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 […]
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 ” […]
Navigating the Shifting World of Technology
In my last blog, I sketched out what my Riddell Memorial Lectures were about. “Curb Your Technological Enthusiasm: When should we be tech-prudent?” was my title. My basic point was that we need to draw upon relevant scientific study of cultural evolution in order to better anticipate which new technologies (broadly construed) are likely to […]
The Problem With Fast Spreading Technology
Recently I was on a bus in Dublin, Ireland in conversation with a European professor. We’ve known each other for many years but see each other infrequently. As part of catching up, I shared with him that earlier in the year I spoke at Newcastle University (England) for their annual Riddell Memorial Lectures. “Curb Your […]
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 […]
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 […]
