Heidi Steltzer, PhD
Scientist, Theologian, Mystic
Founder of Center for Earth Theology
Let's fall in love with our world again
What is Earth Theology?
Earth Theology is part science and part theology. It answers the questions of ‘who is Earth?’ and ‘who am I?’ and brings us into relationship – Earth, us and love or however you perceive of an extraordinary Presence. Earth Theology offers us how we can fall in love with our world again. It includes what we can physically touch and measure that has been the focus of scientific study since the Enlightenment and then goes beyond this. Earth Theology is about how we can live, what we can know, and how we can be of service to, i.e. lead and engage with, our colleagues, clients and communities.
About the Center for Earth Theology
In 2022, I bought four acres of land and a compound, quite literally a five-building compound in the High Desert near Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains. The property is just outside the Cortez city limits on McElmo Creek. The views are incredible. The soil and plants need some love. I intended for the space to be where I would write a book, rest, explore mountains and desert, and restore land. Within two months, I knew the space was not just for me. And now, it’s ready for you to… Read More ⬈
About Heidi Steltzer, PhD
Dr. Heidi Steltzer is an Earth scientist who took a leap of faith into theological studies at the Iliff School of Theology Fall 2023. She is venturing into Earth Theology, the exploration of what we can know about the Earth and ourselves through relationship and what becomes possible when we do. She was a lead author on the High Mountain chapter of an IPCC Special Report on the Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate in 2019. Heidi founded a new retreat center and field station called the Center for Earth Theology in 2024, where one can host a workshop or retreat, conduct scientific research, or simply stay to rest, create, and connect with others in the High Desert near Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains.
Heidi earned her bachelor of science in biology at Duke University. Her doctorate is in ecosystem ecology from University of Colorado at Boulder. And soon her master's in theological studies at the Iliff School of Theology. Find her on social media @heidimountains and @heidi-steltzer.
Speaking and Media Engagements
A French journalist once said to me, “you don’t sound like a scientist”. She couldn’t name who I sounded like nor could I. Rather than stating facts, I speak of learning through relationship. I speak of the experience of how I know, so we each can explore possibility and arrive into something big, wonderful and whole together. My aim as a speaker is to evoke and create space for something new to emerge among us.
When I started theology school in 2023, I learned this is what theologians do. I’ve learned that theology is about experience and relationship, and know that this is science too. Scientists are often taught not to offer what they know this way. But, I do and we can. This shift in how we engage in the experience of a climate summit, leadership program, or community gathering is how thresholds of human possibility are crossed.
By speaking of how wisdom emerges and being in community, we pull together and accomplish what didn’t seem knowable or possible. My expertise is still on climate, science and love, though how I share this wisdom is now more clear to me. If this sounds fitting for your event or expedition, an interview for an article you are writing, a podcast or a program you are offering, or for me to be involved in a retreat or workshop you host at the Center for Earth Theology, then complete the ‘Book Heidi for a Speaking Engagement’ form.
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Yale Climate Connections
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Sacred Earth Sacred Action at the Lliff School of Theology
Ethics of Science Communication Symposium 2023
Panel at DSW
Featured speaker at the Wrighting Raham Institute
Call of the Wild 2024 Speaker Series
Connect with Heidi
The Future is Open
Trained in science and theology with 30 years of climate science experience, and having served as a professor, guiding iimmersive and inclusive college learning experiences for 15 years, Heidi Steltzer has the expertise to offer a unique talk or experience for your climate summit, leadership program, workshop or private event.
