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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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 […]
Letter from the Prez:“Science” Shouldn’t Be a Political Weapon
September 14, 2022, Nature, a leading science publication, ran a story by Jeff Tollefson with the headline, “Inside the US Supreme Court’s war on science.” I would be surprised if, as the author claimed, the six Republican-appointed justices on the Supreme Court (and only those six) have declared war on “science.” This article gave me […]
Tales of A Science-Engaged Theologian
When we put together a workshop on teaching sciences-integrated theology, we were unprepared for the creativity that Dr. Erin Kidd brought to the table. She made pedagogy sound like an art. As assistant professor of theology and religious studies at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, Erin was asked to teach a science and […]
