Whether it is human enhancements through gene editing or combating malnutrition, clean water or the demographic transition, Stargate or Neuralink, how we respond to new technologies or challenges that impact human thriving needs more than traditional theological study. We cannot thoroughly grasp many of these contemporary puzzles without understanding the factors that brought them about […]
Faithfulness to God: The Danger of Adding ‘And’
After Solomon’s reign, Israel becomes divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings, about 40 different kings of these divided kingdoms are introduced and evaluated, and the overall picture is grim. Only about 8 get anything like a passing grade. […]
Why an Integrated Church is not a Luxury
Given the many challenges facing churches today, it may seem like bringing in the sciences to become a scientifically integrated church is a luxury we can’t afford. After all, aren’t the sciences not strictly necessary? An extra? A potential distraction? Some days it feels like it. But I think such thinking is importantly mistaken. To […]
Blueprint 1543’s Stance: Addressing Governance Without Political Partisanship
Many organizations and individuals produce materials to support Christians in thinking about the sciences. I have a friend who disclosed that she has some concerns about many of these organizations, however, because they get “too political,” regardless of their political orientation. I get it. Not only does politics immediately divide and distract, it can be […]
Launching Experimental Philosophy of Religion
Does the existence of the universe demand an explanation? Do animals dying in forest fires represent challenging pointless suffering? Is our free will compatible with God’s infallible knowledge of the future? These are the kinds of philosophical questions that a recent program involving Blueprint 1543 tackled. The “ Launching the Experimental Philosophy of Religion ” […]
Recommended Reading in Theology for Scientists
When I arrived at Cornell University as a doctoral student in cognitive/experimental psychology, I was treated a bit like a unicorn, dragon, or some other mythical creature that people had heard about but doubted actually existed. I was a Christian AND a scientist! How could that be? Of course, there were others — even on […]
Why is it so Important to be an Integrated Person?
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 […]
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.” […]
