Science and Theology: From a Medical Perspective
Science and theology are among the most powerful forces shaping human cu lture . Each , in its own way , is a source of meanings and morals. Each offers a theory of the Cosmos and humanity, of their origins, and of the way they relate to each other. Each does so, however , from different perspectives. Science sees homo sapiens as only one among the many species inhabiting the earth. Theology sees humanity as a unique creation of God, so unique that God's very Self, for a time, assumed human nature. Between those perspectives there is a long history of tension some genuine, some illusory. Yet , science and theology can never ignore each other. Both are focused on human life and its meanings . At this juncture point, they must insuitably confront each other. They must engage in dialogue without losing either its identity or perspectives to the others. Medicine stands at the confluence of the perspectives of science and theology. It shares something of each. On the one hand , it sees human beings as healthy or disordered biological mechanisms, and, on the other, as suffering persons with special dignity . To heal, medicine must draw upon both science and theology, for illness afflicts a person's corporeality as well as the person's sp irituality. Yet medicine, too , must retain its own perspective , or it cannot achieve the ends for which it exists. This essay examines the conjunction of science and theology in the