Have you ever stood beneath a star-filled sky and felt a sense of wonder that transcends ordinary experience? Or walked through a forest where sunlight filters through leaves in patterns that seem almost sacred? For centuries, Christians have recognized that God reveals Himself not only through Scripture but through the natural world He created. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made" (Romans 1:20, NIV). This understanding—that nature can point us toward spiritual truth—has been explored by theologians throughout Christian history.
Recently, a significant academic work by Christopher R. Brewer titled "Understanding Natural Theology: Mapping the Terrain of Recent Approaches" has brought fresh attention to this ancient conversation. Brewer's work, tragically left incomplete due to his untimely passing, serves as a comprehensive guide to how contemporary Christian thinkers approach the relationship between nature and divine revelation. While Brewer's book represents academic theology, the questions it raises touch every Christian who has ever marveled at creation or wondered how the natural world relates to their faith.
Five Pathways to Understanding God Through Nature
Brewer's research identifies five distinct approaches Christians have taken to understanding how nature reveals God. First, some view natural theology as being informed by what they call "natural religion"—the universal human tendency to seek the divine. This perspective suggests that across cultures and throughout history, people have instinctively looked for spiritual meaning, and this impulse itself points toward a Creator who placed that longing within us.
The second approach treats natural theology as providing proofs or arguments for God's existence. This is perhaps what many people first think of when they hear the term—the idea that the complexity of the universe, the fine-tuning of physical constants, or the existence of moral consciousness provides rational evidence for a divine Designer. While this approach has its critics, it continues to resonate with many who find their faith strengthened by observing the intricate order of creation.
A third perspective sees natural theology as signaling transcendence—those moments when we encounter something in nature that seems to point beyond itself toward something greater. This might be the awe we feel watching a sunset, the sense of peace in a quiet meadow, or the wonder at the birth of a child. These experiences, according to this view, are not just emotional responses but genuine encounters with the divine through creation.
The fourth approach Brewer identifies is specifically Christian natural theology—the idea that while nature can point toward God, we need the revelation of Scripture to fully understand who God is and what He has done for us. This perspective maintains that "the heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1, ESV) but that we need the Bible to understand God's character, His love for humanity, and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Finally, some theologians approach natural theology as a theology of nature—focusing not on what nature proves about God, but on what our understanding of God tells us about how we should relate to the natural world. This approach emphasizes stewardship, care for creation, and recognizing the inherent value of all God has made.
When Maps Don't Show the Path
The great tragedy of Brewer's work is that he completed only the first part of what was planned as a two-part project. He created what his subtitle calls "a map of the terrain"—a detailed survey of different approaches—but illness prevented him from offering his own "recommended path" through that terrain. Readers are left with a comprehensive overview but without the author's guidance on how to navigate these different perspectives in their own spiritual lives.
This situation mirrors a common experience in our faith journeys. We often find ourselves with multiple perspectives, different interpretations, and various approaches to understanding God and His world. Like Brewer's readers, we may wish for a clear, definitive path—but sometimes we must prayerfully consider different viewpoints and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in applying them to our lives.
In a brief afterword, Brewer offered a glimpse of where his thinking was heading. He suggested moving beyond Augustine's famous "two books" analogy—the idea that God reveals Himself through the "book" of Scripture and the "book" of nature. Instead, Brewer proposed thinking of nature as a "paratext"—like a hallway or entryway that prepares us to enter the main room. In this view, nature doesn't contain the full revelation (that comes through Scripture and ultimately through Christ), but it prepares our hearts and minds to receive that revelation.
Practical Wisdom for Your Spiritual Journey
So what does all this mean for ordinary Christians seeking to grow in their faith? First, it reminds us that God's revelation comes in multiple forms. While Scripture remains our primary and authoritative source for knowing God, we shouldn't ignore what creation can teach us. Jesus Himself frequently used examples from nature—mustard seeds, lilies, birds, vineyards—to illustrate spiritual truths.
Second, different approaches to natural theology can complement rather than contradict one another. The rational arguments for God's existence might strengthen the faith of someone who values intellectual engagement, while the experience of transcendence in nature might speak more powerfully to someone whose faith is primarily experiential. Both are valid ways God can work through His creation to draw people to Himself.
Third, Brewer's unfinished work reminds us that our understanding of God is always partial and growing. As Paul wrote, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV). We should approach questions of faith with humility, recognizing that our human understanding is limited.
Living With Eyes Open to God's Dual Revelation
As we go about our daily lives, we can cultivate awareness of God's presence in both Scripture and creation. This might mean setting aside regular time to read the Bible while also making space to appreciate the natural world—whether that's a walk in a park, tending a garden, or simply noticing the changing seasons. Both practices can draw us closer to the Creator.
We might also consider how our appreciation for creation should translate into care for it. If nature reveals something about God's character—His creativity, attention to detail, provision for His creatures—then damaging or neglecting creation shows disregard for this aspect of God's self-revelation. Environmental stewardship becomes not just a political or practical concern but a spiritual discipline.
Finally, we can use our experiences in nature as opportunities for prayer and reflection. The next time you witness something beautiful in creation—a sunrise, a mountain vista, the intricate pattern of a leaf—pause to thank God for revealing Himself through what He has made. Consider what aspect of God's character that particular part of creation might reflect: His majesty, His attention to detail, His provision, or His creativity.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2, NIV)
Questions for Reflection
As you consider how nature points toward spiritual truth, here are some questions to reflect on in your personal devotional time or discuss with fellow believers:
- When have you most strongly sensed God's presence through nature? What was that experience like, and what did it teach you about God?
- How do you balance appreciation for what creation reveals about God with the understanding that Scripture provides the complete revelation of who God is and what He has done for us?
- In what practical ways can you incorporate appreciation for God's creation into your regular spiritual practices?
- How might your understanding that nature reveals God affect your attitude toward environmental care and stewardship?
- If you were to explain to someone how nature points toward God, which of the approaches discussed would you emphasize, and why?
Remember that whether through the intricate details of a leaf or the vast expanse of the night sky, God continues to speak through what He has made. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts open to receive His revelation in all its forms.
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