The Openness of Being: Natural Theology Today | The 1970 Gifford Lectures

by E.L. Mascall, Dr. Euan Grant (Foreword)

In this important follow-up to E.L. Mascall’s seminal contributions to classical theism, He Who Is and Existence and Analogy , Mascall argues that the contingent world known in our experience, at its metaphysical root, manifests God. He proceeds, in this work of natural theology, to insist that we must adopt a cosmological theist understanding of reality and realist epistemology if we hope to make sense of perception. Through careful readings of classic Christian texts and in conversation with continental and analytic philosophers, we are led to consider numerous reasons why we should accept that all things are contingent on God, and, because of this contingency, finite being is open to creative power that elevates and transforms it. This openness of being means that there is a natural basis for grace and also for the incarnation.

The foremost Anglo-Catholic theologian of the Twentieth Century, E.L. Mascall engaged with the Fathers, Scholastics, Eastern, Roman, and Anglican theologians with sympathy and understanding. His irenic approach, and discerning judgement, are on display in this volume as he converses with reflexive philosophers, phenomenologists, Christian existentialists, Transcendental Thomists, and like-minded Anglicans, such as Austin Farrer. The Openness of Being surveys a wide-array of philosophical theology with Mascall’s characteristic commitment to clarity and Christian orthodoxy evident throughout.

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2022

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interactions with obscure contemporaries can make certain sections feel a little boggy, but given that this is a series of lectures given at a specific time in history, it’s hard to use that as a criticism. Mascall is lucid and humorous in equal measure. I look forward to exploring his work more.

[Liam Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. L. Mascall offers a brilliant take on Natural Theology! As staying true to Anglo-Catholic thought, Mascall reads Aquinas with the eyes of the Protestant tradition

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A God beyond all time can be be present to and within time in a Godlike way.