Christian scholarship within reformed circles

Abstract

This article analyses and evaluates a specific strategy for the elaboration of Christian scholarship which may be defined as “theology-based scholarship”, using a case study in the Instituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione (IFED) based in Padua, Italy. According to the theology-based approach, theology is the key factor for achieving Christian perspectives in various scientific disciplines. The basic tenets of this approach are explored and some of the shortcomings, tensions and paradoxes resulting from this model are indicated. It is also argued that the approach is
integrated by a particular world view, unlike that underlining reformed thinking and culture. Several concrete negative consequences of this approach are also pointed out, and the article concludes that this approach needs considerable alterations.