Flourish Conference

18-19 July 2022

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Flourish: The Good News of Science-Engaged Theology

Whether we have thought long and hard about it or not, everyone cares about flourishing. What does it mean to live well? What do the “good news” and the “good life” share in common? At this conference, we pulled from a variety of resources from the Christian tradition and the social sciences to think together on these questions.

The conference was part of a Sir John Templeton research grant and hosted through Carey Baptist College.

You can read some of the published break-out papers from conference presenters on our open-access Pacific Journal of Theological Research.

Read Publications

Conference Recordings

Conference Welcome Speech and Waiata

James Kaa-Morgan, Luke Kaa-Morgan, Natua Kaa-Morgan, Denise Tims, Eugene Fuimaono, Jordyn Rapana & Ariātua Kaa-Morgan

Plenary 1 – Flourishing and Human Need

Dr Christ McKirland

Plenary 2 – Let Justice Roll Down

Dr Andrew Picard, Jordyn Rapana

Panel Discussion – Women Flourishing in the Theological Academy and Church

Dr Joanna Leidenhag, Jordyn Rapana, Dr Lynne Taylor – hosted by Dr Christa McKirland

Plenary 3 – Accountability and Human Flourishing

Dr Andrew Torrance

Plenary 4 – Flourishing and Neurodiversity

Dr Joanna Leidenhag and Dr Pamela Ebstyne King

Plenary 5 – Religion in NZ since 2009: Insights from the NZ Attitudes and Values Survey

Dr Joseph Bulbulia

Plenary 6 – Freedom and Flourishing in Community

Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan

Public Lecture – Autism in the Flourishing Church

Dr Joanna Leidenhag

Conference Closing Remarks and Waiata

James Kaa-Morgan, Luke Kaa-Morgan, Natua Kaa-Morgan, Denise Tims, Eugene Fuimaono & Jordyn Rapana

What attendees thought about the conference

“The talks invited me to think broadly and bravely about my humanity, my faith, and the communities I am part of, and how those aspects interact with each other, and build capacity for the kin-dom of God to grow in my own life and the world.“

“It felt like my sweet spot to get to hear a whole bunch of smart, thoughtful people share their meaningful and valuable research. I love learning, especially about the integration of theology and psychology. So I feel like this particular conference (and paper) was designed specifically for me. The research and the conference has also helped bring me closer to God, which is a huge bonus.“

“Most “science engaged theology” conferences/talks mostly only talk about natural sciences/evolution. I LOVED the chance to think academically with others about human oriented sciences and theology. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a long time but have found few places to engage where other people have done more thinking than I have.“

Flourish Conference Photos

Check out these photos taken on the second day of the conference!

View the photos

Flourish Conference 2022_Programme Cover

Conference Programme

View the full programme to see more details about speakers and papers presented at the Flourish Conference 2022

View the Programme

“At Carey we believe that the God of mission is at work in the world by the Spirit to renew people and places in Christ. Our calling is to equip Christian leaders with the convictions, competencies, and capacity to participate in that mission, bringing gospel renewal in churches and communities across Aotearoa and around the world.”

– John Tucker, Principal