Abstract

The relation between natural theology and revealed theology is explored. It is shown how appeals to revelation are perfectly rational. Such appeals can and should be included in a cumulative case that assembles a whole range of considerations — metaphysical, historical and doctrinal — that together provide support for Christian belief. The assimilation of revealed theology to natural theology involved in such a cumulative case is illustrated with reference to the writings of Joseph Butler, H. H. Farmer and James Barr. This approach is then compared and contrasted with the position known as ‘Reformed epistemology’, associated particularly with the work of Alvin Plantinga.