Dr Andrew Shepherd is looking forward to an enriching experience being part of an inter-disciplinary group at the 'Thriving in Diverse Contexts' study programme.
Dr Andrew Shepherd is one of twelve international scholars chosen for the Centre of Theological Inquiry study programme 'Thriving in Diverse Contexts'.
This two-year inter-disciplinary programme in psychological science is for researchers in theology.
The programme includes a two-week summer school (June 2023) and a full-semester residential research workshop (January-May 2025) with six other researchers at the Centre of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, as well as participation in virtual webinars and guided readings.
The accompanying grant covers travel, accommodation, and living costs for the residential components of the programme, and funding to cover his teaching and administrative responsibilities at Otago.
All this will allow Dr Shepherd to pursue his approved research project: 'Modes of Attending & Human Flourishing'.
Dr Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues in Otago's Theology Programme, based in Wellington. He says this research project is in response to the considerable contemporary challenges the world is facing, such as climate change, and economic and social polarisation.
The framing question he asks in this research is: “How might a theological reflection upon attentiveness assist in the articulation and embodiment of a theology of 'thriving' that responds to these global challenges we currently face?”
One of his areas of focus is concerned with reflecting theologically upon how different modes of attention shape the nature of human relationality with the non-human world. For example, does increased urbanisation undermine ecological awareness and consciousness, and thus rob us of a key aspect of our selfhood and the basis for wise ecological care?
The other key subject of his research concerns 'the continued exploration of the theological significance of face-to-face encounters in inter-human moral development and ethical behaviour'. For example, exploring changes in relationships as face-to-face physical encounters are increasingly replaced by “virtual” human interaction.
Dr Shepherd says being part of an inter-disciplinary group that includes specialist psychologists and neuroscientists is a wonderful opportunity. While he has some familiarity with the developing fields of neuroscience and the import of this for understanding human psychology, he has no formal training in either of these areas.
“Allowing these experts' insights to challenge, sharpen, and enrich my phenomenological and theological reflections will greatly benefit my current research.”
Head of Te Pae Takata School of Arts, Professor Tim Cooper says this is a great achievement.
“Andrew's Centre of Theological Inquiry success seems to me a massive exercise in international collaboration that can only enhance the quality and quantity of his research. I wish him every success.”
Read more: Theology at Otago