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Christian Systematic Theology and Life Elsewhere in the Universe: A Study in Suitability

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Davison, AP 

Abstract

Christian theologians have considered the significance of life elsewhere in the cosmos since the fifteenth century, but the brevity of these discussions calls for greater theological precision: the notion of multiple incarnations, for example, is often explored without reference to the detail of Christological formulations. Attention to the logical mode in which such work is set out is also fruitful, where the scholastic category of suitability or fittingness holds particular promise. As suitable, God’s actions are free and yet congruent, being consistent with the divine nature, with creaturely natures, and with the ends of God’s dealings with creatures.

Description

Keywords

astrotheology, extraterrestrial life, multiple incarnations, Christology, systematic theology, fittingness

Journal Title

Theology and Science

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1474-6719
1474-6719

Volume Title

16

Publisher

Taylor & Francis
Sponsorship
Center of Theological Inquiry (CTI)
Buy-out for nine months of research leave, from the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton. Their funding for this 'Societal Implications of Astrobiology' programme came from NASA and the John Templeton Foundation.