Science and wisdom

Theology Today, Jul 2001 by Moltmann, Jurgen

ABSTRACT

The ancient root of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the root of knowledge is astonishment. For the modern world, knowledge is power, and wisdom has gone lost. We seem to have no moral power over our scientific and technological power. This article discusses Einstein's dilemma concerning nuclear power and the Fritz Haber tragedy of the poison-gas dilemma. The future of humankind belongs not to the increase of sciences but to the rediscovery of wisdom, because only "wisdom gives life" (Eccl 7:12).

1Oeuvres 2:133.

Jurgen Moltmann is Professor of Theology at the University of Tubingen and author of God for a Secular Society: The Public Relevance of Theology (1999).