A proper theology of creation presupposes an encounter with the natural order. Throughout most of Christian history, this presupposition did not warrant much attention. Most people in Christendom lived their lives in close contact with creation, and those that did not were never far removed. Such a situation can no longer be taken for granted. The increasing presence and predominance of technology in modern civilization (what Pope Francis has called the “technocratic paradigm”) has insulated man from nature, both physically and mentally, thus inhibiting a robust theology of creation due to a lack of experiential contact with nature. Three 20th century thinkers recognized this progressive insulation: Martin Heidegger, Romano Guardini, and Joseph Ratzinger. Their work identified the potential pitfalls of an overly technological worldview. The solution to these pitfalls begins with a return to the philosophy of realism and an emphasis on encountering God in His creation. John Senior, best known for his work in the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas during the 1970’s, embodied these principles in his teaching style. His realist pedagogy provides a powerful antidote to technocracy and paves the way for a renewed encounter with God in the modern world
