Theology & Philosophy
Via Hans Iwand, “Wie studiere ich Philosophie” (How to study philosophy?) in Um den rechten Glauben, p. 173-182
Theology and philosophy must be in constant dialogue for ‘theology is the confident companion of the human being in his quest for the meaning of the last things, encouraging him not to delude himself and not to fall victim to scepticism,’ (p.177) Theology must find answers to these questions, answers which are found beyond all philosophical understanding, as the word of God precedes all human knowledge. The word of God is ‘the axiom of theology which it can never lose without giving itself up (p.177). There is no doubt that the philosophies of the ancient world underwent a strange transformation and resurrection through theology. Philosophy was saved by theology from falling into oblivion as a consequence of the scepticism into which it had plunged after the destruction of the antique world. (p.177). If theology ever rejects serious dialogue with philosophical perceptions, as has happened in the history of theology, science is in danger of falling into a disastrous ‘ignoramus et ignorabimus’ of great consequence (p.178). The result is a ‘reversed dogmatism.’ Born from despair, it makes itself ‘the judge and avenger of the church and theology’ (p.178).