Sciency people tend to care about evidence. Whether by disposition or by training, we want good evidence for believing something. “Everyone says so,” or “But it is our tradition,” usually strikes us as suspect grounds for a belief. Show me the data! But this desire for evidence does not mean we are slavishly tied to […]
The Power of Integrated Inquiry
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
TheoPsych
This page is a summary of events, opportunities, and resources related to The TheoPsych Project. A Psychological Science Primer for Theologians (book) – This new e-book will give you an accessible and comprehensive overview of the psychological sciences, while highlighting connections to Christian theology and practice along the way. Download the E-book today or order […]
