Natural theology
type of theology providing arguments for the existence of God based on reason and ordinary experience of nature (as opposed to revealed theology, based on scripture and/or religious experience, or transcendental theology, based on a priori reasoning)
Natural theology is a type of theology that seeks to provide arguments for theological topics, such as the existence of a deity, based on human reason. It is distinguished from revealed theology, which is based on supernatural sources such as scripture or religious experiences. It is thus a form of theology open to critical examination, aimed at understanding the divine.
Natural theology does not preclude the concept of divine intervention nor presuppose a clockwork universe; however, it demands that any position be supported through reasoned arguments based on natural reason.
In contemporary philosophy, natural theology is not limited to approaches based on empirical facts, such as natural phenomena, nor are its conclusions limited to pantheism. It was once also termed "physico-theology".
Natural theology includes theology based on scientific discoveries, arguments for God's existence grounded in observed natural facts, and interpretations of natural phenomena or complexities as evidence of a divine plan (see predestination) or God's Will. It also includes efforts to explain the nature of celestial motors, gods, or a supreme god responsible for heavenly motion. Natural theologians have offered their own explanations for some unsolved problems in science.
Overview
Natural theology and physico-theology
In the modern understanding, natural theology does not solely refer to the study of God based on natural facts but rather to the study of God based on natural reason.
“Natural theology” enters the record as type of theology providing arguments for the existence of God based on reason and ordinary experience of nature (as opposed to revealed theology, based on scripture and/or religious experience, or transcendental theology, based on a priori reasoning). Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Natural, theology and type can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Sep 12, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q1129353. The Library of Congress control number is sh85090266. 1 of 1 selected statements include explicit references; 0 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank.
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