The Quest for Humanity in Science and Religion

by Michael Shackleton · September 12, 2006

THE QUEST FOR HUMANITY IN SCIENCE AND RELIGION: The South African Experience, edited by Augustine Shutte. Cluster Publications, Pietermaritzburg. 2006. 326pp.

Reviewed by Michael Shackleton

Since Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the relationship between reason and faith in his recent lecture in Regensburg, there seems to have been a renewed examination of the question. Both Muslims and Christians have joined a debate that has theoretical and practical ramifications.

Yet, more than four years ago, Augustine Shutte and his colleagues began a study of this relationship, which has blossomed into the contents of this profoundly challenging South African book.

Whereas scientists and theologians in Europe and North America have specialised in studies that consider theories of the universe, the mind and the religious experience, in Africa there has been a different emphasis. This is particularly the case in South Africa, where in recent years peoples of diverse cultures and ideologies, once separated by apartheid, have been thrust together to live with one another in mutual respect.

It is this common experience of being fellow human beings, of sharing our natural humanity, that is at the heart of this book�s approach to science and religion as human activities that we all ultimately share.

Shutte has used the African concept of ubuntu in many of his writings. This book sees it as implying that not only is each person dependent on the community, but each person also makes an individual contribution to the benefit of the whole social fabric.

Science and religion are therefore not addressed as objective study material but as subjectively part of human life and experience.

African spirituality long predated Western rationalism, and has its own important contribution to a study of this nature, which these investigations clearly thresh out and air for Western minds.

The authors who have contributed to this discussion are all qualified at the highest academic levels to make their contributions significant and well worth a careful reading. Academic as they may look, the practicality of their views and arguments is impressive and commendable.