Phil Hefner

Phil Hefner is a systematic theologian whose work focuses on the interaction of religion and science. Hefner developed the influential theory that humans are “created co-creators” to describe the religious implications of evolution. He presents this theory in his book, The Human Factor. According to Hefner, God created humans so that they themselves could assist in the process of creation. This co-creation is enabled through the “conditioning matrix” of evolution, the process by which creatures can develop new features and species. Hefner is also a leading figure in the paradigm of Religious Naturalism, which distances itself from aspects of traditional religion that seem anachronistic and morally dangerous. Religious Naturalism also believes that the religious aspects of the world can be appreciated in a naturalistic framework rather than relying on the supernatural. Hefner was instrumental in creating the Zygon Center for Religion and Science and edited its publication Zygon, a leading journal of science and religion, until 2008.