The Future of Theology at Public Universities

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Abstract

In the recent past, we have seen a parting of the ways of the theological discipline and public universities in many places throughout Western Europe. In this article, firstly, some backgrounds of this development are briefly explored, taking the situation in the Netherlands as an example. Secondly, it is argued that from a Christian – and especially a Reformed – theological point of view that this development is suboptimal and should be regretted. Thirdly, two lines of argument for retaining a place for theology at public and largely secular contemporary universities are investigated: the first one, which attempts to align theology to the natural sciences, is found wanting; the second one, which situates theology in the realm of the humanities, is argued to be largely convincing. Following this finding, a case study was offered of how a theological faculty or department could be (re)structured in such a way that – without turning it into an allegedly ‘neutral’ religious studies department – it continues to occupy a viable place within contemporary public universities. It is argued that theological faculties might have to open up to a variety of religious perspectives (rather than hosting just one religious tradition) both for epistemic and political reasons. Finally, a brief suggestion was made as to how such a development might be justified from a Reformed theological perspective.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbera2583
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalIn die Skriflig
Volume54
Issue number2
Early online date15 Jun 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020

Keywords

  • Academic theology; Humanities; Natural sciences; Philosophy of science; Religious pluralism; Public university; Rationality; Theology and science; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

VU Research Profile

  • Connected World

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