Does God really have a nature? A. Plantinga’s decision

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the concepts of ‘nature’ and ‘the nature of God’ in the theology and religious philosophy of Alvin Plantinga. The essence of his position: God does not fall under the laws of reason; he is not determined by them, but can be comprehended with the help of reason. Plantinga notes that the properties and qualities of God belong exclusively to him, and are not do not originate in our mind. Plantinga’s argument leads to the assumption that God has neither ‘existence’ nor ‘nature’ as rational categories; he has chosen to be such completely freely, just as he creates the world completely freely. The most dangerous fallacy of any form of metaphysical naturalism is the loss of faith in God and criticism of the divine existence itself. Plantinga introduces the idea of proper function, according to which there is a pre-established harmony between God and the world. He formulates three key points of naturalism: undermining the idea of supreme harmony, rejection of eternal truths, and the impossibility of unshakable faith. If we proceed from theism, then God is not in any nature at all. However, the following assumption will also be wrong: God has his nature. In this regard, it can be assumed that God does have a nature, but in a potential, not an actual form. From the theological point of view, God possesses a nature; however, it is so immanently inherent in him that it cannot be distinguished as a ‘property’ or essence. Therefore, the concept of ‘nature’ is interpreted differently in theology and metaphysics. The nature of God is revealed not in reason, but in faith.

Keywords

• God
• Plantinga
• nature
• naturalism
• theology
• metaphysics