Piotr Bylica

Naturalistic theism on special divine action within the framework of the model of the levels of analysis

The model of the levels of analysis (MLA) is used to present a form of naturalistic theism where certain statements on special divine action (SDA) in nature are accepted. The SDA statements found within naturalistic theism ‘hide’ God’s action in certain aspects of nature or actions beyond the reach of scientific endeavors in order to avoid interventionism. From the perspective of the MLA, the essence of intervention is its empirical recognizability, rather than a particular causal joint or the violation of the laws of nature. Rejection of interventions in the above sense means substantial reinterpretation of Christian theism.

Naturalistic theism on general divine action within the framework of the levels of analysis model

The model of levels of analysis (MLA) is used to describe naturalistic theism and compare statements describing divine action accepted within traditional Christian theism and naturalistic theism. The empirical/non-empirical character of the statements is the main criterion behind the division of the statements within the model. Naturalistic theism is divided into strong and weak, with the former being analyzed in more detail. Strong naturalistic theism is characterized as trying to avoid the conflict with science by only accepting statements describing general divine action in nature. Such statements belong to the metaphysical levels of analysis.