Pastoral Care Seminar Addresses God and Cancer

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will host the pastoral care seminar “God and Cancer: Interpreting, Praying, and Care-giving in Pastoral Settings” Wed., May 9, 2012, from 1:30-4:00 p.m. in the Knox Room. Leonard M. Hummel, professor of pastoral theology and pastoral care at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg will present with a response by Andrew Purves, professor of Reformed theology at PTS.

Scientists have learned that cancer evolves through the complex interplay of chance occurrences and law-like regularities. Its basic biology rests on this irony: While physical operations of chance and necessity promote the evolution of life, those very same forces drive the development of a disease that may destroy life. Starting with the evolutionary biology of cancer, Hummel draws us to reflect on the theological questions that confront every pastor: How can we connect “God and cancer”? How can we understand God’s love at work within the evolutionary chance and necessity that underlie all dimensions of cancer?

Registration fee is $15. Register online or by phone at 412-924-1345. 0.25 CEUs are available for this event. Call the Continuing Education Office at 412-924-1345 or e-mail ConEd@pts.edu with questions. Learn more.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate professional institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Founded in 1794, the Seminary is located in Pittsburgh, Pa. and approximately 310 students are enrolled yearly in the degree programs. The Seminary prepares leaders who proclaim with great joy God’s message of good news in both word and deed. PTS is rooted in the Reformed history of faithfulness to Scripture and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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