Many of the points of contention between science and theology can be divided into two roughly overlapping categories: questions of origins (where do we come from?) and questions of human nature (who are we?). Within these categories, Princeton Theological Seminary plans to create opportunities for both dialogue and education about the history, development and enlightened contemplation of the many interdisciplinary questions and issues raised in conversations on both the academic and the popular level.
Initially, participants in the Seminary’s Science for Ministry Initiative will complete a required core course that can be offered in a five-day or two three-day sessions. Upon completion of the core course, participants can register for up to eleven additional elective concentrations on specific topics that include creation of the universe, human morality, humans in a technological age and other challenging issues. All courses will be designed for ‘participant pairs’ from communities of faith, preferably (but not restricted to) pairing a theological leader and a scientist. Through participation by scientists and ministers together, greater opportunity exists for a transformational impact among religious congregations and the larger community.
The Seminary seeks to fortify a target audience (leaders of faith communities, scientists and scientifically astute laity) to bridge the divide between the popular conversation and the broader academic conversation about religion and science. The proposed program is intended to alleviate the common experience of ministers who struggle to develop a sympathetic dialogue about opposing scientific claims and theological beliefs. Equipped with little more than the ‘popular conversation,’ pastors, scientists and other laity must either concede that theology and science are separate, irreconcilable domains, better left alone, or that one must, in the end, trump the other as the true path to knowledge and practical guidance. Left with no other option, sympathetic dialogue between scientific claims and theological beliefs remains obscured.
Through a process of continuing education, Princeton Theological Seminary seeks to give persons in active ministry increased ability to introduce and respond to questions at the interface of science and theology with grace, confidence and accurate information. With an intentionally flexible design, this Initiative permits both on- and off-site attendance at course presentations in diverse geographic locations, as well as potential support by webcasts and podcasts through the Erdman Center for Continuing Education. The Seminary will target seventy-two communities of faith in an initial three-year plan that will equip participants to guide consideration of differences between science and theology away from emotional response and permit informed discussion.
Princeton Theological Seminary’s Science for Ministry Initiative strives to encourage leaders in both religion and science to advance informed dialogue in their communities concerning what is held as truth and what comprises issues of contention between science and theology. The success of this project may stimulate creation of additional presentations for pastors seeking continuing education and/or sustained programs that will continue in national presentations.
