“ T he Center for Theology and the Natural
Sciences pursues a constructive interdisciplinary conversation between theology and science that honors and respects the integrity of each partner, in which convictions are held self-critically and honest engagement is prized, and in which dialogue between rigorous theories of natural science and central positions of mainline theology will serve the broader concerns of the global human and ecological communities.” — Dr. Robert John Russell, Founder
Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
gtu.edu
The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences promotes the creative mutual interaction between theology and the natural sciences through research, teaching, and public service. CTNS focuses on developments in physics, cosmology, evolutionary biology, and genetics, with additional topics in the neurosciences, the environmental sciences, and mathematics, bringing discoveries from these fields into creative interdisciplinary dialogue with Christian theology and ethics, while also integrating wisdom from the many religious traditions represented at the GTU. Academic Programs
Fellowships
Since its founding in Berkeley as an independent nonprofit in 1981, the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS) has been an international leader in the discourse between science and religion. After 35 years as a GTU affiliate, CTNS became a GTU program unit in 2016, where faculty and students continue to break new ground through innovative scholarship, research, and contributions to the public conversation. CTNS faculty support and advise GTU doctoral and MA students pursuing a concentration in Theology and Science, and offer courses to students across the GTU consortium. With particular expertise in the interplay between Christian theology and the sciences, CTNS scholarship highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the GTU, bringing attention to the importance of both theological reflection and scientific discovery in meeting the critical challenges of our time. Among the Center’s prominent initiatives is the Astrotheology Project, which provides critical analysis of contemporary space sciences and classic doctrines, bringing together theologians, biologists, ethicists, astronomers and astrophysicists, historians of science, philosophers, and more.
CTNS’s annual Charles H. Townes Graduate Student Fellowship in Theology and Science offers support to doctoral students at the Graduate Theological Union in science and theology, while the Russell Family Research Fellowship in Religion and Science brings internationally distinguished scholars in religion and science to the GTU for a period of research, teaching, and presentations.
Resources and Public Events Each year, CTNS sponsors a variety of public events for GTU students and the Bay Area community including doctoral student presentations, public forums by visiting scholars, an annual research conference, book launches, and other events. CTNS produces the scholarly journal Theology and Science and oversees an extensive website that offers the public an unparalleled collection of resources reflecting four decades of innovative scholarship in religion and science.
LEARN MORE Request Info and Apply: GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL UNION admissions@gtu.edu 510-649-2400 gtu.edu
CENTER FOR THEOLOGY AND THE NATURAL SCIENCES ctns-info@gtu.edu 510-649-2564 gtu.edu/ctns and ctns.org