Is Theology a Science? - (Studies in Systematic Theology) by David Munchin (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book analyses whether the scientific epistemology of Torrance's Theological Science project is robust enough to withstand the anarchic and distinctively post-modern challenge of Paul Feyerabend: 'The worst enemy of science'.

Book Synopsis

When Barth and Scholz clashed over the scientific status of theology, Barth drew the conclusion that if natural science was to be drawn up in such positivistic terms, theology had much to lose and little to gain by engagement with it. A generation later Barth's translator and pupil Thomas Torrance maintained that science had changed enough to make an engagement more fruitful. In works such as Theological Science, Torrance sketched out the contours of such and engagement. However at the same time the anarchic philosopher of science, Paul Feyerabend, in books such as Against Method, sought to deconstruct any notion of 'science' as ultimately the protection of vested interests. This book analyses whether Torrance's notion of science can withstand this newer post-modern threat.

Review Quotes

If you were to take two eminent scholars - an Austrian born philosopher and a Scottish theologian - and put them in a room to debate the nature of science, you might get a glimpse into the riches to be found in David Munchin's fascinating book. We are taken directly to the heart of some of the most important debates of the twentieth century, as Paul Feyerabend and Thomas Torrance critique each other's ideas. The book makes a significant contribution to the continuing debate about philosophy, theology and science. - Rt Rev'd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans.

A fresh look at a neglected historical question. Thomas Torrance's ambition that theology should be a 'science' has been much discussed, but David Munchin detects a potential exposed flank. Torrance expended much effort in defending Systematic Theology against the charges of a positivist view of science; but how will he fare under the anarchic attacks of Paul Feyerabend, who famously found science itself problematic when it comes to its much-vaunted claims for objectivity and rationality? In a time when advocates of science are once more challenging religious belief and theological claims, the insights of Munchin's book are topical, insightful, and challenging. - Prof Gwen Griffith-Dickson, King's College University of London.

Anyone interested in the question, can Christian theology contribute to the search for truth in our post-modern context?, needs to read this book. Placing Thomas Torrance and Paul Feyerabend in critical dialogue over the question, Is theology a science?, David Munchin creates an insightful work that takes the reader on an ever expanding journey into the big questions of life. By examining the work of these two philosophers of science, Munchin continues the ongoing exploration of the relationship between theology and natural science. This book presents a clear argument that Torrance's approach (even with its weaknesses) enables theology to engage sharply and critically with the current philosophical and scientific trends that attempt to sideline theological discourse in the search for truth. The book is a specialist tome that is at times a challenging read, but it is just as often elegant and compelling. - The Revd Canon Dr Dennis Stamps, University of Chichester.

This is a carefully argued text that helpfully sets into relief the few similarities and many differences between the thinking of Feyerabend and Torrance. [...] This is a book that certainly will stimulate readers to think more rigorously about science and theology today. - Paul D. Molnar, St John's University, Queens, NY, USA.

About the Author

David Munchin, Ph.D. (2009) in Theology, Heythrop College, London University is an Anglican priest and Rector the of Welwyn Team ministry in the Diocese of St. Albans. After studying mathematics at Imperial College London, he read theology at Oxford and London Universities.