Original Research

Theology: Still a queen of science in the post-modern era

Erna Oliver
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi | Vol 50, No 1 | a2064 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v50i1.2064 | © 2016 Erna Oliver | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 November 2015 | Published: 29 August 2016

About the author(s)

Erna Oliver, Department of Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology, University of South Africa, South Africa

Abstract

Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the queen of science’ although the knowledge-driven network society does not seem to be in agreement. By using the tools provided by the fourth revolution in the development of society, theology can, as part of the academic world of higher education that is supposed to lead society, strengthen ties with the past, seek explanations and solutions to current problems and produce guidelines for future investigation through multi- and interdisciplinary discourse. Theology can and should influence people to become positive change agents, re-shape the way in which the message of salvation is brought to the world in order to stay relevant in changing circumstances and be on the forefront of progressive transformation in society. This should be achieved through constant dialogue with other academic disciplines, the Church as institution and with society in general.


Keywords

History of Theology; Development of Universities; Multi- and interdisciplinary discourse; Scientific Theology

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