Theistic Realism

Definition

Theistic realism is the philosophical position that asserts the existence of a deity or deities who are actively involved in the world and that this belief can be rationally supported through both reason and experience. This view connects the divine with reality, allowing for a synthesis of faith and empirical inquiry, especially in the context of understanding the universe and its origins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Theistic realism often challenges strict forms of naturalism by arguing that belief in a deity is not only rational but also essential to fully understand reality.
2. This view supports the idea that scientific discoveries can coexist with religious beliefs, suggesting that both can provide insights into different aspects of existence.
3. Proponents of theistic realism may argue that moral values and duties require a divine foundation, as they see these concepts as grounded in God's nature.
4. Theistic realism can be used to address questions about the universe's origin, suggesting that God is a necessary cause for its existence beyond mere chance or randomness.
5. This perspective can engage with both scientific and philosophical arguments, emphasizing that faith and reason can complement rather than oppose each other.

Review Questions

• How does theistic realism position itself against naturalism in the discussion about the existence of a deity?
  • Theistic realism positions itself against naturalism by asserting that belief in a deity is not only rational but necessary for a complete understanding of reality. While naturalism claims that everything can be explained through natural causes without invoking the supernatural, theistic realism argues that God’s existence provides essential explanations for certain phenomena, particularly moral values and the origins of the universe. Thus, it promotes a dialogue between faith and reason rather than viewing them as opposing forces.
• What implications does theistic realism have for the relationship between scientific inquiry and religious belief?
  • Theistic realism suggests that scientific inquiry and religious belief are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other. It posits that while science seeks to understand the workings of the universe through observation and evidence, religious belief provides insights into purpose and meaning that science alone cannot offer. This perspective allows for a harmonious coexistence where both realms enrich one another—science explaining how things work while theology explains why they matter.
• Evaluate how theistic realism addresses moral values and their relationship to divine existence in contemporary philosophical discussions.
  • Theistic realism addresses moral values by arguing that they require a divine foundation for their existence. In contemporary philosophical discussions, proponents argue that without a deity, objective moral values would be challenging to justify, leading to moral relativism. By asserting that God’s nature provides an unchanging standard for morality, theistic realism presents a framework where ethical principles are rooted in divine character. This perspective not only offers a basis for moral reasoning but also challenges secular moral theories by emphasizing the need for a transcendent source of ethics.

Related terms

Naturalism: A philosophical viewpoint that everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted.

Intelligent Design: The idea that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process like natural selection.

Philosophical Theology: A discipline that uses philosophical methods to analyze and interpret theological concepts, addressing questions about the nature of God, existence, and faith.