Immanence and Transcendence: On/Off Difference or Gradation? Implications for Science-and-Theology

Abstract

The distinction between an immanent and a transcendent realm reflects intuitions of contrasting and mutually exclusive dimensions; they can be seen as ‘discrete units’ in opposition to continuous or gradual ones; the observer can adopt either an immanent or a transcendent view, but not a mix of them. This allows for better communication, greater clarity, and hence, for an enhanced survival in the religious system. The opposite view would take such distinction as gradual, or placed in a continuum between extremes, where perceptions could move along a spectrum covering many levels or stages; in that case, we could observe more or less transcendence, not just its presence or absence. This second view would allow for more flexibility and would enrich the communication code with many more possible positions. The religious code has moved in recent times from a discrete or on/off position, towards a more gradual one, in which more fuzzy perceptions of transcendence may be conceived. Such a trend implies deep changes in the way that religious semantics are built and in how religion is conceived, giving place to a widening of such a concept, and at the same time to a reduced clarity and comprehensibility. A discussion of this trend is clearly needed.