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 […]
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 […]
Aging Dementia and the 2024 Presidential Race
On a recent trip I arrived at my destination airport and was greeted by a driver who was picking up several of us going to the same meeting. Quickly I was seated next to a medical school professor who has written multiple books on caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease. To my surprise, he mentioned […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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 […]