In September I had the privilege of participating in the STEAM (i.e., Science & Theology for Emerging Adult Ministries) Project Conference held at Catalina Island, CA. STEAM was initiated at Fuller Theological Seminary when Greg Cootsona and Dave Navarra
identified four main obstacles to the integration of science and faith for emerging adults:
(1) the perception (and, at times, belief) that Christianity is in conflict with science and vice versa;
(2) the seeming disconnection of science and religion from pressing life issues;
(3) the perception that the Bible is outdated and unscientific when it comes to the connection between science and religion; and
(4) the dizzying choices 18- to 30-year-olds face, which often make it difficult to decide how to relate faith and science. — Fuller hosts $2 million grant for engagement of emerging adults with science and theology
As the Emerging Scholars Network shared earlier this academic year, we are excited about the opportunity to expand our faith/science engagement. The first post in our monthly faith/science series to develop a field-tested curriculum booklet is live. Please visit, share, and discuss with others. If you desire to become more involved, please drop us a line.
To meet the STEAM directors and the other project leaders in such an encouraging context was invigatoring. Catalyzing the integration of Christian faith and science for emerging adults (18-30 years old) in college and post-college ministries is a shared passion. It is a blessing to be resourced not only to do such virtually with partner InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministry chapters, but also to develop an expanded student track at the American Scientific Affiliation‘s 2017 Annual Conference (July 28 – 31, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO).
Through the American Scientific Affiliation and InterVarsity, I knew a number of the other participants in the 31 projects. Below is a picture of InterVarsity staff, former staff, students, and faculty with whom I had the joy of connecting with during the STEAM conference.
With regard to “take homes,” I particularly appreciated Rebecca Dorsey Sok’s Solving Conflict Through Coaching: A Faith and Science Coaching Curriculum training. The instruction and the experimentation not only enabled me to get to know my new conversation partners, but also prepared me to more deeply engage questions online and on campus. Stay tuned 🙂
In addition to the excellent programming and opportunities for in depth conversation stimulating ideas for next steps with our project (including possibilities of collaboration with new and old friends/acquaintances), I received a surprising and refreshing time of rest. Morning walks reminded me of the beauty of God’s creation and the importance of silence before the Lord, preparation for a full next several days . . . weeks . . . months . . . academic year. Thank you for engaging science and theology with us. Thank you to Greg, Dave, Rebecca, Justin Barrett, and all our friends at STEAM / STAR (Office for Science, Theology, and Religion Initiatives) for their support and encouragement.
To God be the glory!
PS. As the Lord provides, prayerfully consider investing in what ESN does / writes. You can give here or contact us here. More specifics will be shared in future posts.
Updated: 10/11/2016, 8:45 am, 3:15 pm.
About the author:
Tom enjoys daily conversations regarding living out the Biblical Story with his wife Theresa and their four girls, around the block, at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (where he teaches adult electives and co-leads a small group), among healthcare professionals as the Northeast Regional Director for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), and in higher ed as a volunteer with the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). For a number of years, the Christian Medical Society / CMDA at Penn State College of Medicine was the hub of his ministry with CMDA. Note: Tom served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA for 20+ years, including 6+ years as the Associate Director of ESN. He has written for the ESN blog from its launch in August 2008. He has studied Biology (B.S.), Higher Education (M.A.), Spiritual Direction (Certificate), Spiritual Formation (M.A.R.), Ministry to Emerging Generations (D.Min.). To God be the glory!