natural theology

American  

noun

1. theology based on knowledge of the natural world and on human reason, apart from revelation.

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natural theology British  

noun

1. the attempt to derive theological truth, and esp the existence of God, from empirical facts by reasoned argument Compare revealed religion fideism revelation

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Other Word Forms

• natural theologian noun

Etymology

Origin of natural theology

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

In his contribution to the Bridgewater Treatises, a small library of natural theology, Buckland wrote:

From Scientific American • Jul. 15, 2017

The growing importance of natural theology, partly a response to the rise of mechanical philosophy, encouraged the growth of natural history.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

And those are the people that natural theology, by showing how observations of the world around us might support the conclusion that there is a God, has the power to reach.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2012

O'Hanlon's father was a believer in natural theology, and encouraged his son's interest in birds and entomology.

From The Guardian • Mar. 28, 2011

Reading Malthus and thinking about the natural world, Charles realized that nature was not happy and peaceful, as Paley had described in his natural theology books.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman