The Hyde Park Religion and Science Society

The Hyde Park Religion and Science Society

Zygon Center for Religion and Science
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

In addition to the religion-and-science option in the Ph.D. program, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has introduced a new religion and science emphasis for students in Masters programs. As a complement to this emphasis, LSTC offers activities in order to expand the breadth of the students’ education by preparing them to take an active and effective role in the dialogue between religion and science. To this end, this new society is open to students interested in science and religion studies from all of the Hyde Park theological schools and institutions of higher learning, including the University of Chicago, to engage in extracurricular opportunities to augment their experiences of interdisciplinary learning and discussion. A key focus of this society is to instill in the next generation of science and theology scholars, as a supplement to their academic studies, the skills and experience necessary for organizational administration, resource management, and network building in this growing field. Students in fields of astrophysics, zoology, electrical engineering, philosophy, and theology provide the core forum for discussion. The goal is to educate young scholars in the field of religion and science, toward making an impact on academic teaching as well as education within religious communities. The society meets twice per month during the academic year and actively participates in professional religion and science conferences by means of scholarships provided by the society. Reading groups study and discuss contemporary articles and texts in science and faith. Each student is provided with a subscription to Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science and Theology and Science. Topics include the question of cognitive science and religion, as well as other historical and contemporary issues. Further themes are decided based on based upon the emerging interests and growth of the society. Public lectures, featuring renowned speakers, are also offered to interested students and faculty from neighboring academic institutions and local faith communities. Matching funds are provided by the Zygon Center for Religion and Science.