Taking Theology to Heart: Why Theological and Biblical Education Needs the Affective Sciences.

Abstract: “Every semester I have taught theology in in higher education, a college student has said to me some form of, ‘My pastor/parent/mentor says I don’t need theology; I just have to love the Lord!’ This, of course, makes me want to reply, ‘Fine, then, but tell me who is the Lord, and what does it mean to love?’ For years now I have volleyed students between two sides of the same court: that Christians have an intellectual, rational defense of what we believe, and that studying theology does not demand one become an, uncompassionate, combative brain who abandons worship of God and love of neighbor.

Research demonstrates, in fact, that our rationality and emotionality are not enemies, but rather are more connected that we might assume. This paper will connect these findings to biblical and theological studies. “