Clay Williams is scientist, theologian, and spiritual practitioner who works at the intersection of science, technology, and contemplative practice. The field of complex adaptive systems unifies his scientific and spiritual interests, offering deep and often surprising connections between seemingly unrelated areas of inquiry. Clay has a doctoral degree in computer science, where his worked focused on the intersection of complex adaptive systems, biology, and artificial intelligence. He also has a masters degree in theology, writing a thesis that explored the implications of the theology of Paul Tillich for gay Christians. 

Clay also practices meditation in the Plum Village tradition. In 2007, he took refuge and receive the Five Mindfulness Trainings from Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2012, he founded Living Christ Sangha at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. The Sangha is a community committed to dialog and deep practice in both the Buddhist and Christian traditions. Clay is married to poet and writer David Groff.