Promoting the Science : Theology Dialogue

Abstract

Those working in any academic discipline make extensive use of methods and findings found in other subjects. Interdisciplinary research is now the norm, not the exception. We find, therefore, scientists articulating their theories quantitatively by borrowing mathematical concepts and historians delving into works of literature to get a glimpse of what life was like in the past. Though interdisciplinary research has helped deepen knowledge and understanding, it can occasionally hamper theoretical inquiry ifpursued blindly and uncritically. Despite the common mischaracterization of Christian theology as being an insular discipline unaffected by the theoretical breakthroughs brought by science and history, it too has benefited greatly by incorporating what other disciplines have managed to establish. Theology has, for instance, appealed to philosophical concepts and arguments to help buttress its faith in God, providence, and the afterlife. But theology’s rapport with other subjects can occasionally become counterproductive, resulting in intellectual quagmires and dead-ends. This is particularly true of its relationship with science. Although science can in principle aid theological inquiry, the relationship between the two disciplines can go astray when theology proceeds in very particular ways. The purpose of this present study is to examine how theology shouldn’t relate to science so that a more fruitful and collaborative relationship is possible.