THE IDEALIST VIEW OF DIVINE ACTION IN NATURE
Zygon December 3, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/zygo.12655 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Realism Qualia Supervenience Laws of nature Phenomenalism Conceptualism |
| Key points | Argues that physical realism, a shared commitment of extant theologies of divine action, undermines scientific knowledge, and proposes an alternative account of divine action mediated through minds and laws. |
Abstract
Theologies of divine action in nature have sought to maximize traction with the sciences to secure their credibility. While varying in significant ways, all extant proposals share a commitment to physical realism, the claim that (at least some) physical entities and facts are both mind‐independent and ontologically basic within creation. However, I will argue that this metaphysical commitment undermines the body of scientific knowledge to which theologians wish to be responsive. Is there an alternative? Building on the work of Howard Robinson, I will show that there is a coherent account of mind's place in nature that denies physical realism. Such an account would enable a theological description of God's sustaining and governing action in nature through the ontological mediation of minds and laws causally constraining their sensations. Furthermore, this proposal yields a positive research program that makes essential use of the contributions of the natural sciences to understand the nature of embodiment.