Strong claims have been made for emergence as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. Tracing the past history and current definitions of the concept, Clayton assesses the case for emergent phenomena in the natural world and their significance for philosophy and theology. Complex emergent phenomena require irreducible levels of explanation in physics, chemistry and biology. This pattern of emergence suggests a new approach to the problem of consciousness, which is neither reducible to brain states nor proof of (...) a mental substance or soul. Although emergence does not entail classical theism, it is compatible with a variety of religious positions. Clayton concludes with a defence of emergentist panentheism and a Christian constructive theology consistent with the new sciences of emergence. (shrink)

How are God and creatures related? How can one reconcile the sovereigntyand power of God with creatures' capacity to act freely? Kathryn Tanner's important and original work seeks an answer in the featuresand limits of traditional Christian discourse. Her search for a unique kernal orregulative dimension of the Christian doctrine of God-world relations leadsher to identify in the tradition an operative "grammar&334; of meaningful theological discourse that not only informs the past but can guide the future.

Identifies what is most radically distinctive about Christian belief. Addressed to a non-technical audience, the book helps the reader examine the most basic questions concerning Christian faith.