Online General Audience

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative's semi-monthly seminars are a regular gathering of faculty, students, clinicians, and others interested in the intersections of theology, medicine, and culture. Seminars are free, offered virtually in the fall and spring semesters, and provide opportunities for continuing education for attendees.

This event series is co-sponsored by the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School and the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine.

Upcoming Events in This Series

Creation Care and Human Flourishing: A Survey of Flora and Fauna in the Bible and How God's Creation Helps Us Heal
Fri, Oct 25, 2024 | 12 - 1pm
Creation Care and Human Flourishing: A Survey of Flora and Fauna in the Bible and How God's Creation Helps Us Heal
It is no accident that God chose to tell the Gospel story through a trail of trees. From Genesis to Revelation, every major biblical character and every major theological event has a tree marking the spot. In this seminar, Matthew Sleeth, MD, will lead us through the flora and fauna of Scripture and share how caring for creation helps us flourish.
The Uncanny Valley: Remaining Human in Healthcare
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 | 12 - 1pm
The Uncanny Valley: Remaining Human in Healthcare
A problem plagues modern healthcare: machines are setting the standard of care, and human clinicians are struggling to keep up. In this TMC seminar, Dr. Joshua Briscoe considers how Christians in health care can respond wisely and well to this problem, drawing from the story of the God's people in the Bible, specifically in the story of Israel's adoption into the family of God.

Past Events in This Series

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Flourishing in the Cracks: Cultivating Moral Resilience in the Midst of Moral Distress

Dr. Annie Friedrich explores the moral and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing and burnout, as well as factors contributing to moral distress. She will share reflections on how we can build flourishing, morally resilient communities for both our patients and for ourselves.

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Wilderness and Wayfaring: Navigating Faith Amidst Depression

While modern psychiatry has undoubtedly enhanced the quality of life for many, it frequently falls short of addressing the holistic well-being of those it seeks to serve. Participants are invited to consider the successes and limitations of current mental health practices, highlighting the necessity of a more comprehensive paradigm of healing rooted in Christian tradition and praxis.

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You Have Made Your People Hear Hard Things: Jazz and Medicine as Moral Practice

Theological ethicist Patrick Smith joins physician joins writer Brewer Eberly to explore jazz and medicine as moral practice.

Fall 2024 Seminars

September 13, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. ET

You Have Made Your People Hear Hard Things: Jazz and Medicine as Moral Practice

Patrick Smith, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor of Theological Ethics and Bioethics; Senior Fellow, Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University

Brewer Eberly, MD, MACS, McDonald Agape Fellow in the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School

 

September 27, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Wilderness & Wayfaring: Navigating Faith Amidst Depression

Warren Kinghorn, MD, Th.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center; Esther Colliflower Associate Professor of the Practice of Pastoral and Moral Theology, Duke Divinity School; Co-Director, Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative, Duke Divinity School

Jessica Coblentz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theology & Gender and Womens Studies, St. Mary's College
 

October 11, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Flourishing in the Cracks: Cultivating Moral Resilience in the Midst of Moral Distress

Annie Friedrich, Ph.D., HEC-C, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities in the Institute for Health & Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin; Co-chair of the ethics committee at Children’s Wisconsin

 

October 25, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Creation Care and Human Flourishing: A Survey of Flora and Fauna in the Bible and How God's Creation Helps Us Heal

Matthew Sleeth, MD, Author & Executive Director of Blessed Earth

 

November 8, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. ET

The Uncanny Valley: Remaining Human in Healthcare

Josh Briscoe, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine & Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Faculty Associate, Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine