Wisdom and Wonder
At the conference this year, we expected to wonder about the following questions – when we restore the recordings to the site, you can relive the wonder and wisdom:
- How does wisdom relate to knowledge, intelligence, and expertise?
- Can a Biblical understanding of wonder enhance academic practices of research and teaching?
- In an increasingly information-rich world, is wonder harder or easier to come by? What about wisdom?
Professor Sir Colin Humphreys
Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge
Approaching Scripture as an academic
Title: How a distinctively academic / scientific approach can add to our understanding of Scripture
The importance of the Bible. The influence of Richard Dawkins and others. Science and the Bible. The need for wisdom in biblical interpretation. Some problems in the New Testament and their solution. Some problems in the Old Testament and their solution. What do we mean by biblical inspiration? Examples of wonder in the Bible.
Approaching academic life as a Christian
Title: An analytical Christian mind in service
Professor Alison Phipps
Professor of Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Glasgow
Biblical basis for wisdom and wonder in intellectual life
Title: Earth, Bread, Wonder, Spirit, Community in Intellectual Journeys
A look at the messiness of wonder and wisdom from the Old and New Testament and from the great book of creation.
Engaging spiritually, intellectually, imaginatively and professionally with culture & society
Title: Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts”: What happens when “justice and peace kiss”?
A series of practical examples and reflections from work with both the World Council of Churches and the Iona Community, on resources for living a risky vision of wisdom’s ways.