and he is one of a kind. I highly recommend this book.
