The distinction between philosophical theology and philosophy of religion is examined in relation to the role of faith commitments in each, and the notion of doctrinal statements as ‘truth claims’ is examined in terms whether ‘natural theology’ can legitimately be pursued. It is argued that the praeambula fidei version of this pursuit is illegitimate, partly because of the way in which ‘design’ arguments have often been overturned and partly because of the kinds of theological considerations put forward by Thomas Torrance and Alister McGrath. The relevance of Thomas Kuhn’s understanding of the scientific enterprise is also noted, especially in relation to his notion of paradigms.

In humans, creativity or innovation (researchers draw a distinction, but for our purposes the two terms will be used interchangeably) is often defined as the ability to create things that are both novel and appropriate (Sternberg, Kaufman, & Pretz, 2002). A dress can be beautifully designed and crafted, but if it isn’t task appropriate – for example, if it can’t be worn – many researchers would not call it creative.In animals, the same “novel and appropriate” standard can be used, but the terms take on very different meaning, in many cases playing directly into the survival of an individual or a species.Of all species, marine mammals are especially noted for their intelligence and innovation in both the wild and under human care, and their innovative abilities in a variety of situations will be briefly reviewed here.Subsequently, a novel way of measurement of these abilities based on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, a common test of creativity used in humans, will be presented.