A Tale of Two Callings: A Vocational Theology of the Relationship Between Scientists and Theologians

Abstract

This thesis makes an original contribution to the debate on the nature of the relationship of science and theology by drawing upon the works of Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Vladimir Solovyov to construct a Christian theology of vocation applicable to scientific and theological communities. The science-theology relationship has been examined in numerous ways, including through study of their epistemologies and methods, yet the nature of the interaction of scientists and theologians themselves remains under-investigated. Within Western contexts significant compartmentalisation exists between these fields, impeding positive interaction between their practitioners. In response, this thesis adopts a contextual counter-cultural theological approach utilising the Christian tradition of vocation to provide an alternative account supporting reciprocal positive interaction between these communities in contrast to modern secular practice. Utilising the work of Luther, Bonhoeffer and Solovyov, the thesis constructs a Christian theology of vocation applicable to persons engaged in scientific or theological activities by which to constructively critique their interactions. In contrast to contemporary accounts of vocation, I develop a Christian theology of vocation characterised by the call to love the neighbour, which is manifested by persons sacrificially performing their roles on behalf of others. As each person is themselves a neighbour requiring support, such vocational manifestation is a reciprocal process. As such, I contend that the relationship of persons involved in science and theology should be characterised by mutual support via the performance of scientific and theological activities, respectively. Using case studies of the Vatican Observatory, debates on evolution, and the role of faith communities in medical genetic testing, I demonstrate the utility of this approach to evaluate interactions between scientific and theological persons, as well as offering suggestions to enhance flourishing between them. I conclude by identifying further avenues of research, including the role of sacrifice in vocation and my theology’s application beyond Western contexts.

Date of Award	30 Mar 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Winchester
Supervisor	Neil Messer (Supervisor), Marika Rose (Supervisor) & Liz Stuart (Supervisor)