The Department of Environmental & Scientific Theology builds on the foundation of biblical studies to develop a theology of science that undergirds environmental theology, geopolitical theology, medical theology, and scientific theology. The theology of science is the branch of theology and scientific studies that attempts to theologically evaluate scientific inquiry. Several important theological issues arise in this inquiry including the nature of revelation, special providence, continuing creation, and special divine action. This discussion impacts the Christian's understanding of creation and God's immanence and thus the past, present, and future nature of the mission of God in the physical world and the believer's relation to both scientific thought and the call to participate in the missio dei.
Humans are intimately bound up with the rest of creation. We have been charged with its care but failed to do so. Non-human creation and human civilisation is under threat. Environmental Theology takes seriously human roles and responsibility, our failure, and God's concern for all he has made. Geopolitical theology takes the relationship between geography, culture, and the socio-political environment seriously as it addresses the Christian's responsibility in those contexts. Medical theology takes seriously the numerous passages of scripture that deal with various forms of trauma that lead to suffering including illness and healthcare, disability, mental illness, and death. Scientific theology addresses the current theological environment as theologians across the theological spectrum wrestle with issues in astrotheology, theophysics, geotheology, biotheology, and neurotheology -- all from an evangelical perspective.
The Department of Environmental & Scientific Theology challenges students to consider God's redemptive plan as inclusive of all of creation and to combine a scientific understanding of the issues with a biblically-informed worldview. Students are equipped to engage creatively in a holistic mission that reconciles people with God, each other, and the non-human creation.