Leidenhag, J. orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-7032 (2024) Science-Engaged Theology. St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology. ISSN 2753-3492
Abstract
Over the last seventy years, the field of science-and-religion has become an interdisciplinary area of study, concerned with the relationship between the natural and psychological sciences and religious faith. Within science-and-religion, scientific and theological research have sometimes been viewed as opposing or competing routes to knowledge. More frequently, science and theology have been viewed as compatible, but entirely separate, enterprises. Science-engaged theology rejects both of these options and suggests a third way. Science-engaged theology affirms the idea that the study of God (theology) must include the study of God’s creation, as conducted by the natural and human sciences. In this way, science-engaged theology is one scholarly response to the biblical incitement to ‘ask the beasts, and they shall teach you’ (Job 12:7–10), or the Psalmist’s testimony that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’ (Ps 19:1).
Unlike science-and-religion, science-engaged theology does not seek to become institutionalized into a new area of study or special interest group. Nor does science-engaged theology claim to be a school of thought localized to the pre-existing community of science-and-religion scholars. Instead, science-engaged theology encourages all theologians, across the many traditions and institutional communities of theology, to use scientific research to aid their work when appropriate. Although science-engaged theology applies to any faith and wisdom tradition, this entry focuses on Christianity (for a discussion of science-engaged theology in Judaism, see Samuelson 2023).
Section one outlines the definitions and intellectual contexts of science-engaged theology. Section two provides examples of science-engaged theology in relationship to the life of a believer. The longest section, section three, outlines five objections to science-engaged theology and offers possible responses to these objections. This results, in section four, with a recommendation for two avenues for future development. The conclusion highlights the main points readers should take away from each section.Unlike Science and Religion, science-engaged theology does not seek to become institutionalized into a new area of study or special interest group. Nor does science-engaged theology claim to be a school of thought localized to the pre-existing community of Science and Religion scholars. Instead, science-engaged theology encourages all theologians, across the many traditions and institutional communities of theology, to use scientific research to aid their work when appropriate. Although science-engaged theology applies to any faith and wisdom tradition, this entry focuses on Christianity (for a discussion of science-engaged theology in Judaism see, Samuelson 2023). Section one outlines the definitions and intellectual contexts of science-engaged theology. Section two provides examples of science-engaged theology in relationship to the life of a believer. The longest section, section three, outlines five objections to science-engaged theology and offers possible responses to these objections. This results, in section four, with a recommendation for two avenues for future development. The conclusion highlights the main points that I want readers to take away from each section.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Joanna Leidenhag. This is an open access article under the terms of the [relevant license, e.g. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (CC BY-NC). |
Keywords: | Science, Christian theology, Methodology, Knowledge, Research, Belief, Theology and science |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number John Templeton Foundation (US) 62624 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 01 Jul 2024 12:14 |
Last Modified: | 07 Aug 2024 14:12 |
Published Version: | https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/ScienceEngaged... |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | University of St Andrews |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:213947 |