Between Faith and Experiment. Some Comments on the Verification of Theological Statements

Abstract

In the paper the problem of the verification of scentific and theological statements is discussed. The reflection begins with some considerations on the so-called empirical theology, and on the “intersubjectivity” both in science, and in theology. Consequently, the difference between these notions, as referred to science and theology, is studied in the context of the Laudan’s understanding of “empirical problems”. His approach is slightly generalized to make possible the discussion of theological and scientific fundamental problems. Eventually the definition of a theological statement is proposed. The theological statement is neither analytic, nor synthetic. Such assertions are not controllable and independent with regard to a “tangible” experience. It is not a necessary statement (i.e., its negation is not contradictory). Thus, the theological statement is a factual and non-empirical one. It discloses the reality in the religious (theological) context. This statement can contradict other theological statements. Such statements are not controllable, but nevertheless they can have some links with controllable theories. It is important to notice that the possibility to get empirical confirmations, does not convert a theological statement into a controllable one.