Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: What Is Natural Theology? Episode Release Date: January 21, 2025

In the episode titled "What Is Natural Theology?" from the podcast Doctrine Matters hosted by Kevin DeYoung, the discussion delves deep into the concept of natural theology, exploring its definitions, distinctions, and its role within Christian theology. DeYoung meticulously navigates through common misconceptions, theological definitions, and historical perspectives to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how natural theology fits into the broader framework of knowing God.

1. Introduction to Knowing God

Kevin DeYoung opens the episode by emphasizing the centrality of knowing God within the Christian faith. He states:

"We can't know everything about God, but we can know him truly and savingly because God makes himself known." [00:50]

He underscores that while God's nature is inexhaustible, believers can attain a meaningful and salvific understanding of Him through divine revelation.

2. Common Misconceptions: Rationalism and Mysticism

DeYoung identifies and critiques two prevalent but flawed approaches to understanding God: rationalism and mysticism.

Rationalism:

Rationalism, as defined by DeYoung, mistakenly elevates reason as the supreme source of truth about God, often dismissing the supernatural and swaying with intellectual trends. He clarifies:

"The problem with rationalism is not that it values reason or that it finds truth about God in nature, but rather that it considers reason the highest source of truth." [02:15]

This approach, he argues, can lead to an anti-supernatural stance, misaligning with the foundational truths of Christian belief.

Mysticism:

On the other hand, mysticism is portrayed as an epistemological error where God is perceived through immediate emotional experiences or intuitions, independent of scripture. DeYoung differentiates true mystical experiences from the Spirit's work of illumination:

"Mysticism should not be confused with the Spirit's work of illumination. We do believe in the necessity of the Spirit to illumine the Scriptures." [04:30]

He emphasizes that while there are mysterious elements within Christianity, true knowledge of God must align with Scriptural revelation.

3. Defining Natural Theology and Natural Law

Transitioning from misconceptions, DeYoung introduces the core concepts of natural theology and natural law.

Natural Theology:

Natural theology is described as the philosophical study concerning what can be known about God independent of special revelation (i.e., the Bible). DeYoung explains:

"Natural theology is the philosophical study of what can be known about God apart from special revelation." [06:00]

He references historical theologians, including Augustine, Anselm, and Calvin, to demonstrate the longstanding recognition and acceptance of natural theology within Christian thought.

Natural Law:

Differentiated from natural theology, natural law pertains to the moral principles ingrained by God in human consciousness. DeYoung elaborates:

"Natural law refers to the rule of right and wrong implanted by God in the minds of all people." [07:45]

He points to Romans 2 as biblical support, highlighting that natural law serves as a divine moral compass discernible through reason and observation.

4. General vs. Special Revelation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to distinguishing between general and special revelation and their implications for natural theology.

General Revelation:

General revelation encompasses God's self-disclosure through creation and providence, enabling humanity to know aspects of Him without direct communication through scripture. DeYoung notes:

"General revelation is what God does." [10:10]

He cites Psalm 19 and Romans 1 to illustrate how creation and human nature reveal God's existence and attributes, albeit imperfectly.

Special Revelation:

In contrast, special revelation refers to God's detailed and salvific disclosure through Scripture. DeYoung asserts:

"In order to be saved, therefore, we need a special revelation." [14:25]

He emphasizes that while general revelation can inform about God's existence and moral law, special revelation is essential for understanding redemption and salvation.

5. Historical Context and Theological Tradition

DeYoung provides a historical overview, demonstrating how various theologians across traditions have engaged with natural theology.

"From Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, to Calvin, Bullinger, Junius, and the Westminster divines, the classical and Reformed traditions have affirmed the role of natural theology." [12:40]

He underscores that natural theology has been a vital component in the development of systematic theology, serving as a bridge between faith and reason.

6. The Role and Limitations of Science

Addressing the relationship between natural theology and science, DeYoung acknowledges the value of scientific inquiry while cautioning against its limitations.

"A Christian understanding of revelation provides a basis for science because things can be known about the external world and at the same time it limits science." [16:50]

He contends that while science is a powerful tool for understanding God's creation, it does not encompass the complete truth about God's will or the means of salvation, which are revealed through Scripture.

7. Conclusion: Duplex Cognition Dei

DeYoung concludes by reiterating the dual aspect of divine cognition:

"Our knowledge of God is twofold… We can know God as Creator by natural theology, but we know him as Redeemer only by special revelation." [19:30]

He introduces the Latin term duplex cognition dei to encapsulate this twofold understanding, affirming that both general and special revelation are essential for a holistic knowledge of God.

Key Takeaways

• Natural Theology Defined: The study of what can be known about God through reason and observation, independent of specific Scriptural revelation.

• Distinguishing Isms: Rationalism and mysticism are identified as flawed approaches that either overemphasize reason or rely solely on emotional experiences, respectively.

• Revelation Types: General revelation (creation and providence) provides an imperfect knowledge of God, while special revelation (Scripture) is necessary for understanding salvation.

• Historical Affirmation: Natural theology has been consistently affirmed by prominent theologians across Christian history.

• Science and Theology: Science is valuable for understanding creation but does not replace the need for divine revelation through the Bible.

By dissecting these elements, Kevin DeYoung offers listeners a robust framework for understanding natural theology's place within Christian doctrine. This episode serves as both an educational resource and a guide for believers seeking to harmonize faith with reason, ensuring a balanced and theologically sound approach to knowing God.