Theologians with Engineering Degrees: A New Theology School Model Integrating Religion and Science
Öz
The Islamic civilization was more advanced than other civilizations in science and technology in the Middle Ages. By the 16th century, it lagged Western civilization scientifically and politically. Initially, Muslims considered the sciences as holistic and studied the religious and rational sciences together. The exclusion of rational sciences from the curriculum during the spread of madrasahs as higher education institutions was a consequential mistake that led to the decline of science and technology. Contrary to expectations, however, the religious sciences-centered understanding of education did not result in religious progress, and it inadvertently led to bigotry and dogmatism. Theology faculties were established instead of the madrasahs closed in the modern period. The mistake made in madrasahs was not corrected when establishing theology faculties; rational sciences were not added back to the curriculum. Today, besides religious sciences, culture, and formation courses, which are sub-branches of social sciences, are taught in faculties of theology. What needs to be done now is to add rational and experimental sciences to the curriculum in theology faculties. It would be appropriate to include engineering sciences, which are the most rational, in theology education. We suggest that this program, which we call theology-engineering dual degree education, should be implemented in a few pilot faculties. The student admissions exam should be based on balanced numerical and verbal science scores. Again, accepting students only from Imam-Hatip high schools is essential for the harmony of students. There should be no other program than the dual degree program in the faculty. Otherwise, the professors will be more interested in the students in the other program. It would be best for the Faculty of Theology to specialize only in students in a dual degree program. We think that students will prefer the dual degree program more than the independent theology program, as it is expected to be a superior program in terms of both job opportunities and scientific and cultural competence. Graduated “engineer theologians” will have higher self-confidence and stronger motivation. In addition, they will look at events more holistically, their problem-solving skills will increase, and they will gain a high life discipline. This new generation of theologians with more proficiency in the language of science will be accepted more in society as religious officials, teachers, or spiritual advisers. Society will adopt religious values more efficiently and give more support to scientific thinking. Thus, as Muslims, we will be able to reach our goal of realizing “revolutionary inventions” in a shorter time.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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