Theology Science Research Articles

Theological Science in the Thought of Thomas F. Torrance: The Integration of Natural and Revealed Theology and Its Implications for Kataphysical Knowledge

In this article, the notion of “theological science” is examined in the thinking of Thomas F. Torrance (1913–2007), with particular attention paid to his synthesis of revealed and natural theology and its consequences for kataphysical knowledge—the comprehension of God via divine self-disclosure. Torrance redefines natural theology as the logical intra-structure that is crucial to theological reasoning, not as a separate field of study. Natural theology creates a full framework for comprehending divine revelation when combined with revealed theology. This research shows how Torrance’s technique reconciles human reason with God’s self-revelation, resulting in a coherent theological methodology. It analyses his reconstruction of natural theology within its proper intellectual and philosophical settings. The paper also discusses Torrance’s theological model’s applicability to Indian Christian contexts, contending that his integrated method provides an essential means of fostering a more profound theological comprehension in modern Indian churches. It becomes clear that pursuing kataphysical knowledge in the way that Torrance does is essential to promoting theological discourse and participation, especially in contexts that are pluralistic and diversified. As a result, this essay presents Torrance’s ideas as a vital addition to the current theological conversation and as a template for addressing the difficulties of faith and knowledge in a multicultural environment.

The Role Of Abu Mansur Al-Maturidi’s Teachers In His Development as A Scholar Of Theology

This article provides information about the teachers of Imam Maturidi, their contributions to the formation of theological science, and the development of his ideas.

A Plea to Thomists: Will the Real Darwinian Please Stand Up? On Some Recent Defenses of the Fifth Way

In this paper, we discuss with some contemporary Thomists the possibility of re-actualizing Thomas’s fifth way to God in the science–theology dialogue. We start with a reference to Spinoza’s critique of teleology in light of some recent Spinoza studies, and after summarizing several Thomistic defenses of Aquinas’s teleological argument, we interpret that critique as targeting the fifth way as well. We then focus on Darwin’s impact on biological design arguments. We argue that his naturalistic explanation of biological teleology also affects the fifth way. The distinction between internal-Aristotelian and external-Platonic conceptions of teleology does not seem to be able to protect the teleological argument from a Darwinian critique. We conclude by stressing the importance and fruitfulness of Thomas’s thought for contemporary interdisciplinary dialogue, provided that Darwin’s impact on the biological version of the fifth way is taken into due account.

Grounding Intelligibility, Safeguarding Mystery: A Neoclassical Reading of Ernan McMullin’s Legacy

This paper suggests a “neoclassical” reading of Ernan McMullin’s thought on science and theology. McMullin’s Augustinian convictions on God and the God–world relation coincide with those of some prominent scholars from two renowned schools of neo-scholastic philosophy of the twentieth century in Louvain and Milan. The school of Milan, thanks to the work of some disciples of its leading figure, Amato Masnovo, developed a neoclassical version of neo-scholasticism, articulating a fundamental theory of knowledge, as well as an essential, rigorous path to God. We recall the main tenets of a neoclassical path to God, and we interpret this path as a possible contribution to the science–theology dialogue, in line with McMullin’s Augustinism. A neoclassical approach to science and theology, with its rediscovery and reactualization of some ideas of classic philosophy in an interdisciplinary context, grounds the intelligibility of the universe and safeguards its mystery.

Justifying Roy Bhaskar’s “Alethic Truth” Through T. F. Torrance’s Theological Critical Realism

ABSTRACT Critical Realism (CR) as presented by Roy Bhaskar and T. F. Torrance is explored with the view to justify Bhaskar’s notion of “alethic truth” by utilising Torrance’s CR. The implications of Bhaskar’s CR for theological science will be highlighted, as compared to positivism, showing that positivist philosophy undermines theology as a science, whilst CR affirms theology as a scientific discipline. Such affirmation legitimates the possibility for a theological CR to substantiate Bhaskar’s alethic truth theory. The article will display that Torrance’s theological CR complements Bhaskar’s CR by evidencing Bhaskar’s alethic truth theory.

Book Review: A Christian Theology of Science by Paul Tyson

Book Review: <i>A Christian Theology of Science</i> by Paul Tyson

Akademisk og konfesjonell teologi

The article discusses a recent text by Mårten Björk about the relationship between academic and confessional theology. It seeks to problematize and nuance the historical narrative that supports Björk's arguments. In particular, the article focuses on Björk's reading of Friedrich Schleier­macher. It examines the development of scientific theology and the science of religion in the nineteenth century and shows how this was apologetically motivated. Lastly, it argues that the main challenge facing academic theology today is the task of developing a mediating position which cannot be reduced to the purely confessional or non-confessional.

THE SCIENCE OF SPEECH IN THE ISLAMIC EAST: NISHAPUR AS A MODEL OF THEOLOGICAL AND LINGUISTIC INNOVATION IN THE FOURTH CENTURY AH

This research provides a concise exploration of “Islamic theology” in Nishapur. The city’s profound impact on Islamic civilization has led it to be recognized as one of the three most influential cities of its time. That is why this study, aims to encompass all the cities, districts, and villages of Nishapur that contributed to the development and prominence of theology through the efforts of its scholars, educational institutions, and cultural centers. Following the Islamic conquest of Nishapur in the 31st year after Hijra (AH), during the time of Caliph Uthman bin Affan, the people of Nishapur embraced Islam peacefully. Subsequently, they actively engaged in scientific pursuits across various fields, including both Experimental and Religious Sciences. However, the share of Experimental sciences, particularly the science of theology, did not attain the same prominence as Religious sciences, i.e. those sciences that focused solely on Islamic jurisprudence. This disparity may be attributed to Nishapur’s, in deed all other Islamic countries at that time, intense emphasis on religious sciences, which often overshadowed other areas of inquiry. Notably, religious sciences, especially those related to the Qur’an and Sunnah, were regarded as the most sublime and beneficial among all disciplines. Nishapur, however, played a pivotal role in the development of Theology as a science. The city established specialized schools, like that of Abi Ishaq Al-Esfrayini (418 AH), which nurtured a community of scholars. These institutions became a sought-after destination for those seeking this unique form of knowledge. In this research, we delve into this aspect of Nishapur, employing a descriptive methodology and relying on analysis and deduction.Our investigation draws upon several key references and research works, including: • “Tabaqat Al-Fuqaha” by Abi Eshaq Al-Sirazi (476 AH) • “Ta’rifat” by Ali bin Muhammad Al-Jirjani (816 AH) • “Al-Ghuniah fi Usul Al-Din” by Abi Saeed Al-Nishapoury (478 AH) • “An Introduction to the Arabic Scientific Movements in the Islamic East” by Dr. Tariq Fathi Sultan and others

Theology of Science as an Intertextual Reading: The Bible, the Book of Nature, and Narrative Paradigm

The paper addresses the question of the identity of theology of science, fostering its interpretation as an intertextual narration. The starting point is the consideration of the domain of theology of science, which is viewed as a third domain of truth, according to Hans Urs von Balthasar. An analysis of the Swiss theologian’s perspective on this subject and the concept of God’s unknowability presents a strong counterargument to the claim that the natural sciences serve as a locus theologicus. Theology of science, nonetheless, exists and is engaged in a lively dialogue between science and theology, encompassing both the Revelation of God and the natural world or the Bible and the Book of Nature. What kind of discourse is this? This question concerns the position of theology of science within the field of science, specifically its objectivity and rigour, according to Evandro Agazzi’s analogical notion of science. Both the Bible and the Book of Nature ensure the objectivity of theology of science, while its rigour is established by the narrative paradigm. Therefore, theology of science can be seen as an intertextual narrative that engages both the Bible and the Book of Nature. The narrative paradigm of theology of science is subsequently elucidated, with particular emphasis on its cognitive aspects, narrative reasoning, the corresponding verification method, and Jewish corrective. The conclusion outlines a special task for theology of science in the modern age.

On the Contribution of Bishop Sofron Mudryi to the Development of Theological Education and Science of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

The purpose of the article is to highlight the personal contribution of Bishop Sofron the Wise to the formation and development of theological education and science institutions during the period of revival and active development of the structures of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in independent Ukraine. Research methodology: involves the use of the biographical method to reveal the main stages of the life of Bishop Sofron Mudryi, as well as the method of structural and functional analysis to describe the processes of formation of both individual institutions and the integral system of theological education and science of the UGCC in Ukraine. The scientific novelty is that, based on the analysis of the latest research by national historians, the significant role of Bishop Sofron Mudryi in the process of restoring and developing theological education institutions of the UGCC in Ivano-Frankivsk, in the process of establishing the synodal program of theological education of the UGCC, and in the formation of the human resources of the UGCC through the training of specialists in various fields of theological science in Ukraine and abroad is substantiated.

Christopher C. Knight: “Eastern Orthodoxy and the Science–Theology Dialogue”

Book review of Christopher C. Knight: “Eastern Orthodoxy and the Science–Theology Dialogue” by Doru Costache

Theology of science: Its collocation and critical role for understanding of limits of theological and scientific investigations

The paper presents a brief outline of Michał Heller’s programme of theology of science, with specific attention to its collocation and critical role with respect to both theology and science. The former consideration is based on a third domain of truths (Hans Urs von Balthasar), while the latter is inspired by Józef Tischner’s presentation of religious thinking. Theology of science as such will be described with reference to Larry Laudan’s approach, considered here as a very useful and pragmatic tool for the description of basic concepts of this theology.

Lelkigondozás és pasztorálpszichológia – átfedések és különbségek

Pastoral Care and Pastoral Psychology – Overlaps and Differences. Pastoral psychology suffers from a chronic identity crisis. It wants to be a theological science while at the same time meeting the criteria for the scientific practice of psychology. Is there a way to maintain this dual identity? Only if we assume that beliefs play an enormous role in understanding and modifying human experience and behaviour. Beliefs are assumptions about the meaning of reality. They have both psychological and theological aspects. Pastoral psychology examines how psychological explanations can be linked to the insights of the Christian faith in understanding and modifying the processes of interpreting reality. For pastoral care, it develops approaches and offers methods for helping people from the perspective of the Christian faith to evaluate themselves realistically, to shape their social relationships positively, and to relate constructively to events that affect their lives. Keywords: pastoral psychology, pastoral care, psychological needs, faith, beliefs, creditions, cognitive therapy, belief analysis

MUHAMMAD IBN ABDUL WAHHAB'S PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THE VERSES OF THE QUR'AN REGARDING THE SCIENCE OF THEOLOGY

Since monotheism is the foundation of this religion and from it the entire religion proceeds, it received great attention from the scholars, both early and late, so each one of them turned to what he was most inclined to and they made significant contributions, and schools in it multiplied, each trying a different approach according to what he saw fit in the place where he lived. In it, and according to the conditions and needs of reality, Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was not an innovator among these contributions, and his interest in the science of monotheism was to liberate and purify it from all impurities and suspicions, and he did not delve into philosophical dialogues and theological differences, and in order to shed light on his approach, the importance of this came. The research is related to studying the sayings of this liberal and reformist figure and explaining the extent to which his approach in the science of monotheism relates to the science of theology. In writing this research, the researchers followed the inductive approach through the writings of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and the analytical method to explain his ideas and opinions regarding theology and theological schools in the science of monotheism.

The use of religious resources in helping victims of workplace mobbing.

Research shows that in providing assistance to individuals who have experienced psychological traumas, it is beneficial not only to take into account the specific religious spiritual needs but also to employ religious resources. Although the role of religious counsellors using various psychological theories in helping to cope with traumatising experiences is acknowledged, there is still a lack of a conceptualising approach to the possibilities of employing religious resources used in Christian spiritual assistance, seeking to help cope with the effects of workplace mobbing. Therefore, this study aims to conceptualise the perspective of integrating Christian spiritual assistance resources in overcoming the individual consequences of workplace mobbing. This review is based on an interdisciplinary approach and abundant literature of psychology, psychotherapy and theology sciences. The article details the main physical, psychological and social aspects of damage to the person, caused by mobbing, which provide for a corresponding triple assistance perspective. After highlighting the essential resources provided by the Christian religion for coping with traumatic experiences, the necessity to consider the religious needs of the victims of mobbing is reasoned and the possibilities of using religious spiritual resources are discussed. In the context of helping victims of mobbing, two main functions of Christian spiritual assistance are distinguished and discussed: auxiliary and main. The results of this review are a useful resource for lay and religious counsellors and encourage their collaboration. The research findings also provide a basis for further research on the use of religious resources in the context of helping victims of mobbing.

Response to Reviews of A Christian Theology of Science

Response to Reviews of <i>A Christian Theology of Science</i>

A Christian Theology of Science?

A Christian Theology of Science?

Alister E. McGrath and China: Toward a Chinese theology and science on transhumanism for the third millennium

AbstractIn the past three decades, Alister E. McGrath's popularity has been constantly on the rise in China. More than 20 of his books have been translated into Chinese. To the Chinese intellectual mind, the most fascinating among McGrath's works are his writings on theology and science. This is not surprising due to China's ambitions to achieve scientific and technological dominance by boosting creativity. However, such a daunting task faces insurmountable difficulties due to a prevailing lack of innovation, which might contribute to the rising interest in McGrath's work on science and theology. Due to the dominant political ideology in China, theology is by and large put aside, if not marginalized. This essay suggests that the wide‐scale reception of McGrath's works by Chinese academia and churches not only opens a door for the public square to change their attitude toward Christian theology, but also challenges Chinese theology to contextualize McGrath's scientific theology on Chinese soil and to engage Chinese worldview with its pragmatic epistemology. This paper seeks to adapt McGrath's scientific theology on the topic of transhumanism, which has received increasing scholarly attention from the perspective of traditional Chinese philosophies and religions, such as Confucianism and Daoism. Unfortunately, Chinese theology has largely failed to grasp the opportunity to offer any significant constructive proposal to this interdisciplinary discussion. This paper argues that a Chinese theology of science built on a sympathetic and critical engagement with McGrath's scientific theology has a rich potential to dialogue with modern sciences and traditional Chinese philosophies and religions on transhumanism. Such constructive theology not only serves as a conversation partner, but also provides a theological critique to the prevalent scientism and humanism in China.

Renewing the Science of Theology in the Indian Subcontinent: Shibli An-Nu'mani as a Model

This study sheds light on the renewal of the science of theology in the Indian subcontinent, with Shibli An-Nu'mani as a model. The study begins by defining the science of theology and then explores the meaning of renewing the science of theology and its understanding and essence among Muslims. It further presents the emergence of the renewal of the science of theology and its manifestations in the Islamic world among Indians, Persians, Turks, and Arabs. The study also highlights the need for renewing the science of theology in modern times and how scientific developments, new discoveries, and modern materialistic philosophies have contributed to its renewal. Then the study presented Shibli An-Nu'mani’s views on renewing the science of theology. It started by discussing his perspective on modern sciences and their relation to religion. It then demonstrated how he approached traditional topics such as divinity, prophecy, reward, and punishment, employing new methods and a modern outlook that contributed to the renewal of the science of theology and its utilization in responding to modern doubts. The study also explored the modern subjects addressed by Shibli An-Nu'mani, such as human rights, women's rights, the issue of equality, progress, and development in Islam, and how he incorporated these topics into the new science of theology. The study has reached a set of results, the most important of which are: the idea of renewing the science of theology emerged among some scholars to dispel doubts about Islam, and Shibli An-Nu'mani was the first to use the term "renewal of the science of theology". He employed this renewal to strengthen the Muslims' beliefs, defend their religion, and respond to the doubts raised by atheists and opponents of Islam in a scientific manner, relying on scientific evidence.

So what are we really talking about? A Corpus Linguistic Analysis of Keywords and Collocations in the »Theologische Quartalsschrift«

This article presents a corpus linguistic analysis of the »Theologische Quartalsschrift«, a German journal on theology. The research identifies topics discussed in Catholic Theology by analyzing 81 volumes from 1925 to 2006 (excluding 1945). By filtering the corpus and focusing on nouns, frequent terms are identified, offering insights into central subjects.The study enhances understanding of German Catholic Theology, providing transparency and objective insights in order to provide a clear explanation of Catholic Theology to outsiders, even in secularized contexts.To insiders, this approach enables the discovery of blind spots and fosters discourse in scientific theology by making discussions explicit.Overall, it demonstrates the usefulness of corpus linguistics in studying theological discourse and sheds light on the topics theologians engage with. The analysis contributes to a more informed and constructive dialogue within the field.