[Yorick]

Originally posted by Eisenschwarz: quote: Originally posted by antryg: Thank you for your post Yorick. Since I have a Master of Theology degree it is rather bothersome to keep seeing people post about theology when they don't even know the basic definition much less how theological work is done. As an aside students of comparative theology can show, using observation techniques, logic and reason that "Science" can be a religion. It is usually described as a type 2 religion with and identifiable supreme entity (named either science/reason/logic). It has its own interperters of the religions tenets (scientist=priest). Salvation/completion comes through the supreme entity. It is faith based (ex. "All creation comes from the Big Bang." What was before the Big Bang? How did matter come from nothing? "Science will eventually find the answer.")

You’re trying to frame the question, What you describe is how some people treat science. We can make a religion out of anything, Government can become a religions, Communism and fascism etc

The basis of science is Pancritical thinking, and this can never be made absolute and it is especially valid where it can itself be subject to criticism. However, Theology is not a science since it is based on wholly dogmatic Principles, since it presupposes the Truth and authority of the word of god. You may describe theology as what you will but it does not involve scientific thought and it is based on Dogma.

Let me quote from a theologian: “As the Science of faith, it regards the statements of faith as its object, which it cannot of it’s own accord, either produce or do away with. It has rather to serve them by creating through methodical thought, a deeper understanding and a more lively personal appropriation of those statements of faith, which are RECEIVED BY THE CATHOLIC THEOLOGIAN FROM THE CHURCH. The Church in turn is consciously BOUND TO THE TWOFOLD BUT SINGLE WITNESS OF SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION... THEOLOGY PRESUPPOSES FAITH”

(Capitals mine, Note the extensive Dogma revealed therein, Dogmatic points may also be found amongst theologians from other Christian sects) Theology essentially reduces mans reason to an instrument which has to assimilate and reproduce dogma quite uncritically, for example as you can see above, The catholic theologian does not set out to find information or discover things, but rather becomes the puppet to the churches strings, he simply becomes something to try and justfiy their already held veiws.

Critical thought simply becomes something, which is formalized into an instrument to reach previously given aims i.e. intentional rationality. So all Theology does is simply try to develop a given presumption, It does not use the scientific method, insofar as it dogmatically accepts the presumption (the Truth and authority of God) as the absolute truth.[/QUOTE]No matter what you think, the English language disagrees with you. Theology, however much you may argue IS by definition a science. I posted the definition of science, and theology certainly fits it. Don't be trying to change the entire language just to fit it in your theology. You are wrong pure and simple.