Final answer:
The discussion on theology and metaphysics challenges the reconciliation of traditional theism with philosophical issues of free will, the presence of evil, and scientific progress. Process theology and metaphysics offer alternative frameworks that are more dynamic and compatible with empirical science, highlighting the ongoing debate between natural and supernatural explanations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Problems with Theology and Metaphysics
The problems with theology and metaphysics question how traditional theism can be reconciled with concepts of order and progress. One primary issue is the apparent conflict between God's determination or foreknowledge of the future and the concept of human freedom.
This brings into question how free will can exist if a divine being has predetermined everything or knows the outcome in advance.
Additionally, the existence of evil is seen as incompatible with an infinitely good deity, leading to the problem of theodicy.
In this context, reconciling a perfect God with the imperfections of the material world becomes a significant challenge.
This includes addressing the critique that the creation ex nihilo, or out of nothing, is considered metaphysically impossible, as it goes against the notion that something cannot come from nothing.
Process theology offers an alternative by rejecting the static concepts of traditional theism and instead positing a dynamic reality of 'actual entities' that are a collection of events. This mirrors the principles of process metaphysics, where reality is understood as a series of interconnected events characterized by causation and change, thus aligning more closely with scientific understanding.
The tension between naturalism and supernaturalism has become particularly pronounced in the modern period, as the scientific method and empirical research have challenged the traditional roles of divine explanations in understanding the natural world. Philosophy and theology continue to grapple with these issues in the quest to find coherence between these disciplines.
Conclusion
In summary, the debate on theology and metaphysics in relation to order and progress revolves around reconciling traditional theistic beliefs with philosophical challenges and the reality of progression in natural sciences. This discussion is a core part of both historical and contemporary philosophical inquiry.