The sacrament of science? Comprehending the wonder, mystery and awe of science in an Anglo-Catholic congregation

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 se...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Nixon, David (Author) ; Totterdell, Ian (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group 2022
In: Practical theology
Year: 2022, Volume: 15, Issue: 3, Pages: 246-257
IxTheo Classification:CF Christianity and Science
KDE Anglican Church
NBP Sacramentology; sacraments
Further subjects:B Public Theology
B Science
B Faith
B Qualitative Research
B Sacramental Theology
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1756-0748
Contains:Enthalten in: Practical theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/1756073X.2021.1976365