Ameh Ejeh

Defense Date

11-30-2007

Graduation Date

Fall 2007

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Theology

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Anne M. Clifford

Committee Member

George S. Worgul

Committee Member

Sean P. Kealy

Keywords

African Cosmogonies, Big Bang Cosmology, Biological Evolution, Charles Darwin, Common Cosmic Home, Creation and Evolution, Creation and Redemption, Creation Theologies, Idoma Land in Nigeria, Niger Delta in Nigeria, Omega Point, Process and Evolutionary Thought, Science and Religion, Teilhard de Chardin

Abstract

This is a dissertation in which the question of cosmic origins is examined from three perspectives, namely, Scientific Theories of Evolution, Christian Theologies of Creation, and African Cosmogonies, respectively. Through the use of comparative-dialogic and dialectic methods, and the application of the models of contact/dialogue and confirmation/integration in ways of relating science with religion, the insights of these three perspectives are examined and analyzed in the formulation of a Theology of Evolution that conceives of evolution as a medium of divine creativity.

The themes of evolutionary process, interconnection, interrelation and interdependence in nature, the mystery and sacredness of nature and the teleology and destiny of creation examined in this study form the basis for a Theology of Evolution. It is an interconnection and interrelatedness that is grounded in the Trinity itself. Together we form an ongoing community of beings where all creatures have a kinship relationship with each other, past, present and future. The cosmos in a unity, it is all one piece, although of different layers. Humanity is the highest level of this ongoing process, nonetheless, part of a wider evolutionary process in a universe where God made "things make themselves."

Just as no creation theology today can ignore the insights of scientific evolution, so too, no other branch of theology can ignore Theology of Evolution. The implications for all theology, including African Christian theology, are crucial. This is equally evident in ecological issues where theology of Evolution has a direct ethical implication.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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