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The Role of Theology in the Revival of the True Vocation of the Scholar

https://doi.org/10.18384/2310-7227-2023-2-153-168

Abstract

Aim. At present there is a tendency to profanation of some spheres of activity formerly considered sacred. Unfortunately, science has become one of them. It should also be stated that the vocation of a scientist, previously perceived as a special existential gift, a mission, is losing its original high meaning. In the presented work the reasons of disappearance of Spirit of science, its demystification are considered, one of which, in our opinion, is the loss of connection with the living tradition, which can be restored by theology as a science, which is a carrier of direct tradition and, therefore, called to become a bridge, connecting sacred and profane, breathing Spirit in modern scientific thought, offering the system of coordinates honed by centuries, based on the highest principles of morality and ethics, promoting revival of the real vocation of a scientist.
Methodology. Based on an analysis of the literature, as well as on our own experience of scholarly activity and leadership in scholarly research, the author attempts to reconsider the ideas of idealist philosophers, traditionalists, theologians and theologians from different centuries and religious traditions concerning the specific mission of scientists and the true goals of science, by demonstrating the meaning of evangelic parables and Islamic Hadiths.
Results. Studying the past through the prism of the present enables us to realize the possibility and necessity of introducing the field of values and meaning from the religious to the academic field, thanks to the intermediary role of theology as a science which helps revive the real vocation of science and gives back to science its sacred meanings.
Research implications. In article five problems which, in opinion of the author, are the cause of loss by scientists of a rank “Salt of the Earth” and “Heirs of prophets” are revealed; possibilities of theology, its spiritual and moral potential and world outlook basis in the decision of each of the specified problems are presented, and also the conditions the observance of which will allow theology to make the contribution to the restoration of original senses are considered. We believe that it is possible to extrapolate the proposed approach to other scientific fields as a special component of the general system of education of a young researcher.

About the Author

T. Sedankina
Russian Islamic Institute
Russian Federation

Tatyana E. Sedankina – Cand. Sci. (Pedagogy), Assoc. Prof., Head of the Department of Systematic Theology

ul. Gazovaya 19, Kazan 420079



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