Science, Art, and Christianity: Contribution to a Theology of Nature for Our Time

Abstract

Modern science discovered that nature is capable of becoming itself. Nature does so hrough sequential syntheses; it uses already synthesized elements and unifies such parts into emerging novelty (Teilhard de Chardin). In this way, the universal creative process brings forth absolute novelty and with them, new levels of reality. Because the human mind also emerged through this natural process, its creativity is a continuation of the creativity of nature (Marc Chagall). Christianity knows that creation is created through the Triune WORD of God. Because God is love, God’s creative Word is given away to creation. Therefore, it belongs to nature; it is its creative center. From the Christian perspective, the discovery that unification of difference (elements, parts) brings forth new existence (novelty) may be the watermark of God’s Triune eternal “Existence” as Unity in the difference of three “Persons.”