About the Center for Science and Theology

For centuries, theologians and natural scientists have made the relationship between science and theology the subject of their intellectual activity. Science and theology are two systems of thought, each of which provides a picture of this world, and these pictures have sometimes been considered in harmony with each other, sometimes in opposition, and sometimes the idea has been put forward that these are two independent systems and talk about two different things. In recent decades, and especially with the progress of science and the provision of more accurate scientific pictures of the world, the study of the relationship between science and theology has entered a new phase. It seems that general questions about the relationship between science and theology have been discussed less and more detailed questions, which are about the relationship of specific scientific theories to theological theses, have attracted the attention of thinkers more. Also, new technologies, especially emerging technologies, have affected human actions to such an extent that they have challenged monotheistic moral systems. Following this, numerous research and educational centers have also been established, whose core activities are defined around science and religion.

Despite the existence of these centers, and despite the promotion of religious values ​​in science and technology policy documents and the propaganda of scientific values ​​in the Iranian political system after the Islamic Revolution, research in the field of science and theology has been less systematically pursued. This is while policies that appeal to both theological values ​​(such as the need to create a monotheistic picture of the world) and scientific values ​​(such as the need to achieve theories that have the necessary empirical and technological adequacy) are not easily implementable, because these values ​​​​are difficult to come together in a unifying framework. This is why we witness the aforementioned disconnection not only at the political level but also at the individual and social levels, especially in scientific communities. Especially if we pay attention to the role and position of science in the pre-university education system, the importance of this issue becomes more understandable. It is true that in this educational system, the learning of science and religion is considered two fundamental and, of course, independent pillars, but the educational system does not force the Iranian student to reflect on whether modern science provides a monotheistic picture of the world or not? It is clear that keeping this question silent will not necessarily be in line with the realization of the goals of the country’s education policy at the macro level, and perhaps the increasing empirical adequacy of modern science and the amazing success of new technologies will change the playing field in favor of the unwanted authority of science and technology and lead to the elimination of religion, which is taught independently. Of course, humanities specialists have followed this issue to some extent, while natural scientists have also shown more or less interest in this discussion. Despite these individual efforts, the lack of academic institutions whose research and educational goals are clearly defined in the field of science and religion is still felt. It seems that the existence of such an institution can create significant synergy between individuals and meet research, educational, and cultural needs. Considering this, the Institute for Fundamental Studies of Science and Technology at Shahid Beheshti University intends to take steps to respond to this need and, with the help of academics and seminarians from all over the country, define focused research, educational, and extension activities in this field.