Wesley Theological Seminary

https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/

Our project will support ongoing and new faculty efforts (A) to integrate the scientific study of trauma, evolutionary biology, and other related scientific disciplines into at least three required courses in biblical studies and pastoral care and (B) to organize a series of campus-wide events, including one all-day event, to deepen student and faculty capacity to engage and utilize the scientific study of trauma in ministerial contexts. The goals of the integration are threefold: (1) students will be able to appreciate and engage scientific disciplines, not only as challenges to theological traditions, but as tools for illuminating and deepening the theological study of Scripture and of human psychology and behavior; (2) students will be able to engage, participate, and lead wider cultural discussions concerning religion and science; and (3) students will be more scientifically literate interpreters of Scripture and practitioners of pastoral care.

Contact information

Paul K.-K. Cho
Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible, Director of Master of Theological Studies
pcho@wesleyseminary.edu
Denise Dombkowski Hopkins
Woodrow W. and Mildred B. Miller Professor of Biblical Theology
ddhopkins@wesleyseminary.edu
Michael Koppel
Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
mkoppel@wesleyseminary.edu

Resources:

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 2

An introduction to the literature and thought of the Hebrew Bible, considered in the light of the historical contexts of its formation and its ongoing theological importance to the life and faith of the Church. The course, taught by Paul K.-K. Cho at Wesley Theological Seminary, is the second part of a year-long sequence and…
  • Course Categories: Biblical Studies
  • Science Topics: History & Philosophy of Science, Neuroscience, Brain, & Mind
  • Seminaries: Wesley Theological Seminary
  • Ecclesial Families: Mainline Protestant
  • Syllabus: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 2
  • Tags: history of science, trauma

Old Testament Exegesis: Explorations in Trauma and Bible

This course, taught by Paul K.-K. Cho at Wesley Theological Seminary, is an exploration of the relevance of trauma to the study of the Bible and of the Bible for a traumatized world through select readings in the Bible and trauma theory.

Old Testament Exegesis: The Book of Isaiah

This course, taught by Paul K.-K. Cho, is an exegesis course on the Book of Isaiah which takes seriously the historical contexts of its formation, the history of composition, the literary artistry, and the theological depth of the canonical text and explores its ongoing importance for the life and faith of the church today.
  • Course Categories: Biblical Studies
  • Science Topics: Neuroscience, Brain, & Mind
  • Seminaries: Wesley Theological Seminary
  • Ecclesial Families: Mainline Protestant
  • Syllabus: Old Testament Exegesis: The Book of Isaiah
  • Tags: ethics, trauma, resilience

Pastoral Care and Counseling in Contexts

This course, taught by Michael Koppel at Wesley Theological Seminary, is an introduction to foundational issues in pastoral theology, care, and counseling (PTC&C). We will survey a broad range of topics, including the following: analysis and construction of theology from a pastoral perspective; the interplay of culture, social analysis, and care; ethical and legal issues…
  • Course Categories: Pastoral Theology
  • Science Topics: Health & Wellness, Neuroscience, Brain, & Mind
  • Seminaries: Wesley Theological Seminary
  • Ecclesial Families: Mainline Protestant
  • Syllabus: Pastoral Care and Counseling in Contexts
  • Tags: pastoral care, addiction, trauma, depression
Learn about the other Participant Schools

In furtherance of the AAAS mission of advancing science in service to society, AAAS|DoSER’s role in the Science for Seminaries project is to support efforts to integrate science into seminary education. AAAS|DoSER does not advise on or endorse the theological content of the participating seminaries.