What is Science for Seminaries?
Science for Seminaries is a project of the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program, in consultation with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The project helps a diverse group of seminaries integrate science into their core curricula.
Apply to our Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) grant TODAY
This project is now accepting grant applications September 18, 2023. Here are some helpful links:
- To view the call for proposals, CLICK HERE.
- For full application guidelines and instructions, CLICK HERE.
- To apply, CLICK HERE.
- To register for one of the FAQ sessions DoSER will be holding about the application process, CLICK HERE for August 3rd and CLICK HERE for August 24th.
- To learn more about the history of the project, CLICK HERE.
- To view syllabi from previous participant schools in CSTE, CLICK HERE.
Looking for Teaching Resources?
1. Science for Seminaries videos
The Science for Seminaries project is dedicated to supplying pedagogical resources to help seminaries and theological schools bring world-class science into the classroom. In collaboration with Fourth Line Films, AAAS-DoSER has produced an exciting series of films to spark classroom discussion of forefront science issues. You can find the full collection of video series here.
Above is the trailer to our latest new short documentary about the legacy of racist science, which is just an example of the types of topics and discussions our videos spark. For this topic in particular, you can find a discussion guide and relate resources on the page as well. Other video topics range from exploring the universe and where we come from to what it actually means to be a scientist to the history of medicine. Find the full collection here!
2. Curriculum Resources
Second, curricular resources from the Science for Seminaries project have been developed by partner institutions who have previously participated in the Science for Seminaries project. Project resources are searchable by topic, resource type, seminary, and core curriculum science topic. Search the syllabi here!
Featured News
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DoSER Initiative Focuses on Climate Science and Theology
This article was originally published on ScienceReligionDialogue.org by Lilah Sloane-Barrett. To read the original version, click here.
Applications for this grant are now open until September 18, 2023. The link to the call for proposals is at the end of this article.
Students take part in Ambrose Seminary’s Earth Day event | Image by Ambrose University
The AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program is excited to announce a new focus on climate change science with the Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) project. This 3-year project, with initial funding from the David and Carol Myers Foundation, will provide grants for seminaries to meaningfully engage forefront climate science in their curriculum and activities. 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.
DoSER’s CSTE project will encourage participants to engage climate-related science in ways that are tailored to the specific student, faculty, alumni, and broader faith community. Activities funded through the grant can include capacity building, curriculum engagements, ministry-focused activities, or other program activities. Seminaries will host at least one enrichment activity or campus event that addresses theology and a climate-related science topic, such as environmental justice, air quality and health, extreme weather, food security, agriculture and soil science, marine science and ecology, climate migration, or similar topics. For the 2023 cohort, AAAS DoSER will select up to 14 schools to receive a grant of $15,000. Accredited theological education institutions that offer an MDiv program or equivalent for the training of faith leaders may apply.
The Climate Science in Theological Education project builds upon the success of DoSER’s previous Science for Seminaries: Integrating Science into Core Theological Education (Science for Seminaries) project (2016-2023), as well as a 2022 pilot project in incorporating climate science into seminary curricula. Science for Seminaries equipped religious leaders with a solid scientific foundation to answer their community’s questions about issues related to science and technology. Selected seminaries had to integrate science into at least two core courses and produce at least one campus-wide science-themed event. Science topics included astronomy, genetics and gene editing, evolution, public health, neuroscience and mental health, and more.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center indicated that over 60% of religiously affiliated Americans strongly believe that the Earth is sacred and that humans have a duty to protect and care for it. However, studies by the Association of the Theological Schools and Pew Research Center also found that many faith leaders feel uncomfortable or even avoid discussions about climate change in religious services because they do not have training in the sciences. DoSER’s CSTE initiative hopes to help future faith leaders feel better equipped to engage climate science within their ministry and communities.
To submit an application for this grant, click here. Applications due September 18, 2023.
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Science for Seminaries Fall 2021 Newsletter
As the days shorten and leaves (and possibly snowflakes) fall, DoSER is excited to have launched the holiday season with our popular annual holiday event! Download a PDF of the Fall 2021 newsletter here.
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Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Science for Seminaries publishes a quarterly email newsletter, complete with interviews, discussions, and upcoming deadlines for retreat and grant applications. Sign up here!
