Evolution Without History

This chapter discusses a potential methodological flaw in the evolutionary study of religion, retro-reductionism. Retro-reductionism excludes reflective thinking from religion and thus hinders the dialogue between theology and evolutionary studies. The chapter critiques this approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexity of religion and integrating reflective elements. It also questions the role of theology and suggests that it should engage with evolutionary explanations in order to enrich its critical perspective on religion. It argues that theology and evolutionary studies can coexist, deepening the understanding of religious traditions. The chapter aims to bridge the gap between evolutionary studies of religion and theology created by retro-reductionism.