Theology and conflict of rationalities

Abstract

In order to study the relationship between theology and the other forms of human rationality, we begin by a description of the main areas in knowledge and modes of rationality involved in the conflict of rationalities, with a special attention for the position and peculiarities of theological reason. Beyond that description, we explore some lines for an eventual transition from the conflict into the encounter of rationalities, while attempting to clarify an epistemological foundation for that transition by grounding it in the dynamic, polymorphic structure of human understanding. We indicate the wealth of registers in theological rationality, make some remarks on its indigent character and kenotic potentialities, and then affirm the necessity of a common promotion of the encounter of rationalities as a front line contribution to a sustainable culture of non-violence. We end up by mentioning some tools (such as dialogicity, hermeneutics and negativity) which might be useful to prepare such undertaking.