Science-Engaged Approach to Origins and Theodicy: Old Questions, New Horizons

Dear Colleagues,

What were the origins of life and of the human species? Did they require a direct divine intervention? Or maybe natural conditions and causes were sufficient for these major transitions in the history and evolution of the universe to occur? Was the created order always accompanied by the possibility or even inevitability of natural (physical) evil? And what about the experience of suffering, pain, and evil of human beings – in the face of the Christian conviction about the infinite goodness and power of God the Creator?

Answers to these questions have always sought to follow and welcome insights from various disciplines of human knowledge. However, with the increasing importance and growing challenges coming from empirical sciences, and evolutionary theories in particular, theological reflections on the origins and theodicy seem to have retreated to a more cautious and reserved position. One might argue they approach contemporary science from a secure, more metaphysical point of view. Sometimes they may even be at danger of holding too tightly to overly dogmatic philosophical-theological presuppositions and conclusions, regardless of both inspirations and difficulties raised by the contemporary scientific view of the reality.

This special issue titled “Science-Engaged Approach to Origins and Theodicy: Old Questions, New Horizons” seeks to encourage authors to make a more direct use of scientific knowledge in addressing some of the old and new questions concerning the origins and theodicy. This implies the use of scientific knowledge as an auxiliary tool that can contribute to a better understanding of certain theological topics. Can evolutionary anthropology help us to understand better the original state of first humans? Should population genetics have a decisive impact on mono- versus -polygenism debate? Can evolutionary medical understanding of pain be helpful in addressing the topic of pain in theodicy? Can psychological insights on suffering be of help when we think about suffering of humans? How can we use insights from cognitive science in the study of our behavior and moral development?

Following in the footsteps of the emerging science-engaged theology initiative, we are trying to move away from the popular methodology applied in science/theology dialogue, where philosophical-theological discourse is developed in parallel to science, with rather unique and rare cases of a true intersection. A par excellence example of what we have in mind is St. Thomas Aquinas, who integrated into his reflection the scientific knowledge of his time, thinking about theology a as supervisor who cares and reflects on the content and direction of all divisions of knowledge, for the good of humankind and its relationship with God.

All contributions that seek to reflect on various aspects of origins and theodicy in more direct reference to scientific knowledge are welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Piotr Roszak
Dr. Saša Horvat
Dr. Mariusz Tabaczek
Guest Editors

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• theodicy
• evolution
• creation
• original justice
• original sin
• theological anthropology
• polygenism