Science and Theology: insictions and incompatibilities

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleΦυσικές Επιστήμες και Θεολογία: τομές και ασυμβατότητες
3. Language term Greek, Modern (1453-)
4. lemma author Katsiampoura, Gianna
5. lemma category Concepts of knowledge and modes of reasoning
6. Publication date 09-11-2017
7. lemma work Παναγιωτόπουλος, Πέτρος Α. [Author]. Science and Theology: insictions and incompatibilities
8. lemma manifestations Science and Theology: insictions and incompatibilities
9. Keywords
   1. Natural sciences
   2. world creation
10. Keywords Natural sciences - natural theology
11. Citations
    1. <p>Panagiotopoulos, Petros A., Φυσικές Επιστήμες και Θεολογία: τομές και ασυμβατότητες (Science and Theology: insictions and incompatibilities), PhD. Thesis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 2017 </p>
12. Lemma body

    1. Petros Panagiotopoulos attempts a broad approach to the relations between Orthodox Theology and Science. The aspects of these relationships are recorded and specific key phases of their evolution are identified. He shows the points of divergence and the context in which dialogue can be developed between them. In this perspective, the outline of the scientific function is given in its central lines and its basic dimensions. Its philosophical references and social applications are also examined, as well as the corresponding theological attitudes. In particular, he tries to describe the basic principles of scientific thought in its development, the process of replacing religious from scientific interpretations in various areas of our knowledge, the question of objectiveness, the importance of the consistency of scientific theories, the position of scientific Certainty in human life, the consequences of specialization in disciplines of the scientist, as well as the crucial role played by observation, experimentation and the theoretical scientific development.

       Special mention is devoted to the pursuit of sustained progress, its effects on scientific effort, the mentality that accompanies it and the corresponding theological thought. The writer also examines the separate spirituality, not absolutely necessary at all, that in some aspects governs the scientific processes. In Panagiotopoulos' opinion, on the other hand, familiarity with modern ways of developing knowledge is pastorally necessary, since reasons of elementary pastoral responsibility force the theological reason to abandon those hired performers that have become outdated by the new knowledge that has emerged. Since the ultimate goal is the ministry (and ultimately the salvation) of the human person, it is a duty of theological and ecclesiastical care to seek the easiest ways in which it will serve its purposes. This search certainly includes both a sincere dialogue with modern forms of scientific thought and access to those methods of the present that will help to achieve these goals.

       Besides, according to Panagiotopoulos, the pastoral responsibility of the ecclesiastical discourse does not allow - especially nowadays - to define some areas of thought as forbidden or to eradicate the even misconceptions of some conceived fellow human beings. The authentic theological discourse does neither exhibit phobic reflections nor is it bothered by the philosophical mood of any origin. The recruitment of scientific questions by the theological and ecclesiastical authorities responsible for the pastoral work must be done with caution and responsibility, and oversimplification or rough and superficial recruitment should not prevail. In addition, information and training of clergy in such matters are nowadays essential.