Return from a Distant Country, by Alister McGrath

Author: Alister McGrath. Review by Frank Regan

Alister McGrath started out as an atheist enamoured of Marxism and scientism. He studied chemistry at Oxford, specialising in quantum theory. Along the way he discovered Christianity, being fascinated by its intellectual and imaginative depth. He wrote this short, intriguing book to set out the points where he believes science and religion can meet in fruitful encounter.

McGrath began his theological journey in the area of historical theology. His focus was on the Lutheran doctrine of justification and its roots in ancient Israel. He also had an interest in theological method – the ways in which theology is done. But his major interest lay, and still does, in the encounter of science and faith. The first fruit of his work was the three volumes of A Scientific Theology. There he explored possible avenues of engagement through the lens of nature, reality and theory. One of his early adversaries was Richard Dawkins (McGrath wrote about Dawkins’ understanding of the faith and science relationship in Dawkins’ God).

McGrath considers himself a Christian theologian but does not identify with any church tradition. He cautions against the idea that all knowledge and reality can be subsumed under one general theory. Reality is complex. Many different sciences study, investigate and research it. Each science must elaborate its own methodology to be able to investigate and expound its findings.

Reality is multi-layered and multi-faceted. It requires different methods of investigation. The challenge is to bring them all together to give a coherent and all-embracing account of that complex reality. Science and theology offer different maps of our complex world. Each layer of reality can be mapped, but no map is complete. A scientific map helps us to understand how we function in our bodies and in our physical surroundings. A theological map helps us to understand our interior needs and depths – how we function in our transcendent and spiritual depths and dimensions.

McGrath clearly feels called to engage with secular post-Christendom culture to show that Christianity makes sense of reality and enables transformation. He offers criticism of alternative worldviews and dominant philosophies. Instead of the ‘warfare model’ of conflict between science and religion, McGrath offers an ‘enrichment model’, in which science and religion could be more fruitful for humanity.

Alister McGrath’s journey takes us from the wilderness of unbelief. It leads us to a faith-filled way, one of transformation and transfiguration, urged by the hoped-for coming Reign of God.

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