Navigating earth and space 

Keynote speakers explored the boundaries of science and faith alongside a wide range of short papers during a fascinating day at the latest Baptist Theology North 

Baptist Theology North attracted about 40 delegates to Huddersfield for the 2023 event. The theme changes each year, but for 2023 our keynote speakers explored the boundaries of science and faith and quite a few of those present identified as scientist-theologians. However, there was something here for everyone of any theological persuasion.

First-time attender Hilary Forbes of Rhema Church Rode Heath said, 'With a background in both astrophysics and theology, and my interest in faith and science, the BTN theme of space grabbed me as soon as I saw it advertised.

'It was a fascinating day, with keynote speakers and those who gave short papers giving me much to ponder for some time to come. I felt at ease asking questions and entering discussions throughout the day within a warm and encouraging atmosphere.  It was lovely to catch up with old friends and meet new ones too. 

'The hospitality of the hosting church was great and very welcoming, including the lovely people who served me copious amounts of tea. I am already looking forward to BTN 2024!'

While the Revd William Shaw, who has attended almost every year, dubbed it ‘an excellent day’.

The Revd Dr Lucas Mix of ECLAS (Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science) delivered the first keynote, considering the relationship of heaven and earth both historically and in modern thought; and then exploring what heaven might mean, and how that impacts our mission today.

The Revd Dr Dave Gregory of BUEN (Baptist Union Environment Network) gave the other keynote and took us on a journey through creation and the way our theology and creation care intersect. Both speakers gave us a feast of beautiful ideas and images.



These sessions were interspersed with short papers, the backbone of BTN. Anyone can offer a short paper on something they are researching and will be guaranteed conversation, questions, and a friendly reception. This year’s short paper selection comprised:

• Nature, the Environment and Creation (John Allcock), comparing the implications of three frameworks for looking at the world and our place in it and making a case for the importance of hanging onto the Christian notion of Creation.
• Another one Bites the Dust (Nikki Jenkins), giving reflections of a minister as Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge moves towards closure. Keeping attention alive … daring to imagine … living hope … Hope.
• Pastoral Supervision: The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread or Just Another Fad? (Chris Upton), outlining what PS is and isn’t, and how it has impacted my ministry at West Lane and further afield.
• Saving the Church from the Left Brain (Stuart Jenkins), exploring how our brains' left hemispheres attend more to detail, the graspable, acquisition and symbols such as numbers and words, but our right hemispheres notice connections, context and change, and for the sake of the church and the gospel we need to find a better balance. 
• The Great Dura Europos Cover-up (Mike Smith), exploring the archaeology of this find with reference to baptism, mission and ecclesiology.
• No King But Jesus: Do Baptists Have a Contribution to Make to the Conversation About Toxic Leadership? (Simon Hall), a time of facilitated theological reflection on the nature of Christlike leadership, taking in, among other things, the recent coronation and the repeated stories about well known church leaders accused of abusive behaviour.

If you’d like to know about the event next time, join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/249014298891170 or contact Sally at sally.nelson@sthild.org to join an emailing list.

BTN organisers: Sally Nelson, Mark Janes and Keith Jones