Schillebeeckx on Theology and the Sciences: Beyond Opposition

This paper will first discuss the relation between science and theology, in partuclar regarding the study of religion. Although Schillebeeckx did not develop a systematic perspective on this relation, I believe his work nonetheless to be relevant in this regard. It will become apparent that Schillebeeckx argued for a dialogue with theology, maintaining that theology itself is a science. The second part of this paper will explore some aspects of the notion of 'experience', both from an evolutionary perspective and from the perspective of Schillebeeckx's theology. Without claiming to offer an exhaustive account of 'experience', neither in Schillebeeckx's theology, or in evolutionary science, this exploration will make the differences between both perspectives clear. The third part of the paper will suggest that evolutionary explanations have to be put in a historical perspective, called 'deep history'. This allows us to look beyond the details and see the bigger patterns in our species' evolutionary history. It becomes clear that our evolutionary history shows the emergence of critical abilities in our species, paralleling Schillebeeckx's view on experience. this exploration will enable us to criticize evolutionary studies of religion as 'retro-reductionist' and therefore uncapable of adequately grasping the complex reality of religion.status: publishe