- Day & Time: Tuesdays at 14:00
- Join Live: via this Zoom link on the day of delivery
- Past Lectures: Available on our website and YouTube channel.
October MBL Lecture Series
8 October - Who needs digital theology? - Jonas Kurlberg
Synopsis
We are acutely aware of how deeply our lives are intertwined with digital technologies. We spend long hours in front of screens, surveillance technologies monitors our every step, and smart technologies are imbedded into tech applications all around us. A common conception is that such technologies are simply tools that can be used for different ends, whether good or bad.
Such a definition puts the emphasis on human actions which implies that what we really need is digital ethics. However, the affordances of technologies have subtle but profound bearing on how we act, relate, think, and pray. If this is the case then technology is part of the matrix of our culture. This invites a different sort of reflection for we recognise that context inevitable shape our theologising. What we also need is a digital theology that explores the theological ramifications. Starting from this premise this seminar explores and exemplifies some of the core topics and questions that emerges in digital culture.
Dr. Jonas Kurlberg — is the Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies and Tutor in Theology at Spurgeon’s College. He is the chair of the Global Network of Digital Theology and an Honorary Fellow at Durham University. His main research interest lies in the intersection between theology, technology and digital culture.
15 October - Christian Conversions and Multi-religious Belongings: Pitfalls and Possibilities - Dr. Kang-San Tan
This is the final lecture from the September Theme: Contextualisation of Religious Conversion – which was rescheduled from the 17th September.
Synopsis
Dr. Tan will explore the idea that followers of Jesus might retain their religious identities or traditions. His lecture will emphasize the contributions of a Trinitarian theology of religions that supports religious conversions while promoting indigenous Christian witness, focusing specifically on Christian-Buddhist identity.
Dr. Kang-San Tan is General Director of BMS World Mission. Previously, he also served as Head of Mission Studies at Redcliffe College. He completed his doctoral studies in Missiology from Trinity International University and PhD in Theology of religions from Aberdeen University. Dr. Tan is a Trustee of BMS World and you can read more about him here.
