Scientia Fidei – Science or Life?

Abstract

A particular aspect of theological knowledge, which arises from the intellectual search based on faith, is the exceptionally favorable opportunity it provides to overcome the antimonies of science and life. After all, theology not only engages reason and faith but also the will and love. On this basis, scientia fidei (science of faith) claims to make sense of everything, meaning of wisdom, at the center of which can be found truth and life, which both accord with it. Moreover, any systematic reflection on faith should take place within specific context that is understood as its basic challenge. This does not mean that it is possible to evaluate or correct the faith according to so-called “life experience”, but rather that life can be ordered according to faith. In other words, any interest in human agere (act) should not lose sight of esse (being). From this point of view, science of faith should not only resolve the tension between rational knowing and mystery, but also protect against one-sidedness and superficiality through competent and particular knowledge that defines who man is and determines how he should act. A utilitarian approach to empirical science as well as contemporary philosophy, which does not consider wisdom and the question of truth, is incompetence in this regard.