Design Theology

“Cosmic Mind, Divine, and Design-Engaged Theology” is a conference about intelligent design and its implications for science-engaged theology. The conference falls into two parts. The first part presents the positive case for intelligent design in cosmology, physics, biology, and philosophy. In particular, plenary speakers will argue for the existence of a personal, intelligent, and transcendent God. Presenters will show that the data itself provide strong evidence not only for the existence of God but also for His care for life and human beings: not only is our universe finely-tuning for the existence of life — including human life — but additional data also show that God individually creates each human soul. Accordingly, plenary speakers in Part One will make an intelligent-design-based case for a God who cares for human beings and creation itself.

Having established this foundation, Part Two of the conference explores implications for science-engaged theology. Fundamentally, the missio Dei centers on God’s redemptive purposes in the world and humankinds’ participation in those purposes. A God who cares for life and for humans clearly wants to repair the fallenness of life and of human beings. What shape might that take? Plenary speakers will explore three distinct areas: mind, creation, and practical living. In particular, they will show how the design-centered view (established in Part One) helpfully illuminates thinking about neuroscience, ecology and creation care, and the discernment of God’s guidance in everyday life.