Between Deus Nudus and Solus Christus

In his Gifford Lectures, Wright offers a critique of natural theology. According to him, putting emphasis on natural theology will lead to idolatry, and it hinders the worship of the true God. In my response, I suggest that Wright works with too simplistic a model of natural theology. Most natural theologians think that their project only gives an initial framework for the search for God, and it is not intended to replace the role of revealed theology. Wright’s somewhat hyperbolic account of natural theology also seems misplaced in the light of conversion experiences and the way Christians think about their journey retrospectively. Most would not see there a radical break but a continuum. Instead, I propose that the issue could be construed better by distinguishing between referring and worshipping. Natural knowledge allows us to refer to one true God, but it alone does not suffice for true worship of God.