Van der Leeuw and Noordmans on theology: Religious-scientific backgrounds on the conversation. In this theological-historical study the question arises on the value of religious studies for theology. An outline - mainly of Prof G van der Leeuw's and Dr 0 Noordmans's views - is given in the article, and the following arguments are highlighted: the effect of Van der Leeuw's phenomenological background on his thought regarding the praxis of the church, especially the liturgy; the dialogue between Van der Leeuw and Noordmans, and the effect of this conversation on the theories as well as the practical implications thereof. A position midway between these two may be utilised for liturgical renovation.