Theological Reflection on Today's World
Theology plays a powerful role in our shared experience. Good theology breathes life into our communities. Likewise, bad—or perhaps misguided—theology can foster intolerance and injustice. While many people worship in churches where they can critically examine their own thinking about God, these discussions can move beyond church walls to truly impact every person in our community. For that reason, we’ve launched the Our Life in Common Series as a space to have meaningful discussion and exploration about faith, humanity, ethics, and other relevant topics.
Our Life in Common Series
Community learning through a theological lens
2023-2024 Series
These 6-week online courses will be hosted online on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm. Dr. Robert Saler, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Christian Theological Seminary, will facilitate a series of guest lecturers including sociologists, economic thinkers, and religious practitioners. These lectures and discussions will help us understand how faith and technology are intertwined in both our individual lives and society. Dive deeper into the relationships between theology and technology in a safe space to discuss practical and faithful actions for justice.
Fall
October 4 - November 8
Wednesdays from 7-8pm
Technology & the Soul
It is commonly said that the main difference between humans and machines is that humans have “souls.” But what is soul? How has it been thought of in the history of theology and philosophy? Can AI ever gain a “soul,” and what would that mean? Come explore these questions with Dr. Robert Saler, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at CTS, alongside Dr. Jon Ivan Gill, philosopher, hip-hop artist, and Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Africana Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Winter
January 10 - February 14
Wednesdays from 7-8pm
Technology: Our Salvation or our End?
Much optimism around the future centers on technology – will we humans find a way to invent solutions to global climate change, poverty, and other existential threats? Or will the very inventions spell doom? How does this relate to social media platforms, AI, the Internet, and other major technologies present now? And how does a theology of human co-creation with the divine inform the ethics of what might happen? This class will feature guest lectures from Dr. Monica Coleman, famed author and Professor of Africana Studies/John and Patricia Cochran Scholar for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Delaware.
Spring
February 28 - April 3
Wednesdays from 7-8pm
Christian Theology & Artificial Intelligence
ChatGPT and other AI is making the news and making waves. In the near future, will it be possible to regularly hear sermons from AI pastors? Receive counseling from AI-generated therapists? Perhaps even form friendships and romantic relationships with computers? What will this mean for our life together, and does theology have anything to say about it? Join us for a course at the intersection of religion and science.
About the Series
This course series is open to all and provides a space where community members can engage with vital theological and ethical questions. There are no preconditions for prior education or formal religious commitment—everyone is welcome. Come be a part of community learning through a theological lens.
Online series of 6-week courses
(fall, winter and spring offerings)
Top instructors
and in-depth content
Reflection time between sessions
for class discussions (no formal assignments)
The series examines issues of faith and technology, including:
- How does technology shape our ways of engaging each other and our world?
- What does this have to do with our conceptions of God and creation?
- How do changes in technology pose benefits and challenges to ethics and spirituality?
- What are the theological motivations for using technology?
- How might technology enhance spirituality and engagement in faith communities?
