Natural Theology and Its Inroads
I just finished reading the most recent defense of Natural Theology and Natural Law. It was written by Stephen Grabill, Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics (Eerdmans, 2006). My first question was who is Stephen Grabill? On page ix he acknowledges that he wrote the book for the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion in Liberty located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This foundation is sponsoring seminars on Natural Theology and Natural Law at such places as Calvin College. This book is recommended by J. P. Moreland and Budziszewski.
I went on the Internet and found the Acton Institute was established in honor of Lord Acton, a fanatical Roman Catholic scholar, who fought against the evangelical gospel in England. Budziszewski is a Protestant who converted to Roman Catholicism and has connection to the Acton Institute. I found that the head of the Institute is headed by a Jesuit priest.
What this book attempts to demonstrate is that all of the Reformers, including Calvin, still retained much of Medieval-Roman Catholic thought. This is no surprise to us as both Luther and Calvin retained such ridiculous doctrines as the perpetual virginity of Mary.
The Roman Catholic Church proclaimed that ethics and morality were not based upon Scripture alone, but also upon the findings of human reason. They used the little clichés that Natural truths and Laws are “self-evident,” “intuitive,” and “universal.” These clichés are actually psychological terms, not philosophical in nature. Something “Feels” right or wrong to me. Intuition is a psychological term.
The book is an attempt to move Calvinists from sola scriptura to sola ratione. That the Reformers believed in General Revelation I fully grant. But Grabill makes the astounding assertion that General Revelation is Natural Theology.
General Revelation is God’s activity whereas Natural Theology is man’s activity. General Revelation is happening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the entire universe. Natural Theology is the failed attempt of a few Western professors of religion from such universities as Oxford and Harvard. For most of human history, Natural Theology and Natural Law were never believed in or taught by the majority of mankind.
The fatal flaw in Grabill’s book is found on the last page (191). He admits that while the Reformers believed that General Revelation was taking place all the time, man’s depravity blocked the light of General Revelation. Man could be saved only by special revelation.
It is interesting to note that on pages 6-7 Grabill lists the Natural Theologians who support Natural Law. Among others, he lists David Van Drunen, who has recently joined the faculty at Westminster Seminary (Escondido, CA). This is interesting because in a series of email exchanges I had with Dr. Van Drunen, he denied that he was a Natural Theologian. Under my questioning he did admit that his book Law & Custom: The Thought of Thomas Aquinas, the Future of the Common Law (Peter Lange), was financially underwritten by the Jesuits. It was dedicated to a Jesuit priest. His education was by the Jesuits.
When I had other people contact Westminster concerning whether Van Drunen was a Natural Theologian trained by the Jesuits, they were told that none of these things were true. Grabill’s book is the final straw that breaks the camel’s back. The Jesuits finally have someone on the faculty of Westminster Seminary. Van Til would have declared Van Drunen’s book heresy!
This is why CBUS is so important. We virtually stand alone today in opposition to Natural Theology and Natural Law. I cannot think of seminary that I know of that refutes Natural Theology and Natural Law and boldly proclaims that the Bible is the final authority for what we believe and how we should live. I hope there are other universities and seminaries the take the same position as we do. If you know of any, let us know.
The first class in every program, at every level, in the university and seminary deals with such issues as Natural Theology. Consider enrolling at CBUS today to be thoroughly equipped to deal with the biggest threats to the gospel in our time.
The CBUS Expanding Library
Last year CBUS received a massive library endowment that by the end of 2008 might put our overall library at close to 20,000 books. Praise the Lord!
Imagine having all of these thousands of books online and available through a digital library card. This is our vision and hope for the future, so students can study great works on the Word of God.
Please continue to keep the library needs in prayer, or consider donating any books you have finished with and would be of value to university or seminary students.
To donate to CBUS please click here.
The Church of Rome
Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church with some false teachings, or a false church with some true teachings? Many are assayed in the furnace of debate without clarity and focus on the fundamental teachings and dogma of the Catholic Church.
In his clear and cogent analysis of the teachings of Rome, William Webster articulates with clarity the failure of Rome to be faithful to God's Word. This is one of the standard textbooks at the university level class on world religions.
In concert with Dr. Morey's lectures and debates a CBUS student is prepared to defend the faith that comes from Christ as the Head of the Church.
To obtain an audit enrolment into the World Religions class, click here.
