Can evangelical theology make room for natural theology?

First, this article proposes a problem: evangelical theology is not easily compatible with natural theology. I consider different conceptions of natural theology, but all fall short because they are in tension with the evangelical insistence that the Word of God is the basis for our talk about God. Second, this article develops a conception of natural theology that does not stand in tension with evangelical theology, one that is informed by the work of Karl Barth, the renowned critic of natural theology. I argue that this conception is consistent with the epistemological basis of evangelical theology, while retaining the explanatory and apologetic tasks expected of natural theology.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scandinavian Journal for Leadership & Theology
Published
2026-11-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.53311/sjlt.v14.169
Primary Topic
Karl Barth and Christian Theology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Can evangelical theology make room for natural theology?

Martin Jakobsen
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Scandinavian Journal for Leadership & Theology
Karl Barth and Christian Theology
article

Can evangelical theology make room for natural theology?

Martin Jakobsen
article en

Abstract

First, this article proposes a problem: evangelical theology is not easily compatible with natural theology. I consider different conceptions of natural theology, but all fall short because they are in tension with the evangelical insistence that the Word of God is the basis for our talk about God. Second, this article develops a conception of natural theology that does not stand in tension with evangelical theology, one that is informed by the work of Karl Barth, the renowned critic of natural theology. I argue that this conception is consistent with the epistemological basis of evangelical theology, while retaining the explanatory and apologetic tasks expected of natural theology.

Scandinavian Journal for Leadership & TheologyVol. 14
Ansgar University College (NO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Karl Barth and Christian Theology
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