Religious Science or Science and Religion: A Historical Genealogy of the Meaning of Religious Science

This article consists of two sections. In the first section, the meaning and nature of religious science are examined through a genealogical and historical lens. It is demonstrated that the issue of religious science has emerged within our intellectual-philosophical tradition and cultural history in the context of discussions about the relationship between science and religion. What has historically been debated in our tradition is closely tied to a theological approach, focusing on the interaction and relationship between science and religion.
In the second section, drawing upon the findings of the first section and considering significant perspectives on religious science, a sympathetic approach is adopted. Utilizing the philosophy of Mulla Sadra and by grounding science in will, the concept of the life-world, and history, it is argued that if the discussion of religious science is limited to this historical background, it becomes possible to defend a specific understanding of the feasibility of religious science (as a process rather than a foundation). This approach helps address and mitigate many of the criticisms directed at the concept of religious science.