Theology as Science

René Roux

doi:10.15290/rtk.2024.23.05

Published: 2024-12-281

Vol. 23 (2024)

Theology as Science

René Roux

Rocznik Teologii Katolickiej

Section: DOGMATIC THEOLOGY

https://doi.org/10.15290/rtk.2024.23.05

Abstract

The article explores how theology functions within the scientific context. It begins by noting that Christian theology differs from the theology of other religions, as well as among its own branches, such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Theology, viewed as a systematic study of Christian revela- tion, has a long history dating back to the 2nd century AD and was regarded as a science for many centuries. Currently, questions arise about its place in the academic environment and its adherence to scientific criteria. The article sug- gests that theology must justify its value both internally, in terms of research and teaching, and externally, in relation to other fields. Critics point out dif- ferences in theological methods of knowledge acquisition and challenges in adapting to scientific discoveries. Various theological approaches are discussed, ranging from Origen to contemporary thinkers who emphasize the importance of critical and systematic methodologies in theology. The concluding section reflects on the potential role of theology as a science, highlighting its potential for critical analysis of ideological and scientific narratives.

Keywords:

theology, science, doctrine, studies, method, history of theology

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Roux, R. (2024). Theology as Science. Rocznik Teologii Katolickiej, 23, 64–78. https://doi.org/10.15290/rtk.2024.23.05

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René Roux

rettorato.ftl@usi.ch
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3041-0154

Affiliation:

Faculty of Theology in Lugano Switzerland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

ROUX RENÉ, Professor Ordinarius of Ancient Church History and Patrology. Dean of the Faculty of Theology in Lugano. After complet- ing his studies in philosophy and theology and being ordained a priest in 1991 for the Diocese of Aosta, he specialized in patristic theology and oriental studies in Rome, Oxford, and Paris. Between 2000 and 2003, he taught patrology and dogmatics at the Saint Anselm Theo- logical Institute in Aosta. Following teaching stints in Rome, Africa, India, and Germany, he assumed the chair of Ancient Church History, Patrology, and Eastern Church Studies at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Erfurt in 2010, where he became Vice Dean and later Dean of Studies in 2012. He also served on the Research and Teaching Committees of the same university. In 2014, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Theology in Lugano, and two years later, he was elected President of the Association of Accredited Private Universities in Swit- zerland (AAPU). In 2019, he became a member of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference Commission for Theology and Ecumenism. His main areas of research include the history of Christological doctrines in the Greek and Syriac context, the history of theological hermeneutics, and the theology of religions.