Science for Ministry Institute
Questions in Theology and Science – Five-day, core course exploring the broad landscape of key issues in theology and science related to both the question of origins and the question of human nature. This course intends to provide both a fundamental overview of the relevant scientific disciplines and concepts, and an introduction to contemporary discussions that attempt to meet the theological challenges posed by these sciences. Furthermore, this course challenges participants to develop a strategic plan for promoting theology and science in their specific ministry context.
The Question of Origins in Theology and Science – Three-day, half core course exploring the broad landscape of key issues in theology and science related to the question of origins. This course is equivalent to one-half of the longer core course, covers the same general topics, and has the same strategic goals.
The Question of Human Nature in Theology and Science – Three-day, half core course exploring the broad landscape of key issues in theology and science related to the question of human nature. This course is equivalent to one-half of the longer core course, covers the same general topics, and has the same strategic goals.
Evolution in Cosmology, Biology, and Theology – Three-day, elective course devoted on the specific topic of evolution as both a cosmological and biological concept. This course explores the general history of the idea, with a specific focus on Darwin’s theories and their subsequent reception and revision. Moreover, this course examines the various theological challenges presented by an evolutionary perspective, and explores some of the contemporary attempts to rearticulate the Christian vision in light of evolution.
The Creation of the Universe in Science and Scripture – Three-day, elective course focused on the origins of the universe both as understood in contemporary scientific cosmology and as presented in Christian scripture. This course pays specific attention to the competing scientific theories about the early moments of the universe in contemporary physics, and to the various biblical creation narratives that also functioned as competing cosmologies in their historical context.
The Challenge of Human Evolution – Three-day, elective course devoted to the specific theological challenges posed by the idea of humans evolving from and in continuity with all other living species. This course will include an overview of the history and current state of paleoanthropology, a survey of key theological concepts like the “Fall,” human sin, human nature, incarnation, and salvation, and an introduction to contemporary, interdisciplinary responses to these challenges.
The Human Person in a Technological Age – Three-day, elective course exploring the many rapid advances in technology that contribute to the shape of contemporary society. This course pays special attention to the expanding role of “biotechnology” and the ways in which such devices could both challenge and expand our theological perspectives on what it means to be “human” and related soteriological and eschatological questions.
The Pastor and the Science of Being Human – Three-day elective course focused on the various ways in which contemporary natural and social sciences understand and make inquiries into the human person. This course also explores how such perspectives can both challenge and transform the ways in which pastors understand and practice their ministry vocation within their particular contexts.
Spirituality in Theology and Psychology – Three-day, elective course devoted to the rapidly expanding literature on “spirituality” in both theology and psychology. This course explores the challenges and opportunities that arise when these disciplines (and their subdisciplines) are brought into dialogue around questions of spiritual formation and discipleship.
Cognitive Science, Neuroscience and the Human Person – Three-day, elective course devoted to the rapidly expanding disciplines of neuroscience and the cognitive sciences. This course focuses on the various ways in which these “brain sciences” potentially shape our understanding of the human person, and the theological challenges and opportunities provided by such understandings.
Science as a Challenge and Resource for Theological Ethics – One-day, elective course outlining the various ways in which contemporary science has both helped and complicated the practice of theological ethics. This course addresses both the broad methodological question of how we should approach ethics in light of science, and some specific ethical issues for which a scientific perspective can be both a challenge and a resource.
Beyond Intelligent Design and the New Atheists – One-day, elective course on the contemporary discussions surrounding the so-called “Intelligent Design” movement and “New Atheist” interpreters of science and religion. This course sketches the contextual shape of the debate as it has played out in school boards, courts, and the popular media, and proceeds to explore productive alternatives from the broader theology and science dialogue.
The Evolution of Human Morality – One-day, elective course devoted to the specific topic of human morality, as understood by the evolutionary sciences. In particular, this course explores whether and how an evolutionary perspective challenges traditional, Christian understandings of the source and content of moral norms and the origins of human moral awareness and responsibility.
A Brief History of Science and the Church – One-day, elective course providing a broad sketch of the multifaceted relationship between science and the Christian church in different historical contexts, including the early church, the medieval period, the Enlightenment, and the modern era. This course touches on both the “high” and “low” points of this historical relationship, highlighting its complex nature.
Christian Education in a Scientific Age – One-day elective course focused on the ways in which the contemporary sciences can change the way we understand and practice Christian education in churches and other ministry contexts. In particular, this course explores the practical challenges of addressing questions about science and religion commonly asked in these educational contexts.