Religion studies and theology: evolution of a relationship

Abstract

Historically, the sciences of religion and theology have constructed itineraries of their own, but not indifferent to each other. Although the configuration of the sciences of religion in Europe and North America accentuates its autonomy, it is notorious, in its first steps, the inevitable encounter with theology. In Brazil this meeting was extended in quantity and quality, motivated by the natural proximity of issues, by the socio-ecclesial context and, more recently, by epistemological reasons, giving public recognition of the two sciences by the competent government bodies. This means that theology and the sciences of religion are under the same duties and rights as any other area of knowledge. The conquest of this condition was marked by internal and external conflicts, which were gradually dissolved by debates loaded with tension and maturity, conducted with mastery by the characteristic interdisciplinary vocation of the parties. This article points out important moments in the construction of the relationship between the sciences of religion and theology; the conflicts, solved and those that still remain; some common challenges and tasks that seek to deepen and make the relationship built more fruitful.