Not all the religions discussed in Huston Smith’s book would be considered theistic, but all grew out of cultures that accepted supernaturalism as a given. Naturalism may have had roots in ancient Greece, but as a widespread philosophy, it is a relatively recent phenomenon, perhaps since the late 18th century Despite growing up in a Christian community, I rejected supernaturalism early on but continued to embrace theism, considering myself a theistic naturalist. But is this an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms? Am I trying to have my cake and eat it too? This argument is not lost on me.
My first question in the context of this course concerns process theology. Am I correct to view its panentheism as a form of theistic naturalism? Do most process philosophers and theologians reject supernaturalism?
My second question concerns the world’s great religions. Which of them are natively most accepting of naturalism? How many have transitioned to a more naturalistic worldview? And which are most stubbornly insistent on a supernatural worldview?
Donnal, thank you—your line of questioning resonates with me. I’ve been sitting with some of the same thoughts... from our modern day "epic of evolution" to “the felt experience of God,” and of course struggling how to describe all this in coherent narrative.
I trust science to tell the story of the natural world as it is—its patterns, processes, and evolution—all the while open to the world of God's compassion and understanding.
In consideration of our left brain/right brain way of experiencing: "left" seekings answers to how things work—science, logic, naturalism. The "right" opening to beauty, music, mystery, sense of purpose, the feeling that my life means something, God's comforting presence.
Maybe theistic naturalism isn’t a contradiction. Maybe it’s just being honest that we’re wired to experience the world through more than one mode of being -- a world that unfolds naturally, while gently pulling toward beauty, love, and connection.
I suppose we’re both trying to find a way that feels both true and alive.
