Lea Schweitz

This paper examines G.W. Leibniz’s (1646–1716) understanding of the natural order in light of his commitments to the uniqueness of human life. Leibniz faces a challenge because he wishes to affirm a view of nature that is both subject to the law of continuity and at the same time is replete with real species. First, the paper discusses Leibniz’s philosophical anthropology in terms of natural machines and divine mirrors. These views evidence the challenge to the principle of continuity and add the challenge of miraculous intervention by God. Then, the paper re-interprets Leibniz’s view of nature by emphasizing the sacramental structure revealed in the interplay of the infinite and the finite. From the context of this reinterpreted view of nature, I argue that Leibniz gains conceptual resources for addressing these challenges and maintaining a view of human life as both a natural machine and a divine mirror.

We recommend that the future of religion and science involve more partnerships between scholars, amateurs, and artists. This reimagines an underdeveloped aspect of the history of religion and science. Case studies of an undergraduate course examining religious ritual and technology, seminarians reflecting on memory and identity in light of Alzheimer's disease, environmentalists responding to their guilt and shame about climate change, and Chicagoans recognizing the presence of nature in the city show how these partnerships respect insights and experiences of our varied partners, identify and resolve community problems, and advance scholarship. Sourdough starter, a new metaphor, describes these collaborative, nourishing partnerships