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"Theology for Engineers and Scientists” aims to give graduate students with little or no background in Theology an introduction to the integration of Catholic theology with their respective fields of research or professional training. The goal is not comprehensive knowledge of an emerging field but the building of a bridge between disciplines that seem remote from one another and even in opposition. The theological part will be drawn principally from Romano Guardini’s The End of the Modern World and Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ because these texts look at the technocratic paradigm generously and critically with the goal of gathering wisdom from many domains of experience and learning for the sake of genuine integration. The practical part will include work on a farm or local ecological restoration project. We also expect to consult with experts at Duke and in the Durham area who have some perspective on theology and engineering (Edgardo Colón-Emeric, Fr. Juan José Hernández), the climate crisis team at Duke (Norman Wirzba), and the placemaking division of the Ormond Center at Duke.

 

LOCATION AND FORMAT

  • The seminar will take place at Duke University in Durham, NC. Admitted students will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the seminar.

  • Admitted students will be granted a stipend of $350 to offset travel costs 

  • Lodging and meals will be provided for the duration of the seminar.

  • Participants will arrive in Durham, NC on Sunday, June 25 and depart on Saturday, July 1. The seminar will take place from Monday to Friday, with a lecture and discussion session each morning and afternoon.

  • Participants will be required to read the assigned materials in preparation for the seminar.

  • In order to receive the $350 stipend, students must participate fully in all seminar activities and complete a survey at the end of the seminar.

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

  • Open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in STEM fields, medicine, the history of science, philosophy, theology, and relevant fields.

  • Applicants must submit an online application, including details on their course of study, a statement of interest, and a letter of recommendation (optional).

  • Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis (Updated April 3).

  • 15 applicants will be admitted to the seminar.

 

This seminar is made possible through the support of grant #62372 from the John Templeton Foundation, “In Lumine: Promoting the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on Campuses Nationwide.” This program is copresented by Fons Vitae at Duke University, and the Nova Forum. This program is cosponsored by institutes of the In Lumine Network: the Collegium Institute, the Harvard Catholic Forum, COLLIS, the Saint Anselm Institute, and the Lumen Christi Institute 


 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am a PhD student graduating this academic year. Can I still apply?  Yes!

I am currently an undergraduate but have been admitted to a graduate program for the next academic year. Can I still apply? Yes, please indicate this in the statement of purpose in your application.

I have attended a Lumen Christi Institute or In Lumine Network seminar in the past. May I still apply? Yes!

Do I have to be Catholic to apply? No. The Lumen Christi Institute exists to promotes the Catholic intellectual tradition and is committed to the integration of the intellectual and spiritual life. The Institute welcomes seminar participants of all or no religious affiliation, and wants to assure all applicants that the opportunities to participate in devotional activities are optional.

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis