Science for Seminaries:
Integrating Science into Core Theological Education

ATS partnered with The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in a Templeton Foundation funded program to explore the relevance of science in seminaries. The goal was to incorporate science into theological school curricula and, thereby, support a growing number of pastors who are equipped to help their congregants find answers to science-related questions. The initiative hoped to create an atmosphere in places of worship where science is relevant, complementary, and important to religious worldviews and ultimately promote the appreciation for science in the broader society. It also encouraged dialogue among scientists and theologians through a mutual exchange of ideas in one another’s professional contexts.

In the first pilot phase, ATS member schools were invited to submit letters of interest to apply for grants that would support them in an effort to integrate more science into their core curricula, and ten schools were awarded grants. In January 2018, Science for Seminaries: Phase II was designed to promote positive and respectful dialogue between scientists and religious communities by supporting science appreciation among future religious leaders. Seven seminaries were awarded grants as a part of the 2018 cohort, and nine seminaries were chosen for the 2019 cohort. The Templeton Foundation also awarded ATS with a grant to fund a two-year study, "Engaging Science in Seminaries," to establish a baseline understanding of teaching about science within Protestant schools in the United States and Canada. The three-part project documented what is being done in theological schools, revealing strengths to be accentuated and weaknesses to be addressed by future programming. 

In September 2021, the Science for Seminaries Seed Grant Initiative provided one year of flexible funding to more than ten ATS member schools. The goal is to help students and faculty members feel more comfortable when interacting with science and technology topics, and to build capacity for the schools to incorporate science more deeply into their theological education. Read more about the grantees and science topics to be covered.

To get ideas, apply, or learn more about the Science for Seminaries project, please visit www.ScienceforSeminaries.org.