Belief‐Ful Realism and Scientific Realism

Despite tensions between Tillich's category of belief‐ful realism and a view of science that embraces metaphysical and epistemological realism, a constructive relationship can be developed between the two. Both are based on common understandings about reality. Belief‐ful or theonomous realism thus affirms scientific realism. On the other hand, scientific realism is open to the ecstatic, self‐transcending elements of belief‐ful realism. Finally, Tillich's formulation of the relationship between culture and religion can be reformulated specifically to include scientific and technological culture.