Tag: Science and Theology

Deadline Extension – TheoLogica CFP on Analytic Science Engaged Theology

The journal TheoLogica  has published a CALL FOR PAPERS on ANALYTIC SCIENCE-ENGAGED THEOLOGY 


Deadline for submissions is now extended to January 31st 2022 


Joanna Leidenhag (University of St Andrews) 

Benedikt Paul Göcke (Ruhr University Bochum/ University of Oxford) 

Analytic theology and Science-Engaged Theology are two of the most exciting  movements within theology in recent years. Both are interdisciplinary endeavours that  seek to use the tools and insights from others sub-disciplines (areas of analytic  philosophy and the natural sciences, respectively) in the service of theology. Analytic  theology and science-engaged theology both maintain the primacy and integrity of the  theological task, whilst simultaneously inviting other disciplines to enrich theological  reflection, criticism, and declaration. 

What these recent trends show is that theologians no longer need to (if they ever did) fear forms of rationalism or empiricism that, in previous generations, have been used to  exclude theological discourse from the public square or academic University. It is clearly  the case that theologians have long appealed to reason and experience as sources for  theological reflection and correction. But in analytic theology and science-engaged  theology, we can see that theologians can also use (as well as critique) the highly  constrained, specialised, and systematised forms of reasoning and evidencing that is  found in analytic philosophy and the natural sciences. Analytic theology and science engaged theology are in this sense complementary movements that signal that theology  has now reached a kind of quiet confidence that does not need to fight, flee or submit to  other forms of inquiry. 

Whilst analytic theology and science-engaged theology have developed separately, they  substantially overlap on the question of how theology can best engage other disciplines.  Thus, there is scope for a further alliance of these movements in the form of analytic  science-engaged theology. Such an analytic science-engaged theology would use the tools  of both analytic philosophy and some specific area of the natural sciences within their  theology. We are inviting papers that exemplify this kind of fine-grained, interdisciplinary,  constructive theological work. We are not primarily looking for papers that discuss the  possibility or nature of analytic science-engaged theology, but for papers that exemplify  this sub-field by exploring a theological question using both scientific and analytic  resources. 

We welcome all forms of analytic science-engaged theology; in particular, we are very  interested in papers that engage a theological tradition outside of mainstream Christianity,  or which prioritize the voices of marginalized groups.” 

EXTENDED Deadline for submissions: October 1st 2021 January 31st 2022 

Full papers should be submitted via our website:  

https://ojs.uclouvain.be/index.php/theologica/index or sent to:  managingeditor.theologica @ gmail.com. In order to contribute equally to scientific international discussions held in several languages, articles written in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are accepted. Visit the TheoLogica homepage for a description of the journal and instructions to authors.

ESSSAT book/dissertation & student essay prizes. Submission deadlines approaching (Nov 30 / Jan 15).

ESSSAT Prizes for Studies in Science and Theology 2022  

In connection with ECST XIX (2022, in Ålesund/Norway), two ESSSAT  prizes are open for competition between early career scholars working in Europe. 

The ESSSAT Research Prize (of 2500 €) will be awarded for an outstanding original  contribution at book length, e.g. a doctoral thesis, submitted to the ESSSAT Prize Responsible  by November 30th 2021.  

The ESSSAT Student Prize (of 1500 €) will be awarded for an essay of 10.000 words  maximum, written in an academic context at undergraduate or postgraduate level, submitted to  the ESSSAT Prize Responsible by January 15th 2022.  

The works, whose topic may address any aspect of the interface between religion/theology and  the natural sciences, should exemplify the aims of ESSSAT to advance open and critical  communication between the disciplines of theology, religious studies and science, to promote  their cross-fertilization, and to work on the solution of interdisciplinary problems. The prize 

winning contributions should be outstanding reflections bearing on the relationship between  religion, theology and natural sciences in contemporary culture. The submissions will be  evaluated based on their originality, quality, and relevance. 

A candidate for the Research or Student Prize must be nominated by a senior faculty member of a university or similar institution of higher education in Europe. ESSSAT membership is not  required. The work must be based on research done in Europe (with allowance for a period of  research elsewhere of at most one year) and have been accepted for academic credit, presented  or published in 2020-2022. It may be in any major European language. It need not have been  published.  

The prizes will be presented at the Nineteenth European Conference on Science and Theology  (ECST XIX), in Ålesund/Norway, 4-8May 2022. The prize winners are required to attend the  conference. Their conference fees will be covered. 

See official posts here —> a CfP for the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT), 

For applications, mail to ESSSAT prize organizer Andreas Losch (andreas.losch @uzh.ch). 

Each application must include: 

(a) The work itself as a pdf-file.  
(b) A brief curriculum vitae of the author (stating nationality); and 
(c) A letter of nomination. 
(d) Applications for the research prize need to add a ten-page summary of the work in English  (1.5 line spacing, font size 12). 

Submitted material will not be returned. 

The Organizer of the ESSSAT prizes: 

Andreas Losch 
Le-Corbusier-Platz 6 
CH-3027 Bern 
Switzerland 
Email: andreas.losch @ uzh.ch

Fellowship Opportunity in Science-Engaged Theology Offered by the New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA) Project.


(UPDATED:  February, 2021)  

As a result of the current Covid-19 travel restrictions, the 2021 Summer Fellowship will now be held as a 3-day virtual workshop.

Successful 2021 Fellowship applicants will still be funded to take part in a conference in Scotland in 2022.

The application deadline has been extended to the 14th of March 2021.


The New Visions in Theological Anthropology project (University of St. Andrews) has announced a new fellowship opportunity.

Our vision – New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA) 

  • The NViTA project will focus on three subdisciplinary pairings within the overarching umbrellas of behavioral science and theological anthropology: 
  1.   Moral Theology & Evolutionary Biology 
  2.   Spiritual Formation & Developmental Psychology
  3.   Ecclesiology & Cognitive Science 
  • Our project does not study ‘science and religion’ as such. Instead we are interested in thoroughgoingly theological questions that are explicit about what branch of science they draw upon and what subdisciplines of theology they fall within. Any scientific and theological (biblical, ethics, philosophical, practical, systematic, etc.) subdisciplines are welcome, provided they are clearly stated. 
  • We do not think that all theology need be science-engaged. That is, we do not think that because empirical data is needed for some theological questions that it is thus required for all theological questions; but, when it is required, we want to encourage this to be done well. 
  • We prioritise expressing our research through theological puzzles. 

About the Fellowship  

  • The Fellowship is a unique professional opportunity to support the development of scholarship in Science–Engaged Theology within the NViTA project.  
  • The Fellowship endeavours to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for Fellows to develop their research in this field.   

What is included?  

NViTA Summer Workshop 

  • Attendance at the NViTA Summer Workshop in June. [UPDATE: June attendance is subject to the public health guidance. A decision about the June residential will be made as the date draws near.  ] This will take place in St Andrews, Scotland.   
  • Travel, accommodation and the majority of meals for the duration of the workshop (within budget guidelines).  
  • Fellowship Stipend of £3,500 per winning project.  
  • The opportunity to collaborate with other Fellows, and experts in the fields of science and theology.  

Ongoing research support 

  • Assistance with development of your theological puzzle with view to eventual publication.  
  • Membership in Fellowship subgroup to encourage detailed conversation with other Fellows and leaders in science-engaged theology. 

NViTA at AAR/SBL Annual Meetings 

  • Travel subsidy of up to £500 and participation in one-day NViTA workshop linked to the AAR/SBL Annual Meetings.    

Follow-on Funding 

  • The opportunity to apply for additional funding (Follow-on Funding) of up to £25,000 to support research in areas of your theological puzzle and to encourage engagement with science. 

More about Follow-on Funding 

Fellows with particularly promising projects will be eligible for competitive follow-on funding to support additional research. These follow-up proposals may be for amounts of up to £20,000 for research support and up to an additional £5,000 to enable them to engage in activities that draw their work into deeper engagement with contemporary science and practicing scientists. 

Science activities could include short-term or long-term visits to a scientific laboratory or research group, attending a scientific conference or meeting a scientist whose work is pertinent to the area of theological inquiry, buying scientific books, paying a scientist honoraria to consult or review drafts of your work, or some similar activity that deepens engagement with an active scientific research field. 

Future Dates 

2021

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 14th February 2021
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2021
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: Expected to take place 6th – 12th June 2021 (Scotland)
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: Summer/Autumn 2021
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: Expected to take place 19th November 2021 (San Antonio, USA) 

2022

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 14th February 2022
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2022
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: 5th – 11th June 2022 (Scotland)
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: TBC
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: Expected to take place 18th  November 2022 (Denver, USA) 

Past Dates

2020

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 20th February 2020 (deadline extended)
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2020
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: 7th – 13th June 2020 (Scotland) – postponed
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: Autumn 2020
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: AAR/SBL 2020 Annual Meeting now virtual event and replaced by virtual sessions 

The Fellowship will run from a Fellow’s date of acceptance until 31st July 2022.  

 How do I apply for the Fellowship?  

Fellows

2020 Cohort

Fellowship Opportunity in Science-Engaged Theology Offered by the New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA) Project.

The New Visions in Theological Anthropology project (University of St. Andrews) has announced a new fellowship opportunity.

Our vision – New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA) 

  • The NViTA project will focus on three subdisciplinary pairings within the overarching umbrellas of behavioral science and theological anthropology: 
  1.   Moral Theology & Evolutionary Biology 
  2.   Spiritual Formation & Developmental Psychology
  3.   Ecclesiology & Cognitive Science 
  • Our project does not study ‘science and religion’ as such. Instead we are interested in thoroughgoingly theological questions that are explicit about what branch of science they draw upon and what subdisciplines of theology they fall within. Any scientific and theological (biblical, ethics, philosophical, practical, systematic, etc.) subdisciplines are welcome, provided they are clearly stated. 
  • We do not think that all theology need be science-engaged. That is, we do not think that because empirical data is needed for some theological questions that it is thus required for all theological questions; but, when it is required, we want to encourage this to be done well. 
  • We prioritise expressing our research through theological puzzles. 

About the Fellowship  

  • The Fellowship is a unique professional opportunity to support the development of scholarship in Science–Engaged Theology within the NViTA project.  
  • The Fellowship endeavours to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for Fellows to develop their research in this field.   

What is included?  

NViTA Summer Workshop 

  • Attendance at the NViTA Summer Workshop in June. This will take place in St Andrews, Scotland.   
  • Travel, accommodation and the majority of meals for the duration of the workshop (within budget guidelines).  
  • Fellowship Stipend of £3,500 per winning project.  
  • The opportunity to collaborate with other Fellows, and experts in the fields of science and theology.  

Ongoing research support 

  • Assistance with development of your theological puzzle with view to eventual publication.  
  • Membership in Fellowship subgroup to encourage detailed conversation with other Fellows and leaders in science-engaged theology. 

NViTA at AAR/SBL Annual Meetings 

  • Travel subsidy of up to £500 and participation in one-day NViTA workshop linked to the AAR/SBL Annual Meetings.    

Follow-on Funding 

  • The opportunity to apply for additional funding (Follow-on Funding) of up to £25,000 to support research in areas of your theological puzzle and to encourage engagement with science. 

More about Follow-on Funding 

Fellows with particularly promising projects will be eligible for competitive follow-on funding to support additional research. These follow-up proposals may be for amounts of up to £20,000 for research support and up to an additional £5,000 to enable them to engage in activities that draw their work into deeper engagement with contemporary science and practicing scientists. 

Science activities could include short-term or long-term visits to a scientific laboratory or research group, attending a scientific conference or meeting a scientist whose work is pertinent to the area of theological inquiry, buying scientific books, paying a scientist honoraria to consult or review drafts of your work, or some similar activity that deepens engagement with an active scientific research field. 

Future Dates 

2021

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 14th February 2021
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2021
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: Expected to take place 6th – 12th June 2021 (Scotland)
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: Summer/Autumn 2021
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: Expected to take place 19th November 2021 (San Antonio, USA) 

2022

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 14th February 2022
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2022
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: 5th – 11th June 2022 (Scotland)
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: TBC
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: Expected to take place 18th  November 2022 (Denver, USA) 

Past Dates

2020

  • Fellowship Applications Due: 20th February 2020 (deadline extended)
  • Announcements Made: 15th March 2020
  • Summer Workshop in St. Andrews: 7th – 13th June 2020 (Scotland) – postponed
  • Follow-on Funding Application Period: Autumn 2020
  • Workshop at AAR/SBL: AAR/SBL 2020 Annual Meeting now virtual event and replaced by virtual sessions 

The Fellowship will run from a Fellow’s date of acceptance until 31st July 2022.  

 How do I apply for the Fellowship?  

Fellows

2020 Cohort

Three Virtual Sessions on Science-Engaged Theology; Hosted by (NViTA) New Visions in Theological Anthropology.


New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA), an initiative in science-engaged theology 

The NViTA team are excited to announce we will be running three virtual sessions examining topics in science-engaged theology around the AAR and SBL Virtual Meetings. As a member of the emerging science-engaged theology community we would like to invite you to take part in these sessions. You are welcome to attend all or just one of the sessions. 

1.        Teaching science-engaged theology. – Tuesday 1st December 2020  

2.       Puzzles in science-engaged theology. – Tuesday 8th December 2020  

3.       Science-engaged theologies: variations on a common theme? – Thursday 10th December 2020 

For full details including descriptions, a list of presenters and how to register please go to https://set.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/virtual-sessions/

The NViTA team 

John Perry, Joanna Leidenhag, Sarah Lane Ritchie, Mikael Leidenhag, Kevin Nordby

Call for Proposals: Course Development Grants in Science and Theology. University of St. Andrews – Upcoming Deadlines 31 Oct. 2020 and 28 Feb. 2021.

The “New Visions in Theological Anthropology” project at the University of St Andrews has announced two new rounds of course development grants in Science and Theology. This posting is a reminder of the upcoming deadline:

Deadline 31 October 2020 and 28 February 2021 

Our project seeks to encourage research and teaching on science and theology/religion. We encourage the development of new courses which use empirical research in some aspect of theology/religion. While we are especially drawn to the pairings of (1) Moral Theology & Evolutionary Biology, (2) Spiritual Formation & Developmental Psychology, and (3) Ecclesiology & Cognitive Science, we welcome proposals for any syllabus that engages theology with empirical science. Since developing any new course will take time away from other research, we have launched this series of Course Development Grants and offer stipends of £2,000.

For full details including how to apply: https://set.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/course-development-grant/.

Blueprint 1543 – A New Science & Theology Venture – Launches

Justin Barrett and Rebecca Dorsey Sok have co-founded a new venture, Blueprint 1543, with a mission to integrate Christian theology and the sciences to answer life’s biggest questions. The Knoxville-based organization is focusing on three broad initiatives—leadership development, sciences-engaged theology, and science stewardship—supported by a portfolio of programs and projects. Blueprint 1543 will be developing their own projects, as well as consulting and coaching for partner organizations. Sok and Barrett have managed over $16 million in grants with multiple funding partners (such as the AT project, and TheoPsych: Bringing Theology to Mind). This new venture signals their exit from running Fuller Theological Seminary’s Office for Science, Theology, and Religion (STAR), which also supported interdisciplinary research and programs in faith-science integration. Sarey Martin Concepción joins Barrett and Sok as Blueprint 1543’s Director of Communication. BP1543 is currently building its roster of partners from the fields of theology, philosophy, and the sciences. To stay up to date on projects and opportunities, follow on Facebook, Twitter, or sign up for their newsletter. More information at www.blueprint1543.org