Towards an Intercultural and More Equal Debate on Science and Religion

In the first part of the article, the authors explain how both their research among MA students and academics in Abidjan, Kinshasa, and Yaoundé and the dominant theories about the science and religion debate pushed them in the direction of an alternative approach of this debate. The second part presents three substantial elements of such an approach based on their field research. First, they underline the importance of a shared point of departure for an intercultural and more equal debate on science and religion. They propose to start with a critical assessment of what is perceived as real. Second, they urge for a reticent use of western academic systematizations and to use the proper categories of the research population to value and understand the proper contribution of the different cultures. Finally, they plead for substantial attention to what is called the post-colonial condition because of the involvement of Western countries in the worldwide spread of both science and (Christian) faith.