Science and technology affect nearly every aspect of our modern lives. A significant portion of citizens seek guidance on such issues from a trusted religious leader. However, many pastors and religious leaders feel unprepared to discuss science because, in many cases, their own experience with science has been limited. They may not have encountered science in their theological education, nor do they have reliable sources for current scientific information scoped for their needs.
Science for Theological Education Projects
Climate Science in Theological Education
This project provides grants to seminaries to engage the important issue of climate change in the context of theological education and ministry. The goals are to equip current and future faith leaders to lead their communities in addressing climate change and to create an atmosphere in places of worship where climate science is considered relevant, complementary, and important to religious worldviews.
Science for Seminaries
This project supported seminaries in their efforts to incorporate forefront science into their core curricula and to prepare future clergy to address questions of science, ethics, and religion with their congregations. Integrating science into seminary education will not only benefit professors and students, but ultimately it will enrich those in the pews who are interested in the discoveries and implications of science. As of December 2022, the project has finished its second phase.
View resources created through the project.
Science in Continuing Education for Pastors
This pilot project aimed to increase religious leaders’ engagement with science so they felt comfortable discussing scientific topics and issues with their congregants. Building on the Science for Seminaries project, this project integrated scientific and technological topics that are relevant to contemporary pastoral ministry into continuing education resources at four seminaries. Read the report here.
Science Engagement in Rabbinic Training
This pilot project was built on the Science for Seminaries project by fostering a science program in rabbinic education, thereby broadening the scope of religious communities reached by the project. Partnering with Sinai and Synapses, DoSER supported Jewish educational institutions as they worked to nurture productive dialogue and community engagement with science, and built momentum for increased involvement at the science-Judaism interface at Jewish institutions.