Theology

A new program called Scientists in Congregations, created by an Evangelical Lutheran pastor, is in full swing this year to help other pastors start conversations about science and religion.

The Rev. Greg Cootsona told The Christian Post that the project is “designed to catalyze the dialogue of science and theology in local congregations.” There are no set guidelines except to engage with the “highest level of science.”

The initiative is a grant program funded by the John Templeton Foundation and its mission calls for “sustained, creative collaboration between practitioners in the fields of science (scientists or science educators) and theology/faith practice (pastors) who are already engaged with one another through shared participation in the life of a congregation.” more >>

Christian-based Biola University in Southern California recently received a $3 million grant toward a new initiative aimed at bringing world-renowned scholars together to collaborate and engage others outside academia on important questions facing Christianity in the 21st century.

The La Mirada-based university announced Wednesday that the John Templeton Foundation awarded the research grant, which is the largest amount ever received by the college, to the institution’s Center for Christian Thought late last month. The center program launches during the school’s upcoming spring semester.

The center’s director Gregg Ten Elshof told The Christian Post that the initiative will not only provide a tremendous base for research among Christian scholars, but to the whole Christian community as well. more >>

British television producer Mark Burnett and wife, Roma Downey, star of “Touched By An Angel,” have teamed up with Immersion Digital’s Glo Bible and HarperCollins' Christian publisher Zondervan to launch Bible360 – a free interactive app that allows users to immerse themselves in God’s Word via video, photos, virtual tours, and more.

"With Bible360, people everywhere now have the ability to explore Biblical History in an insightful, accessible and immersive way," said Burnett and Downey in a joint statement. "We are thrilled to provide millions of people with a fresh visual experience as they enjoy this sacred text."

The app comes preloaded with the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. The most popular Bible translation worldwide, the NIV was modified for the first time in 25 years in 2011. more >>

Well-known for starting Bible study campaigns that often become staples for churches around the world, Pastor Rick Warren announced that Saddleback Church in Orange County will begin a "40 Days in the Word" study next month to tackle biblical illiteracy.

Warren, whose bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life was a accompanied by a “40 Days of Purpose” study for small groups, said in a video introducing the new campaign that he has three goals for “our entire church family.”

“First, I want you to learn to love the Word more than anything else in your life, that you love it like you’ve never loved it before. Then, learn the Word in a way that you’ve never learned it before. And I want you to live the word like you’ve never lived it before,” said Warren in the short video on the church’s website. more >>

Denzel Washington, who turned 57 Wednesday, is continuing to prove that a successful acting career is feasible with the proper spiritual foundation.

The multiple Oscar award winner, who has appeared in films since his 1977 debut, has remained vocal throughout the years about his Christian faith. In an interview with Beliefnet, Washington spoke about the importance of his spirituality in not only his life, but also his career.

“Spirituality is important in every aspect of my life,” Washington said. “I mean, that's why I'm here. That's what I've been blessed to do,” more >>

Gray Matter Books and author/editor Jonny Walls have announced the release of his latest book, The Legend of Zelda and Theology.

This book takes an inside look into the cultural impact of “The Legend of Zelda” video game series. It also analyzes the elements of Christian theology that the game presents to players.

The Legend of Zelda video game franchise is known for its high level of interactive adventure, immersion, and storytelling. The video game series has continued to release excellent titles adored by fans and critics alike since its initial release on the Nintendo Entertainment System. more >>