The study of symbols as a bridge between science and theology
pp. 147-163
in: Jennifer Baldwin (ed), Embracing the ivory tower and stained glass windows, Berlin, Springer, 2016Abstract
The interaction between science and theology is looking for shared ground and developments able to overcome mutual suspicion and to build reciprocal understanding. The scientific study of religion in the last 15 years has more often contributed to increase tensions and deepen in warfare attitudes than to lay bridges and to find areas of shared interest and collaboration between sciences and theological reflection. Trying a more "neutral" approach, probably the study of symbols could provide a better ground for the looked for approach. Last 20 years have known indeed a very interesting development in the scientific study of symbols, and their relationship with language, values, meaning and culture. This is a very promising field of research providing a sound ground for a new scientific study of religion, less serving agendas related to culture wars or apologetic programs, and more leaning towards interdisciplinarity and cooperation. The "externalist" approach to cognition and the cognitive study of symbols offers some little-explored avenues for a better understanding of religious cognition. This paper surveys some of the consequences for the study of religion when that research is taken into account, and tries to show how the evolution of religion may be represented more accurately through this theoretical framework.