Latest news and resources
Applications extended for Scientists in Congregations 2021/2
Church and science can seem like separate worlds, but scientists appear in pews and pulpits across the UK. At ECLAS, we work to affirm the work of these faithful scientists and all who bring their vocation in science to the church, both as members and active friends of congregations.
We are now open to applications for Scientists in Congregations 2021/2. Twenty grants of up to £20,000 are available for churches to explore questions around science and faith, and share their projects with others. The application window is open until 23rd April 2021.
Original research into Covid-19, the warfare narrative, and its impact on science communication
ECLAS Post-doctoral Researcher Dr Franziska Kohlt has published a new paper examining the impact of science-religion narratives on science communication environments, with particular focus on the warfare narrative, which dominated the framing of the pandemic in the United Kingdom. Through a historical alignment of Christian, military and national virtues, the warfare narrative provided a guiding framework for collective response to crisis, simultaneously hoping to reassure and ‘bring the Nation together’. The narrative, however, polarised British society, accentuating divisions and exacerbating political tensions coinciding with the pandemic.
Read a pre-print of Dr Kohlt’s paper, “Over by Christmas”: The impact of war-metaphors and other science-religion narratives on science communication environments during the Covid-19 crisis.
Viral Science and Public Theology: Talking about nature and neighbour in a post-Covid world
Online, 1-2 December 2020
The stories we tell shape us, especially as we face challenges. Covid-19 has challenged and changed the stories on which we pattern our lives, stories of self and society, science and theology, and God with us.
Viral Science and Public Theology brings together bishops and senior church leaders from around the world to share their experience and to think creatively about new and faithful narratives, well-grounded in science and theology and engaging a wide audience. These sessions are an opportunity for personal engagement with other senior leaders struggling to make theological sense of the pandemic, not only for themselves, but for the communities they serve.
Read more about this conference here.
Bishops give their views on theology, science and the Covid-19 pandemic
We asked seven Anglican bishops for their thoughts on how Christian leaders can engage fruitfully with science, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and what theological and biblical narratives they have found helpful and unhelpful during this time.
A short film exploring how coronavirus has changed our relationship with the natural world, featuring contributions from seven Bishops in the Church of England. Interviews conducted by Dr Thoko Kamwendo, video produced by Helen Billam.
Transcript - The place of coronavirus in God's creation
We spoke to seven Bishops in the Church of England about biblical and theological narratives which they have found to be helpful and unhelpful in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted by Dr Thoko Kamwendo and edited by Helen Billam.
Transcript -Theological and biblical narratives relating to Covid-19
We asked seven bishops in the Church of England how Christian leaders can model a healthy engagement with science, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted by Dr Thoko Kamwendo and edited by Helen Billam.
Transcript - How can Christian leaders model a healthy engagement with science?
Making Sense of Coronavirus with Reason and Faith
A new weekly series on the ECLAS blog exploring theological and scientific narratives around Covid-19, from wartime sacrifice, to engagement with the natural world, to justice and equality. Read it here.
David Wilkinson in Conversation with NT Wright.
Watch our Chief Project Director Revd Prof David Wilkinson in conversation with NT Wright on his new book, God and the Pandemic (SPCK Publishing). A rich exploration of the Church’s response to pandemics past and present, why lamention is an essential part of spirituality, and how Christians can better engage with science in the aftermath of Covid-19.
Visit our COVID-19 resources page for more theological reflections, articles and videos on responding to the pandemic and its aftermath.
