The unchanged relationship of theology and science

Abstract

This epistemological contribution mainly points up invariants in the relationship of theology and science:

• The relationship is not symmetrical. A diversity of theologies confronts the unity of scientific progress. Although the belief in one reality has led to attempts at integration and dialogue, the questions and answers keep varying. The very question of the relationship itself remains a theological one. The answers to this question vary in dependence upon a number of central (philosophical and theological) concepts and their relations.

• There is the particular question: Has recent scientific knowledge drastically changed this relationship and led to new demarcations? Some of the central concepts and relations have indeed undergone changes. Yet, rather than leading to a revolution in this relationship, scientific knowledge has, above all, rendered certain formulations of theological assertions untenable.

• Many people have claimed that modem scientific theories imply novel demarcations or closer ties. Examples show that (philosophically) such claims are virtually indefensible.