Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 235

CHAPTER V THEOLOGY LN THE § 54.

OKGAISTISM OP SCIENCE

Is there a Place for Theology in the Organism of

Science ?

The

raising of this question intends no coquetry what-

ever with much-boasted "science."

The theologian who,

depressed by the small measure of respect cherished at present by public opinion for theological study, seeks favor

with public opinion by loudly proclaiming that what he studies

is

honorable strated

science

name

that

of

too,

forfeits

thereby his right to the

Suppose it were demonno science, but that, like the

theologian.

Theology

is

study of music, it is called to enrich our spiritual life, and the consciousness of that life, in an entirel}^ different

what would this detract from its importance? Does Mozart rank lower than Edison, because he did not work enchantments, like Edison, with the data of the exact sciences? The oft-repeated attempt to exclude Theology from the company of the sciences, and to coordinate it, as something mystical, rather with the world of sounds, was in itself entirely praiseworthy, and has commanded more respect from public opinion in general than the scholastic distinctions. If thus it should be shown that Theology has no place in the organism of science, it would not lower it in the least, even as, on the other hand. Theology would gain no merit whatever from the fact (if it be proved) that it has its rank among the sciences. In no case may Theology begin with renouncing its own self-respect. And those theologians who are evidently guilty of this, and who, beingmore or less ashamed of Theology, have tried, by borrowing the scientific brevet, to put it forth in ncAv forms, have been punished for their cowardice. For the non-theological science wa}^,

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