One scientist wakes up in the morning, easily faces another day of invigorating, engaging work. This scientist sees what they do as well-aligned with personal values, identity, and purpose. Another scientist awakes dreading the meaninglessness of the day ahead, wondering whether the work is worth the effort and struggling to see how it matters to […]
Letter from the President: Integrated People, Churches, and Inquiry
In November 2023, Blueprint 1543 hosted a reception in conjunction with the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting, in San Antonio, Texas. While there we got to catch up with a number of colleagues over beverages and meals. At one such informal gathering, folks who we were meeting for the first time […]
Letter From the President: Why Settle for Mediocre Events? (Part 2)
Not too long ago, Blueprint 1543 helped with the design and facilitation of a multi-day, interdisciplinary academic workshop. Based upon the reactions of the project leader and the participants, we regarded the event as a great success and were gratified that we could help. But every time we do an event, we take the time […]
Letter From the President: Why Settle for Mediocre Events? (Part 1)
Early this year, after a private workshop that Blueprint 1543 designed and facilitated, a colleague asked me whether Blueprint could also be contracted to do public events. He had hosted a lackluster event designed and administered by his university’s events department and wondered if there was a better way for his grant-supported work to have […]
Why is Theology Important, Even for the Science-Minded?
Blueprint 1543 is heavily invested in promoting science-integrated theology. But why do we care so much about theology? It is tempting to think that, in our contemporary age, theology doesn’t have much to contribute anymore. Those of us who are people of faith might think that, for the most part, theology was settled centuries ago, […]
Trauma Sensitive Theology | Emma’s Book Reviews
Hello! My name is Emma Baker and I am an undergraduate student at George Fox University studying Psychology and Christian Ministry, and the first intern for Blueprint 1543. I am currently the Chapel Director for the School of Theology at George Fox University and I have been leading worship for 7 years. I’m going to […]
In Search of Theological Scientists
The Blueprint 1543 team concluded 18 months of qualitative research, summarily called “In Search of Theological Scientists” (ISOTS), and emerged with 5 important themes and 20 specific project sketches for activating progress in science-engaged theology. These findings have been thoughtfully captured in two documents: “A Strategy Document for Funding Bodies” and “Example Projects and Programs.” […]
The 2022 Annual Report!
As travel restrictions lifted, 2022 gave us new opportunities to connect in person. The year’s annual report highlights how the human touch of in person events has helped put into focus some of our key values. Read the report to learn more about what’s core and unique to our methods, and what kept us busy […]
Psychology for Theology & Ministry
This year, we noticed that students of our TheoPsych classes had some questions. Many of these questions had really practical implications: Can insights from social psychology help us run church meetings better? How do I know if I should see a therapist or talk to my pastor? Is there such a thing as “thriving” amid […]
Seven Ways to Put Science in the Pulpit
Plpit was a former initiative we led to help pastors bring science into their sermons. We summarized scientific research, demonstrated theological connections, and offered ideas to include the research in congregational life. We also hosted a contest to encourage pastors to use science in sermons. This article was originally published in 2016 and was written […]