Innovation Theology

Innovation Theology: A Biblical Inquiry and Exploration invites seminary leaders to explore an uncharted territory--theology for innovating. This unexplored terrain of practical and applied theology holds gems of substantive and practical wisdom for innovating in the marketplace, society, and church. Innovation Theology brings theological perspectives to the challenges of innovating and promises to transform how we make sense of change and where (and why) we choose to innovate. Innovation Theology makes the case that God continues to create and continues to invite us, through change, to co-create new value for others (i.e., innovate). Innovation Theology explores where discovery, invention, and value creation intersect (or not) with the intentions of God. Not to be confused with workplace spirituality, business ethics, or critiques of technology, theology for innovating can encourage scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to aim their innovating toward the common good, not just in response to the invisible hand of the market. Innovation Theology invites us to make meaning before money, aim for plumb lines before bottom lines, and reattach extrinsic to intrinsic value. The one for whom all things are possible is interested, invested, and engaged in innovating. Are we innovating with him, or not? ""The core idea of this remarkable book is timely, inspiring, and potentially revolutionary, especially as regards selflessness vs. self-interest. Lanny Vincent shows how theology and innovation are not at odds, but deeply complementary. Clear, elegantly written, and practical, the book offers specific direction to those who hope to keep their work wise, humane, useful, and will surely enrich readers' understanding of their own purposes."" --Marilyn McEntyre, PhD, author ofCaring for Words in a Culture of Lies ""When scientists and engineers attempt to create new value for others, Vincent argues, they should seek the will of God to guidewherethey should innovate,why, andfor whom.Instead of the invisible hand of the market, the guidance will be from the hands of the Other--holding a plumb line like the prophet Amos saw."" --Jack Swearengen, Professor of Engineering (retired); author ofBeyond Paradise: Technology and the Kingdom of God ""There is a gaping hole in our world's innovation thinking. True and lasting innovation requires more than markets, science, technology, and logic; it yearns for a plumb line only the Word can provide. Accept the challenge. See how theology enables innovation anew and begin innovating in the Company of God."" --Greg Gudorf, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Pure Flix Digital; Inventor; Technology Industry Executive ""Flowing from a life that combines 'deep' theology and spiritual solidarity with a keen eye for what constitutes expert entrepreneurship certainly makes this book a fresh and original contribution."" --Stuart Brown, MD, Founder and President, The National Institute for Play For thirty-five years Lanny Vincent has been facilitating invention and foresight with Fortune 500 companies seeking to innovate. Formerly a Presbyterian Pastor in the South and Midwest, Lanny continues to make sense of change and innovation with the inspired guidance of the biblical canon, even from his garage in the San Francisco Bay Area.