The DLSC’s defining ministry is to foster theological inquiry among scholars in a multiplicity of intellectual disciplines and the communication of their findings to others.
Theological Inquiry
A program of carefully selected readings and group discussion designed:
- To inculcate, expand, and deepen theological perspective in community members and other participating scholars
- To encourage a focus on the evangelical significance of other disciplines and their findings
- To illuminate the ministerial value and evangelical potential of scholarly activities in which members are already engaged or will undertake in the normal course of their professional lives
“The whole world is theology for us, because the heavens proclaim the glory of God.”
–St. Albert the Great
Social Communication
- To encourage members to share their religious insights with others in a variety of ways as circumstances, opportunity, and their own good judgment permit
- To promote carefully focused religious dialogue with others, including non-believers, as learners and good listeners as well as communicators
Communal activities
Communal activities of the DLSC routinely include a regular meeting at quarterly or monthly intervals with the following major components:
- Prayer
- Theological Reflection: (group discussion facilitated by the pre-distribution of reading materials on group-selected topics)
- Decision-making on community options, as needed
Aside from the functions cited above and the concrete activities required to implement them, the DLSC does not require additional tasks of its members, preferring instead to encourage and facilitate the conscientious performance of professional activities in which they are already engaged. However, the DLSC also comprises a supportive framework for those of its members who, by their own choice, wish to collaborate with one another in the pursuit of evangelical goals. Such collaboration is held forth as an opportunity, not a requirement or expectation.