David Ray Griffin

Randolph Crump Miller (1910-2002)

Henry N. Wieman (1884-1975)

        “Theological naturalism” is “the view that a rational conception of God is not only consistent with, but an integral part of, the natural world” according to the entry “Philosophy of Religion” in A. Pablo Iannone, Dictionary of World Philosophy (London and New York: Routledge, 2001), p. 435. For theistic naturalists God is compatible with  complex, vast natural existence and not ontologically "wholly other" (super-natural). This view is harmonious with ancient Hebrew (biblical) conceptions of the personal Creator.

        "Theistic naturalism" or "naturalistic theism" is noted in the following publications: David Ray Griffin, Religion and Scientific Naturalism: Overcoming the Conflicts (Albany, N.Y.: SUNY, 2000);  David Ray Griffin, Reinchantment Without Supernaturalism: A Process Philosophy of Religion (Ithaca and London: Cornell, 2001); Randolph C. Miller, The American Spirit In Theology (Philadelphia: United Church Press, 1974); Randolph C. Miller, ed., Theologies of Religious Education (Alabama: Religious Education Press, 1995); Harold H. Titus, Living Issues in Philosophy (New York: American Book Co., 1946); and, Henry N. Wieman and Bernard E. Meland, American Philosophies and Religions (New York: Willett, Clark & Co., 1936). The term is also found within  “Naturalism” in the Encyclopaedia Britannica (2001 Deluxe Edition CD and at www.britannica.com). Additionally, similar classifications may be found within papers of the Conference on Naturalism, Theism, and the Scientific Enterprise, University of Texas, 1997) at http://www.leaderu.com/offices/koons/menus/conference.html.