Twentieth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

The paper explores different epistemological aspects of the phenomenon of theology. It begins with the relation of theology to metaphysics and suggests that theology should be perceived as language. In this language, people communicate with one another about God. As a human word about God, theology is teachable and explorable in the academic setting. Its method is standard for humanities and different from science and social science. It can hardly be based on verifiable and measurable experiments, or on collecting sociological data, even though some theological disciplines, such as ecclesiology, are compatible with sociology. The academic rigor of theology is based on logic and history. The paper argues that the historical dimension is essential for theological studies. This dimension is indispensable for such theological disciplines as Dogmengeschichte, Patristics, and Ecclesiology. The historical approach, the author argues, is the best way to teach theology in universities. Theology can be non-confessional, and in this form, teachable in any cultural and religious context. The author suggests different methods of teaching theology in private confessional and public non-religious universities. He also differentiates didactic approaches for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. Finally, based on the analysis of theological methods, the author proposes some approaches to the dialogue between theology and science. Even though their methods and objects of study are different, the dialogue between them is possible. Clear differentiation between their methods and objects is a way to a successful dialogue.