Faith and science – opposition or synergy

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleВярата и науката – противопоставяне или синергия
3. Language term Bulgarian
4. lemma author Nachev, Ivaylo
5. lemma category Complementarity
6. Publication date 13-4-2017
7. lemma work Ваташки, Атанас [Author]. Faith and science – opposition or synergy
8. lemma manifestations Задругата
9. Keywords Metallinos, (Protopresbyter) Georgios - scientism - fideism
10. Url Click Here
11. Lemma body

    1. The text represents a general discussion on the interplay between faith and science supporting the idea of their complementary character. The author, who writes from an Orthodox point of view shares the opinion that faith and science are related with different spheres of life but there is interaction between them. The text elaborates on the essence of faith and science and sketches some mechanisms of interplay.

       The interpretation of the meaning of faith is based on elaboration of Biblical passages and authors such as St. Gregory Palamas and St. Simeon the New Theologian. In critical fashion are examined theories propagandizing the exclusive reliance on just faith or just reason such as fideism and its opposite learning in the face of scientism.

       The part on the science focuses on the natural sciences. Discussing various theories of sciences, the author pointed at limitations regarding the results even in pure science. Moreover, a certain type of faith is prerequisite in clarifying yet uncharted fields. At the same time science is confined to the observable and the objective and cannot go beyond these limits and take a stance on questions such as the Divine energies or existence of God. So, it is neutral to worldview questions, according to the author.      

       As faith and science have different subjects and goals there cannot be clash between them, Vatashki argues, adding that they complement each other and society needs the synergy between the two spheres. Specific for the Orthodox approach to synergy is that it is an inner process which is guided by the ecclesiastical. The Orthodox view on synergy is also interpreted in the context of the theology of protopresbyter Georgios Metallinos, highlighting among others the idea for the experimental character of the Orthodox theology. The authors also cited in detail and analyzed the position of the Council of the Orthodox Church held in Crete in 2016 on the relation between Christian faith and the natural sciences.

       According to the author, while firmly standing on their moral and ethical principles, the Orthodox Christians should be “more flexible and open” toward science. However, genuine synergy can be achieved when believers and scientists are united by same principles and values.