Revisiting the Rocks of Ages: The Ontology of Human Development as a Sample Case of Meaningful Collaborations Between the Magisteriums of Science and Religion

We argue for the possibility of creating a mutually-meaningful and mutually-consequential collaboration between the Magisteriums of Religion and Science by providing a sample case about how fundamental issues in understanding the ontology of being human within developmental science align with corresponding ontological issues within instances of Judeo-Christian theology. We illustrate how two specific areas of collaboration—palliative care that sustains meaning, mattering, and dignity within individuals in the end-of-life period, and promoting earth stewardship that addresses challenges to sustaining a habitable planet for human life—are instances of opportunities for meaningful integrations of the two Magisteriums. We hope that our sample case may be persuasive enough to motivate scientists and theologians with knowledge of other areas within their respective Magisteriums to generate additional sample cases. We call for collaborative actions to demonstrate that mutually beneficial exchanges between the two Magisteriums can result in new spiritual knowledge of mutual significance to the teaching authorities of both science and religion.