Theological Reflections on Creation and Sciences Draws More Than 600

More than 600 participants gathered at Duke Divinity School March 13-15 for the third joint meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) and the Wesleyan Theological Society (WTS).

The meeting brought together resources from both societies for theological reflection about creation and the world of sciences. The theme was “Sighs, Signs and Significance: Pentecostal and Wesleyan Explorations of Science and Creation.”

Jürgen Moltmann, professor emeritus of Tübingen University in Germany, was the keynote speaker for the event. He is a strong supporter of both societies, and his work focuses on the intersection of theology of creation, science and theology of the Holy Spirit.

Randy Maddox, associate dean for faculty development and professor of theology and Wesleyan studies at Duke Divinity School, presented a plenary address titled “John Wesley’s Precedent for Theological Engagement with the Natural Sciences.”

Other plenary speakers included:

• Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and associate professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center. Koenig, co-director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke, spoke on religion, spirituality and health.
• SPS representative James K.A. Smith of Calvin College spoke on how a charismatic worldview informs work in theology and science.

More than 200 papers, panels and presentations were offered in parallel sessions, symposia and additional meetings.

See photos from the event below.

Photos courtesy of Thomas J. Oord, Northwest Nazarene University
Captions and text by Stephen Gunter, Duke Divinity School