The Order of Things : Explorations in Scientific Theology

Alister McGrath's scientific theology project is widely acknowledged to be one of the most exciting developments in modern theology.

His groundbreaking three-volume work "A Scientific Theology" (2001 - 3) explored how the working methods and assumptions of the natural sciences can be used to inform and stimulate systematic theology. "The Order of Things" continues this process of intellectual exploration and consolidation in a collection of unpublished essays, mostly written during the period 2003-5, focusing on developing the central themes of a scientific theology.

In "The Order of Things", McGrath presents a landmark extended analysis of whether doctrinal development can be explained using Darwinian evolutionary models, a Piagetian account of some trends in historical theology, application of the notions of "stratification" and "emergence" to systematic theology, detailed engagement with the purpose and place of natural theology, and exploration of how the transition from a "scientific theology" to a future "scientific dogmatics" might be made.The collection also includes a published review of McGrath's scientific theology project, which is currently the best brief introduction to his thought.

Provocative and immensely well informed, "The Order of Things" represents a substantial, original contribution to the fields of systematic theology, historical theology, and the science and religion dialogue.