Natural Theology in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition

Review
"Natural theology has been rather neglected and indeed often dismissed within modern Orthodox theology. This splendid volume stands to change that. Assembling an impressive range of contributors, this book amply demonstrates natural theology's long patristic pedigree and ongoing vital importance." -- MARCUS PLESTED, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"Drawing upon oft-neglected sources as well as the Church Fathers and St. Gregory Palamas, the authors showcase the extraordinary richness of Orthodox reflection upon the existence of God--while also addressing the standard charges against natural theology. Refreshing, stimulating, and utterly timely, this book marks a brilliant start for the IOTA series."-- MATTHEW LEVERING, Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois
"In the twentieth century, many Orthodox theologians, including Lossky and Υannaras, rejected natural theology for the sake of a one-sided emphasis on experience and apophaticism. This book is an admirable effort to reopen the discussion concerning the place of natural theology in a nuanced and balanced way." -- FR. DEMETRIOS BATHRELLOS, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge, UK
"This is an exciting, superb collection of insightful essays on natural theology in the Orthodox tradition. Its publication should radically alter the current canon of natural theology as limited to the West."-- CHARLES TALIAFERRO, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
"A must-read for philosophers of religion, this volume makes a distinctly Orthodox contribution to contemporary natural theology." -- KIRILL KARPOV, Institute of Philosophy, Moscow, Russia
Natural theology attempts to show that there is a God, and what he is like, on the basis of evidence which both theists and atheists can recognize as obviously true, such as the existence of the universal laws of nature. Many recent Eastern Orthodox thinkers have questioned the cogency and religious value of natural theology. This volume contains essays by David Bradshaw, Richard Cross, Alexey Fokin, Paul Gavrilyuk, Travis Dumsday, Dionysios Skliris, and Richard Swinburne, on the history of natural theology in the Orthodox Church and its contemporary relevance.