HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION QUESTIONS? START HERE!
SCIENCE FOR
SEMINARIES
BANNER ISSUES TO DAILY QUESTIONS
INTRODUCTION
In the twenty-first century, science is always part of the vernacular. From banner issues – such as evolution, neuroscience, and reproductive technologies – to daily questions about medicine and public policy, ministers need a grounding in science to preach persuasively, pastor responsively, and spread the gospel.
In the 2021-22 academic year, ECLAS will provide funds and resources for the integration of cutting-edge science into the core curriculum of UK seminaries. Inspired by a similar programme in North America and supported by a grant from the Templeton Religion Trust, we are offering £60,000 each to 10 courses or colleges developing or refining at least one core class and hosting a wider-reaching science-religion activity.
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SELECTION CRITERIA
WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN MY PROPOSAL DOCUMENT?
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RESOURCES & LESSON PLANS
JUST LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SCIENCE FOR SEMINARIES?
HOW TO APPLY
Our two-stage application process began with a 1-2 page Letter of Interest (LOI), which closed in October 2020. If it looks as if you would be a good fit for the programme, we will ask for a more detailed full proposal (8-10 pages). Proposals will be evaluated by external reviewers with experience in science and theology.
Key dates:
Letters of Interest (LOI) accepted 3 Aug – 1 Oct 2020
LOI decisions and proposal requests early Nov 2020
Proposals accepted until 29 Jan 2021
Awards announced early March 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- One or more staff members teaching core courses who are committed to achieving the project’s goals in cooperation with other schools
- Ability to integrate science into one or more existing courses in the core curriculum, such as systematics, ethics, missiology, apologetics, or pastoral ministry
- The creation of one science theology activity within the life of the College or course; this could be a series of specially invited lectures, a podcast series or an art, drama or music production
- Institutional capacity to implement the grant including a willingness to use ECLAS materials and create new resources
- Commitment to sustainability beyond the length of the project
- Demonstrated institutional commitment to cultural engagement
Exceptional proposals will also do one or more of the following:
- Contribute to public understanding of the issue
- Engage with previously under-represented groups
- Explore a novel yet academically rigorous approach to the material
- Fill a concrete need for a specific community (i.e., produce theological resources or activities for hospital chaplains dealing with theodicy and Covid-19).
- We are also dedicated to engaging cultural, geographic, and theological breadth.
RESOURCES
These pages contain a range of suggestions for how theology can take science seriously within the context of the Common Awards, for those who are interested in theology, mission and ministry.
They come from a variety of leading voices in the science-theology academic world but are earthed in local church ministry.
They can be used as self-contained sessions within themselves or parts of them can be used – not only in specific science theology teaching but across the range of modules in various theological disciplines across the Common Awards.
The lesson plans can also be used in conjunction with our ‘Short Answers to Big Questions’ series.
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Teaching Notes
Outline teaching notes for three 30-minute snippets on introducing science into preaching. Aim: To show how scientific subjects can be introduced into preaching.
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Biblical Creation Texts
Outline notes for two sessions on the biblical creation texts. Aim: to give students an understanding of the range and significance of OT creation texts.
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Teaching On Theology Of Science
Outline Notes for a Teaching Block on a Theology of science. Aim: to introduce the idea of a theology of science, a framing of the human relationship with nature, of science as God’s gift, and...
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Engaging With Creationist Worldviews In The Classroom And Congregation
Outline Notes for a Teaching Block on Engaging with creationist worldviews in the classroom and congregation. Aim: To help students engage with creationist worldviews, whether expressed in the classroom or congregation
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Teaching Block On Natural Evil In The Light Of Science
Outline Notes for a Teaching Block on natural evil in the light of science. Aim: to introduce and evaluate the concept of natural evil, and to suggest how such ‘evil’ might be thought compatible with...
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Teaching On The Conflict Thesis
Outline Notes for a Teaching Block on The Conflict Thesis in Science and Religion as an illustration of the range of understanding of science-religion interactions. Aim: to introduce the ‘Conflict thesis’ and assess its use...
Contact Us
For more information, do not hesitate to email Lucas Mix at lucas.mix@durham.ac.uk
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