Contingency in Physics and Cosmology: A Critique of the Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg

Abstract. The concept of contingency serves to bridge the doctrine of creation and natural science in Wolfhart Pannenberg's theology. My paper first analyzes the relation of creatio ex nihilo and creatio continua. Next I suggest three categories of contingency: global, local, and nomological. U...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Main Author: Russell, Robert J. 1946- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell 1988
In: Zygon
Further subjects:B inertia
B Anthropic Principle
B Creation
B Cosmology
B Contingency
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Description
Summary:Abstract. The concept of contingency serves to bridge the doctrine of creation and natural science in Wolfhart Pannenberg's theology. My paper first analyzes the relation of creatio ex nihilo and creatio continua. Next I suggest three categories of contingency: global, local, and nomological. Under each category I assess Pannenberg's use of physics, cosmology, and philosophy of science. Although I agree with Pannenberg's emphasis on continuous creation and on the role of science in renewing the doctrine of creation, I argue for a shift in the discussion from Pannenberg's topics to others, such as the anthropic principle, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1988.tb00616.x