Works of Love:
Scientific and Theological Perspectives on Altruism

Stephen G. Post
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
Institute of Research on Unlimited Love

June 21-July 9, 2004

Funded by the Institute of Research on Unlimited Love

Course Description:
The goal of this seminar is to provide an opportunity for theologians, philosophers, and scientists in all areas to think and write creatively about agape love. The approach will be highly integrative, linking the biological and social sciences with theological, philosophical, ethical, and metaphysical themes. In recent years a number of Christian theologians and ethicists have developed a sustained rapport with the science of altruism as they seek to better understand human capacities for generous behavior grounded in other-regarding love, and to consider these capacities in the light of divine agape love and spiritual transformation. Participation in agape or limitless love is considered the fullest experience of spirituality, giving rise to inner peace and kindness, as well as to active works of love toward all humanity.

How are we to understand the experience and example of those individuals whose lives are deeply shaped by their certainty of the reality of pure divine love for all humanity without exception? A number of avenues of research are relevant here: scientific areas such as human development, psychology, sociology, affective neuroscience, cultural anthropology, behavioral genetics, game theory, and altruism broadly considered; theological topics including theological anthropology, justification, faith, humility, grace, law and gospel, sin, conversion, and sanctification, among others; philosophical topics including metaphysics and ethics.

Public Lecture

Past Events

For further information contact:
Seminars in Christian Scholarship
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu