The sacrament of science? Comprehending the wonder, mystery and awe of science in an Anglo-Catholic congregation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20242292 |
|---|---|
| Authors | David Nixon (0000-0001-6935-0197, University of Exeter, corresponding author), I J Totterdell (University of Exeter), Ian Totterdell |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 246-257 |
| Publication date | 2022-05-04 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Practical Theology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1756-073X • E-ISSN: 1756-0748 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1756073x.2021.1976365 |
| OpenAlex | W3208780420 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 5 |
Through a small-scale qualitative study based in a UK Anglican parish, this article seeks to explore whether science might be regarded as a sacrament, and whether such a framing helps a re-envisioning of both science and sacrament. Participants took part in real and virtual visits, with follow-up seminars which were audio-recorded. Close readings of transcripts were compared and contrasted to existing literature, with an attention to the concept of a ‘sacramental universe’, and whether existing constraints around sacraments might be expanded. Definitions of the terms ‘science’ and ‘sacrament’ were examined more thoroughly, with additional material concerning beauty, awe and wonder. The quality of discussion and the engagement of personnel suggest that this approach was successful in developing a cognitive and affective appreciation of both science and faith; furthermore, that the juxtaposition of science and sacrament expanded theological thinking around the concept of a ‘sacramental turn’, and potentially developed the range of traditional ecclesial sacraments
Aesthetics · Beauty · Epistemology · Faith · Sociology · Theology · Wonder · History · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion, Ecology, and Ethics · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Theological Perspectives and Practices
| Highly cited | No |
|---|