Unlocking the Intersection of Engineering, Science, and Faith: Dordt University Dean’s Inspiring Storytelling at ISU Lecture

Ethan Brue recently delivered a captivating lecture called “Technology as Storytelling: How Engineering, Science, and Faith Play” at the Memorial Union. Brue, who is the dean of technology and applied sciences at Dordt University, has been teaching for 25 years. His expertise stretches across various engineering subjects, but he has a particular passion for sharing the history of science and engineering.

In his lecture, Brue kicked things off by examining the beginnings of well-known stories. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and imagination. “Characters might be missing their ‘dragons,’” he said, urging listeners to think beyond conventional ideas in today’s tech-driven world. He aimed to encourage people to reconsider the traditional STEM curriculum.

Brue believes everyone connects with technology in some way. “Even if you don’t see yourself as a creator or a scientist, you adopt technology in everyday life,” he shared. He highlighted a flaw in much of the current STEM education, stating that it often misses the imaginative aspects that guide our beliefs and ambitions.

He then delved into deeper themes, linking his views on creation, fall, and redemption with technology and science. Brue explained that the scriptural narrative weaves these concepts together, creating a meaningful trajectory.

Alongside his teaching, Brue co-authored a book titled “A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers,” which he worked on with colleagues Steven Vander Leest and Derek Schuurman.

Students also shared their thoughts on the lecture. Kasch Petersen, a senior in aerospace engineering, reflected, “I thought it was a really good story. As an aerospace engineer, I haven’t thought about it in narrative terms before. It’s always been about formulas.”

Lora Copley, director of the Areopagus Student Fellowship, expressed her curiosity about the content. “I was encouraged to see that engineering and faith can coexist,” she said. “Engineers and designers are part of a much larger story. Their efforts to improve the world tie into something greater.”

This thought-provoking lecture was sponsored by the Iowa State Committee on Lectures and the Areopagus Student Fellowship.