Christian Systematic Theology and Life Elsewhere in the Universe: A Study in Suitability. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davison, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Theology and science. Volume 16:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Astrotheology -- extraterrestrial life -- multiple incarnations -- Christology -- systematic theology -- fittingness; Religion and science -- Periodicals; Theology -- Periodicals; 261.55
• DOI: 10.1080/14746700.2018.1525224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-6700

Abstract

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.