Hood Theological Seminary Hosts Annual ICFSH Fall Conference

Hood Theological Seminary hosted the Annual International Center for Faith, Science, and History (ICFSH) on October 11, 2024, titled “Soil and Souls in Dialogue.”

The keynote speaker was Dr. Stephanie Boddie, Associate Professor of Church and Community Ministries, Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Dr. Boddie, in her talk, made comparisons between the planet and personal struggles. She also discussed food insecurity within churches and mental droughts within the church. In addition, Dr. Boddie described the importance of church gardens and their critical role in church discipleship. The worship facilitator was RevDele, Founder of Soil and Souls. She discussed how she has worked with nature in the past, how nature has impacted her relationship with God, and the importance of getting youth involved with Soil and Souls.

There were also two scientists who spoke during the conference. The first scientist was Stephanie M. Burks, who is a science educator and Biology instructor at Hinds Community College on the Utica campus. The second scientist was LaBarron K. Hill, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Health Psychology at NC A&T University. He discussed cardiovascular disease and hypertension with African Americans and how chronic stress within African Americans is related to hypertension because of past discrimination and racism. Dr. Hill also discussed how mindfulness helps with having less stress, that it is associated with being less stressed about discrimination and leads to better overall health. In relation to nature, Dr. Hill described how it helps to spend time outside and be in nature to relieve stress.

The entire recording of the conference can be found at https://shorturl.at/jvbGW .

Hood Theological Seminary, located at 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive in Salisbury, NC, is a graduate and professional school sponsored by the A.M.E. Zion Church and approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. Its student body, faculty and staff currently comprise persons from many different denominations. Hood's mission is to prepare women and men for bold and creative leadership for the Christian church for a diverse world.