How to Make Analytic Science-Engaged Theology an ASSET

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between analytic theology and science-engaged theology through a historical lens, connecting contemporary disagreements between analytic metaphysicians and philosophers of science to a disagreement about philosophical method between Carnap and Quine. After discussing philosophical issues of meaning and verification in early positivism, the paper goes on to suggest that the analytic-synthetic distinction underlying much work in analytic theology is difficult to maintain when engaging with empirical methods of knowledge production such as science. To move forward, then, analytic theologians who wish to pursue science-engaged theology need a constructive methodology that embraces a blurring of the analytic-synthetic distinction. A rough sketch of one such research program, analytic-synthetic science-engaged theology, is offered as a potential ASSET for systematic theologians who wish to engage with natural and human sciences.

The practice of science and religion integration: Evidence from an Indonesian Islamic school

“…In the era of Science-engaged Theology (SET), this research may provide a new interface being developed: the perspective of science teachers on the role of integration of the Islamic worldview and science, which discusses teachers' understanding and experience of "concepts," "patterns," and "benefits." On an international scale, the John Templeton Foundation has funded projects related to science and religion to a number of universities for this purpose in 2020 (Page, 2023). Of course, we realise that various typologies of connecting science and religion have hindered efforts to explore this, especially in Indonesia.…”

Science-Engaged Thomism

“…The similarity is also indicated by the fact that SET too has been compared to an analytic approach, namely, Analytic Theology; see Leidenhag (2023) and Page (2023). 4 Haldane (2004, p. xii) states that "analytical Thomism involves the bringing into mutual relationship of the styles and preoccupations of recent English-speaking philosophy and the ideas and concerns shared by St Thomas and his followers".…”