The Hypothesis of God and the Perspective of the Participants. Historical and Current Debates on the Scientific Status of Theology

Abstract

In the ongoing debates surrounding the status of theology at public universities, there is a frequent challenge to the scientific character of theology. In particular, the existence of its constitutive object, God, is not sufficiently certain, some argue. Theology addresses this issue in a variety of ways. While hermeneutic theology strives to illustrate the significance of statements of faith, analytic theology is focused on ensuring their rational coherence. In their distinct endeavours to adopt a scientific approach, both methodologies maintain the boundary to religious studies by analysing the Christian faith from the perspective of the participants. This article espouses this approach and considers it a viable foundation for viewing theology as a science. If its underlying assumptions are made explicit, theology can make a significant contribution to transdisciplinary dialogue at the university.