This Sunday, January 2, we're going to hear Bishop John Shelby Spong's closing talk in the Chatauqua series, "Eternal Life: A New Vision"
In one of the earlier talks, Spong spoke of the short-comings of older forms of understanding of Christianity, particularly in the face of modern scientific discoveries and understanding. He painted a disturbing picture. However, in this talk, the final in the series, Spong brings it home with satisfying resolution, concordant with discovery, exhorting us to live fully, love wastefully and break barriers of separation. It's an uplifting talk.
Please join us, we'll be delighted to see you.
As ever, superlative childcare is provided.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Responding to "Transcending Religion"
Last week we heard the Chautauqua sermon by Bishop Spong. Here's the link if you want a refresher (click here).
In his sermon, Spong marks some strong challenges. He shows us that science and modern understanding of the world conflict with historical, sometimes architypal views of the nature of God, the soul and eternal life. He tells us that, knowing what we now know is true, we can't go back to the old beliefs. We have to go forward.
But the old beliefs filled voids, and gave humanity succor, comfort and confidence. So....what do we go forward with?
Let's talk about it this coming Sunday.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you at 9:45. As ever, the very best in childcare is provided.
In his sermon, Spong marks some strong challenges. He shows us that science and modern understanding of the world conflict with historical, sometimes architypal views of the nature of God, the soul and eternal life. He tells us that, knowing what we now know is true, we can't go back to the old beliefs. We have to go forward.
But the old beliefs filled voids, and gave humanity succor, comfort and confidence. So....what do we go forward with?
Let's talk about it this coming Sunday.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you at 9:45. As ever, the very best in childcare is provided.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Possible snow date for the Progressive Dinner
Check the "comments" to this post for the lastest updates.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
John Spong: "Transcending Religion"
Listening to John Spong can be wonderfully liberating. His is one of the most talented voices of Progressive Christianity.
Spong, a recently retired Episcopalian Bishop is a native of North Carolina and spent much of his early professional life in our region. He knows who we are, and he knows the religion in which many of us were raised, and he knows the pitfalls. His insights for the successful future of Christianity are radical, fearless, generous and clear.
This coming Sunday we will listen to a lecture Spong gave in the Chautauqua Institute Series in New York. The title is "Transcending Religion." It's a good one.
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. And as ever, loving childcare is provided.
Spong, a recently retired Episcopalian Bishop is a native of North Carolina and spent much of his early professional life in our region. He knows who we are, and he knows the religion in which many of us were raised, and he knows the pitfalls. His insights for the successful future of Christianity are radical, fearless, generous and clear.
This coming Sunday we will listen to a lecture Spong gave in the Chautauqua Institute Series in New York. The title is "Transcending Religion." It's a good one.
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. And as ever, loving childcare is provided.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
First ethics, now values
Last month we explored the origins of morality. This month we'll take a finer point as we have a look at values--Christian values, and family values.
This is going to be tougher than you'd think because, dad-gum-it, there's no official list of what these values actually are. This means we'll have to employ perspective and look at values professed by a wide number of individuals and groups, all claiming to be Christian. And then we'll compare these values to other groups to see how much justification there is in calling them "Christian."
It'll be fun.
Please join us. And remember, superlative childcare is provided.
This is going to be tougher than you'd think because, dad-gum-it, there's no official list of what these values actually are. This means we'll have to employ perspective and look at values professed by a wide number of individuals and groups, all claiming to be Christian. And then we'll compare these values to other groups to see how much justification there is in calling them "Christian."
It'll be fun.
Please join us. And remember, superlative childcare is provided.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
No Adult Forum on November 28th
The Adult Forum will not meet on November 28th.
Stay tuned for an update on December 5th.
Stay tuned for an update on December 5th.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Exploring the Stages of Moral Development
This coming Sunday, November 21, Sandy Westin will lead the discussion as we continue to explore from whence morality cometh.
In the past few weeks we’ve explored the sources of our species’ sense of morality. This week Sandy Westin will lead us in exploring how that sense develops – or doesn’t develop - within an individual as they grow into adulthood. Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget defined four stages of cognitive development during his remarkable life and career (1896-1980). Building on Piaget’s work, Harvard professor Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) expanded that structure into six stages of moral development within three major phases of the development of reasoning ability. We will try out a few moral dilemmas to see how our own reasoning and experience do or do not fit into Kohlberg’s and Piaget’s stage theories.
Sandy Westin earned her Bachelor’s degree at Washington State University in the combined fields of Human Development and Psychology. She currently serves as the North American Regional Coordinator of United Religions Initiative, and lives in Johnson City.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as ever, superior childcare is provided.
In the past few weeks we’ve explored the sources of our species’ sense of morality. This week Sandy Westin will lead us in exploring how that sense develops – or doesn’t develop - within an individual as they grow into adulthood. Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget defined four stages of cognitive development during his remarkable life and career (1896-1980). Building on Piaget’s work, Harvard professor Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) expanded that structure into six stages of moral development within three major phases of the development of reasoning ability. We will try out a few moral dilemmas to see how our own reasoning and experience do or do not fit into Kohlberg’s and Piaget’s stage theories.
Sandy Westin earned her Bachelor’s degree at Washington State University in the combined fields of Human Development and Psychology. She currently serves as the North American Regional Coordinator of United Religions Initiative, and lives in Johnson City.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as ever, superior childcare is provided.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
No Forum on Nov 14th
The Adult Forum will not meet on November 14th. We're making room for the 10,000 Villages sale.
On the 21st, Sandy Westin will continue our series on the origins of morality with a presentation on Jean Piaget. Details coming soon.
On the 21st, Sandy Westin will continue our series on the origins of morality with a presentation on Jean Piaget. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
More on Morality: 95 Theses of Matthew Fox
First we heard Sam Harris propose that science could answer moral questions. He didn't convince us. Then we heard from Bonobo-watcher, Franz de Waal who showed us that, while science can't provide answers to moral questions, it can show us some of the evolutionary origins of our sense of morality, and how much we have in common with the animal kingdom. From biological observations, it's easy to see how we have a thirst for justice.
Leaping across the universe of disciplines, we find Matthew Fox, a former Roman Catholic priest (and now an Episcopalian priest) who was so disturbed by the injustices of his religion that he repeated Martin Luther's act of nailing 95 new theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany, where Luther's theses helped give rise to the Protestant Reformation. Fox begins a new reformation. Many of his 95 theses define a moral system that seems to be consistent with science, and with the resonant facets of biological justice.
Please join us for the discussion. We'll be happy to have you. And as always, loving, intelligent childcare is provided.
Leaping across the universe of disciplines, we find Matthew Fox, a former Roman Catholic priest (and now an Episcopalian priest) who was so disturbed by the injustices of his religion that he repeated Martin Luther's act of nailing 95 new theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany, where Luther's theses helped give rise to the Protestant Reformation. Fox begins a new reformation. Many of his 95 theses define a moral system that seems to be consistent with science, and with the resonant facets of biological justice.
Please join us for the discussion. We'll be happy to have you. And as always, loving, intelligent childcare is provided.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Still looking for the source of Morality
Last week we watched Sam Harris' presentation on the ability of science to answer moral questions. We did not learn that it can. Harris told us that science-based answers to moral problems was a good idea, but unfortunately he didn't give us any evidence. Through our discussion, the best we could come up with is that perhaps the Golden Rule is as good as we've got for a universal truth. And maybe that's a pretty significant conclusion.
Next Sunday we will continue with Franz de Waal and a recent piece he wrote for the NY Times entitled "Morals without God." Again, we'll see the the author of the title of the essay is a bit optimistic with respect to de Wall's position. De Waal holds that the building blocks of morality are clearly and obviously presence in the natural world. Examples will be illustrated and discussed.
Please join us for a lively session. We'll be delighted to see you. And remember, excellent childcare is provided.
Next Sunday we will continue with Franz de Waal and a recent piece he wrote for the NY Times entitled "Morals without God." Again, we'll see the the author of the title of the essay is a bit optimistic with respect to de Wall's position. De Waal holds that the building blocks of morality are clearly and obviously presence in the natural world. Examples will be illustrated and discussed.
Please join us for a lively session. We'll be delighted to see you. And remember, excellent childcare is provided.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
From whence comes morality?
We'll be embarking on a multi-week adventure that takes us from righteous anti-theism, to non-theistic biological morality, to God-based Creation Spirituality. I'm targeting three Sundays to complete the passage.
This Sunday we'll view a talk by Sam Harris entitled "Science can answer moral questions." The blurb that accompanies the presentation reads:
"Questions of good and evil, right and wrong are commonly thought unanswerable by science. But Sam Harris argues that science can -- and should -- be an authority on moral issues, shaping human values and setting out what constitutes a good life." Notice that it does not say THE authority, but rather AN authority.
However, both the title and the blurb are misleading; Harris' remarks are mostly based on identifying unnecessary suffering caused by religious beliefs. He says cruelty and injustice are easy to identify and we should speak out against them, but often we don't because religous based actions have a special status that we regard too highly. This presentation was delivered to a large forum in Palo Alto, and he received a standing ovation at its end. It is a good talk, but Harris does not show that science can answer moral questions. Here's the link: Click here.
On the other hand, Frans de Waal, in a recent column in the NY Times speaks directly to findings of science that point fairly clearly to a biological bases for our sense of morality. de Waal, writing under the title "Morals without God?" posits that evidence for the building blocks of morality are clear in many species of mammals, but as for science offering moral answers, he says, "what alternative does science have to offer? Science is not in the business of spelling out the meaning of life and even less in telling us how to live our lives. We, scientists, are good at finding out why things are the way they are, or how things work, and I do believe that biology can help us understand what kind of animals we are and why our morality looks the way it does. But to go from there to offering moral guidance seems a stretch." Here's the link: Click here.
The following week we'll have a look at Matthew Fox, promulgator of Creation Spirituality and his 95 theses. We'll talk about how these statements, nailed to the door of Wittenburg Church where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses that started the Protestant Reformation, fill in where science cannot go. Fox's theses, in the context of the positions offered by Harris and Fox provide some intriguing notions. For example, “All the names we give to God come from an understanding of ourselves”, and "Celebration and worship are key to human community and survival..." Here's the link: Click here.
We'll keep a record of the major points that arise out of these sessions, with the expectation that a definitive theme will emerge.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as ever, excellent childcare is provided.
This Sunday we'll view a talk by Sam Harris entitled "Science can answer moral questions." The blurb that accompanies the presentation reads:
"Questions of good and evil, right and wrong are commonly thought unanswerable by science. But Sam Harris argues that science can -- and should -- be an authority on moral issues, shaping human values and setting out what constitutes a good life." Notice that it does not say THE authority, but rather AN authority.
However, both the title and the blurb are misleading; Harris' remarks are mostly based on identifying unnecessary suffering caused by religious beliefs. He says cruelty and injustice are easy to identify and we should speak out against them, but often we don't because religous based actions have a special status that we regard too highly. This presentation was delivered to a large forum in Palo Alto, and he received a standing ovation at its end. It is a good talk, but Harris does not show that science can answer moral questions. Here's the link: Click here.
On the other hand, Frans de Waal, in a recent column in the NY Times speaks directly to findings of science that point fairly clearly to a biological bases for our sense of morality. de Waal, writing under the title "Morals without God?" posits that evidence for the building blocks of morality are clear in many species of mammals, but as for science offering moral answers, he says, "what alternative does science have to offer? Science is not in the business of spelling out the meaning of life and even less in telling us how to live our lives. We, scientists, are good at finding out why things are the way they are, or how things work, and I do believe that biology can help us understand what kind of animals we are and why our morality looks the way it does. But to go from there to offering moral guidance seems a stretch." Here's the link: Click here.
The following week we'll have a look at Matthew Fox, promulgator of Creation Spirituality and his 95 theses. We'll talk about how these statements, nailed to the door of Wittenburg Church where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses that started the Protestant Reformation, fill in where science cannot go. Fox's theses, in the context of the positions offered by Harris and Fox provide some intriguing notions. For example, “All the names we give to God come from an understanding of ourselves”, and "Celebration and worship are key to human community and survival..." Here's the link: Click here.
We'll keep a record of the major points that arise out of these sessions, with the expectation that a definitive theme will emerge.
Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as ever, excellent childcare is provided.
Monday, October 11, 2010
John Shelby Spong's Sermon on the minor Prophets
This coming Sunday we're going to watch a sermon delivered by retired Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong to the Unity church in the Rockies in 2006. This is a beautiful sermon. It shows the evolution of the biblical envisioning of the nature of God, going from the wrathful creator/destroyer of Genesis to becoming the God of loving redemption and justice seen in the stories of Hosea, Amos, Micah and Malachai.
Spong is a wonderful, kind, intelligent voice for religion in the 21st century, and this is a thoughtful, up-lifting presention. Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as always loving childcare is provided.
Preview here: John Shelby Spong
Spong is a wonderful, kind, intelligent voice for religion in the 21st century, and this is a thoughtful, up-lifting presention. Please join us. We'll be delighted to see you. And as always loving childcare is provided.
Preview here: John Shelby Spong
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Hans Rosling Rocks!
One of TED's most popular speakers is the statistician, Hans Rosling.
Rosling is entertaining, funny, and brilliant. He's a professor of Public Health at the Karolinska Institute, the same organization that names the Nobel Prize winner Medicine. His presentation of world helath data is truly amazing and entertaining.
The website says:
"You've never seen data presented like this. With the drama and urgency of a sportscaster, statistics guru Hans Rosling debunks myths about the so-called "developing world." It's true. Rosling's uses data from the United Nations and related sources to bring a fresh, realistic view of the states of health areas around the world.
Please join us for this entertaining, inspirational presentation.
We'll be glad to see you, and as always, inspired childcare is provided.
Rosling is entertaining, funny, and brilliant. He's a professor of Public Health at the Karolinska Institute, the same organization that names the Nobel Prize winner Medicine. His presentation of world helath data is truly amazing and entertaining.
The website says:
"You've never seen data presented like this. With the drama and urgency of a sportscaster, statistics guru Hans Rosling debunks myths about the so-called "developing world." It's true. Rosling's uses data from the United Nations and related sources to bring a fresh, realistic view of the states of health areas around the world.
Please join us for this entertaining, inspirational presentation.
We'll be glad to see you, and as always, inspired childcare is provided.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around the World
This coming Sunday, October 3 is going to be an honest-to-goodness FEEL GOOD!! session with "Playing for Change." If you're not familiar with the Playing for Change movement you, friend, are in for a major league treat.
Playing for Change is a world-wide movement to bring peace to the earth through shared music and the miracle of the internet. We're going to become a part of the movement and we will feel the peace, the joy and the happiness that comes with sharing songs across the planet.
Please join us. You'll be very welcome, and I guarantee you'll feel better for the experience. Guaranteed! or your money back.
As always, world-class, loving childcare is provided.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More on Mountain Top Mining
Last week John shuck gave us an introduction to some of the ills of Mountain Top Mining. It was good. This coming Sunday, the story continues.
Please joins us at 9:45. We'll be delighted to see you.
Excellent childcare is provided.
Please joins us at 9:45. We'll be delighted to see you.
Excellent childcare is provided.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Mountain top mining
This coming sunday and the next, our fearless minister, John shuck will lead us in a viewing and discussion of Mountain Top Mining, the source of the fuel that satisfies of much of our need for energy, and the price that it costs to the environment and humanity.
Please join us at 9:45. Ever-so-loving childcare is provided
Please join us at 9:45. Ever-so-loving childcare is provided
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How to think! with Frederick Norwood
This coming Sunday we will host Professor Frederick Norwood of ETSU's Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Professor Norwood has been at ETSU for a number of years. His area of expertise is in the field of Topology and Analysis, with a focus on knots and surfaces.
Dr. Norwood has published a number of manuscripts that reflect his curosity and imagination. He'll speak to us on the topic of "How to think."
Please join us at 9:45. Wonderful childcare is provided.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment
I've gotten a recommendation (from across our living room) to turn our direction slightly more in a spiritual direction. I like good recommendations. I recall Sylvia's comment from last Sunday regarding our two bodies, with one of heart and mind. Perhaps this was not what was said, but rather what I heard. Nonetheless, I'm reminded of Jill Bolte Taylor's talk on her brain hemorrhage and how it made her so accutely and profoundly aware of the vast differences between right and left brain function. She spoke of the two sides of her brain as operating in two completely unique views of the world, and each providing entirely separate experiences with differing perceptions. She implored her audience to spend more time in the right brain, with its inherent sense of expansiveness, inclusiveness, unity and belonging. Her call sounds so inviting, but she does not give instructions on how to get there.
Oddly, Jill's recounting of her right-brain experience sounds remarkably like the growth experiences and states of being described in the 1970's booklet by Thaddeus Golas entitled, "The Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment" which does contain simple instructions for getting into the right brain experience. I'll introduce the fundamentals.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be delighted to have you.
As usual, excellent childcare is provided
Oddly, Jill's recounting of her right-brain experience sounds remarkably like the growth experiences and states of being described in the 1970's booklet by Thaddeus Golas entitled, "The Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment" which does contain simple instructions for getting into the right brain experience. I'll introduce the fundamentals.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be delighted to have you.
As usual, excellent childcare is provided
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Susan Savage-Rumbaugh on Bonobos
Bonobos are colloquially known as pigmy chimps. They are cute. Most zoos don't keep them because their sexual behavior is so similar to human behavior that it makes us uncomfortable. They are also a highly egalitarian, matriarchal group and only one of the only species that voluntarily shares food. In short, these are little-known, fascinating animals. Bonobos have begun to gain a greater presence, thanks to primatologists like Frans DeWaal (recent author of "Empathy") and Susan Savage-Rumbaugh.
This Sunday we'll view and discuss a TED presentation by Susan. It's been rated as "jaw-dropping". Here's the link:
Susan Savage-Rumbaugh on apes Video on TED.com
Please be warmly invited to join us. We'll be happy to see you.
The best of childcare is provided.
This Sunday we'll view and discuss a TED presentation by Susan. It's been rated as "jaw-dropping". Here's the link:
Susan Savage-Rumbaugh on apes Video on TED.com
Please be warmly invited to join us. We'll be happy to see you.
The best of childcare is provided.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Palestine is on the Other Side of the Wall
This coming sunday we are hosting a new-comer, Sandy Westin. She's going to share a perspective from Palestine. As an introduction to her presentation, she wrote:
"In June of this year I was privileged to be part of the annual meeting of the global staff and board of the URI organization, this year held in Amman, Jordan. At the end of that trip, I joined 20 others of the group in touring a few of the many holy sites of Jordan, Palestine and Jerusalem, lead by one of their board members who is a Palestinian peace activist. I came home from that experience with insights about the Middle East I would like to share.
Western media has shown us pictures of the barrier Israel has erected between what it considers to be their land and that of its neighbor and rival for that land, Palestine. A concrete wall some 30 feet high with barbed concertina wire running along the top, this line of demarcation appears stark and intimidating from the Israeli side. The incredible mixture of pain and beauty, hatred and peace that lies on the other side of that wall was a surprise to me, and may be to others as well. Sunday I will share with the class some of my observations, a few photos and true stories from “The Other Side of the Wall”. This different perspective can expand our understanding about the nature of a conflict we are only witness to some 6,500 miles away."
A bit about Sandy:
"I have a life-long commitment to building a more peaceful world has lead her to be part of producing and documenting two Soviet-American Citizen Diplomacy Summits in the 1980’s, serve as Managing Director of the Voices of the Earth eco-spirituality conference at the University of Colorado in 1995, and currently serve as North American Regional Coordinator of the global interfaith organization, United Religions Initiative. In the past two years, my work has taken her to India and the Middle East. My husband, Paul, and I recently moved to Johnson City where I am beginning work on a Masters in Storytelling at ETSU so I can move anecdotes of transformational moments in peacebuilding into stories that can be told and retold worldwide. "
For more background on the United Religions International, click the link: http://www.uri.org/
Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating presentation. We'll be very glad to see you and and remember, excellent childcare is provided.
"In June of this year I was privileged to be part of the annual meeting of the global staff and board of the URI organization, this year held in Amman, Jordan. At the end of that trip, I joined 20 others of the group in touring a few of the many holy sites of Jordan, Palestine and Jerusalem, lead by one of their board members who is a Palestinian peace activist. I came home from that experience with insights about the Middle East I would like to share.
Western media has shown us pictures of the barrier Israel has erected between what it considers to be their land and that of its neighbor and rival for that land, Palestine. A concrete wall some 30 feet high with barbed concertina wire running along the top, this line of demarcation appears stark and intimidating from the Israeli side. The incredible mixture of pain and beauty, hatred and peace that lies on the other side of that wall was a surprise to me, and may be to others as well. Sunday I will share with the class some of my observations, a few photos and true stories from “The Other Side of the Wall”. This different perspective can expand our understanding about the nature of a conflict we are only witness to some 6,500 miles away."
A bit about Sandy:
"I have a life-long commitment to building a more peaceful world has lead her to be part of producing and documenting two Soviet-American Citizen Diplomacy Summits in the 1980’s, serve as Managing Director of the Voices of the Earth eco-spirituality conference at the University of Colorado in 1995, and currently serve as North American Regional Coordinator of the global interfaith organization, United Religions Initiative. In the past two years, my work has taken her to India and the Middle East. My husband, Paul, and I recently moved to Johnson City where I am beginning work on a Masters in Storytelling at ETSU so I can move anecdotes of transformational moments in peacebuilding into stories that can be told and retold worldwide. "
For more background on the United Religions International, click the link: http://www.uri.org/
Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating presentation. We'll be very glad to see you and and remember, excellent childcare is provided.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
More of Daniel Dennett and Loving Atheists
Last week we heard from, and talked about Daniel Dennett, the philosopher at Tufts. We heard some of his world view and specifically his kind and thoughtful rebuttal to parts of Rick Warren's book, A Purpose Driven Life. Not lost in this is Dennett's welcoming embrace of most of Warren had to say. It was sort of an atheist surprise. Here's the link: Click
This coming Sunday, we'll continue to hear more from Dennett in his BBC interview by Jonathan Miller, and his thoughts on dangerous memes. I'll continue to contend that much of what they, both Miller and Dennett have to say is laudable, and that there truly is a special place in God's heart for their disbelief.
Please be warmly invited to join us. We'll be glad to see you. And as always, kind and thoughtful childcare is provided.
This coming Sunday, we'll continue to hear more from Dennett in his BBC interview by Jonathan Miller, and his thoughts on dangerous memes. I'll continue to contend that much of what they, both Miller and Dennett have to say is laudable, and that there truly is a special place in God's heart for their disbelief.
Please be warmly invited to join us. We'll be glad to see you. And as always, kind and thoughtful childcare is provided.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
There's a special place in God's heart for Atheists
I've often felt that atheists hold a special place in God's heart. I hope to be able to share with you what I mean. This coming Sunday we'll view and discuss a 20-minute video of Daniel Dennett, professor of philosophy at Tuft's University, and author of "Breaking the Spell."
Dennett has been named as one of the modern Four Horsemen of the Anti-Apocalypse, along with Sam Harris ("Letters to a Christian nation,"), Richard Dawkins ("The God Delusion") and Christopher Hitchens ("God is not great.") While Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris have often been labelled as provacateurs, Dennett is charming, sincere, clear-voiced, funny, lovable and brilliant. Though not an atheist, I find Dennett to be endearing. I think we share much of his disbelief.
Please join us Sunday morning for an (hopefully) enjoyable session. We'll be glad see you. And as usual, excellent childcare is provided.
Dennett has been named as one of the modern Four Horsemen of the Anti-Apocalypse, along with Sam Harris ("Letters to a Christian nation,"), Richard Dawkins ("The God Delusion") and Christopher Hitchens ("God is not great.") While Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris have often been labelled as provacateurs, Dennett is charming, sincere, clear-voiced, funny, lovable and brilliant. Though not an atheist, I find Dennett to be endearing. I think we share much of his disbelief.
Please join us Sunday morning for an (hopefully) enjoyable session. We'll be glad see you. And as usual, excellent childcare is provided.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
We're Back with Frederick Waage
All right! All the travelling is done and we're getting back in the groove.
This coming Sunday we're host to Professor Frederick Waage of ETSU's Department of English. Professor Waage has recently publish a book entitled, "Sinking Creek Journal: An Environmental Book of Days." He comes highly recommended with a strong reputation of teaching excellence. I asked him for a synopsis and a Bio, and here's what he replied.
"It's hard to do a synopsis--the idea is to be pretty informal. Maybe what I'll do is talk about how I came to write the book, the "daybook" tradition of nature writing and the importance of "place" in writing. I'd read representative selections from different times of year and see if the audience has any comments on them. I'd like to discuss nature journalling, encourage the audience to do it, and show some other books about keeping a nature journal.
"I grew up in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, got my degrees at Princeton, and taught and lived in different parts of the country, particularly California where at one time I worked for the environmental organization Friends of the Earth in San Francisco. My wife and I moved to East Tennessee in 1978, when I was hired to teach English at ETSU. We have lived on our nearly 3 acres, bisected by Sinking Creek, for 30 years, with a shifting roster of border collies and cats, some of whom fit prominently into the book. Our son Erick and daughter Melissa grew up here; Erick is an Army 2nd lieutenant posted right now at Fort Benning, Melissa is a campaign manager for the Natural Resources Defense Council. I have published scholarly books and articles, short stories, fiction, and creative nonfiction."
This is going to be good. Please join us. We'll be happy to see you and as always, superlative childcare is provided.
This coming Sunday we're host to Professor Frederick Waage of ETSU's Department of English. Professor Waage has recently publish a book entitled, "Sinking Creek Journal: An Environmental Book of Days." He comes highly recommended with a strong reputation of teaching excellence. I asked him for a synopsis and a Bio, and here's what he replied.
"It's hard to do a synopsis--the idea is to be pretty informal. Maybe what I'll do is talk about how I came to write the book, the "daybook" tradition of nature writing and the importance of "place" in writing. I'd read representative selections from different times of year and see if the audience has any comments on them. I'd like to discuss nature journalling, encourage the audience to do it, and show some other books about keeping a nature journal.
"I grew up in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, got my degrees at Princeton, and taught and lived in different parts of the country, particularly California where at one time I worked for the environmental organization Friends of the Earth in San Francisco. My wife and I moved to East Tennessee in 1978, when I was hired to teach English at ETSU. We have lived on our nearly 3 acres, bisected by Sinking Creek, for 30 years, with a shifting roster of border collies and cats, some of whom fit prominently into the book. Our son Erick and daughter Melissa grew up here; Erick is an Army 2nd lieutenant posted right now at Fort Benning, Melissa is a campaign manager for the Natural Resources Defense Council. I have published scholarly books and articles, short stories, fiction, and creative nonfiction."
This is going to be good. Please join us. We'll be happy to see you and as always, superlative childcare is provided.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hiatus on the 4th of July
The Adult forum will not be meeting on the 4th of July.
Check back next week for our doings on the 11th.
Check back next week for our doings on the 11th.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Jeanette Winterson: Atlas and the Weight of the World
Three weeks ago Brenda Wardeska led the discussion with a viewing of an Bill Moyers interview of Margaret Atwood in the series "Faith and Reason." This powerful series is in the church's library.
This coming Sunday, June 27, we'll view another author in the "Faith and Reason" series -- Jeanette Winterson. Jeanette is a British author who have published several successful books, including "Weight" a re-working of the myth of Atlas and Hercules. Jeanette's brief bio states that she,
"...was born in Manchester, England, and adopted by Pentecostal parents who brought her up in the nearby mill-town of Accrington. As a Northern working class girl she was not encouraged to be clever. Her adopted father was a factory worker, her mother stayed at home. There were only six books in the house, including the Bible and Cruden's Complete Concordance to the Old and New Testaments. Strangely, one of the other books was Malory's Morte d'Arthur, and it was this that started her life quest of reading and writing. The house had no bathroom either, which was fortunate because it meant that Jeanette could read her books by flashlight in the outside toilet. Reading was not much approved unless it was the Bible. Her parents intended her for the missionary field. Schooling was erratic but Jeanette had got herself into a girl's grammar school and later she read English at Oxford University. This was not an easy transition. Jeanette had left home at 16 after falling in love with another girl. While she took her A levels she lived in various places, supporting herself by evening and weekend work. In a year off to earn money, she worked as a domestic in a lunatic asylum."
Please join us for a viewing and discussion of her engaging interview. We'll be happy to see you. As usual, superlative childcare is provided
This coming Sunday, June 27, we'll view another author in the "Faith and Reason" series -- Jeanette Winterson. Jeanette is a British author who have published several successful books, including "Weight" a re-working of the myth of Atlas and Hercules. Jeanette's brief bio states that she,
"...was born in Manchester, England, and adopted by Pentecostal parents who brought her up in the nearby mill-town of Accrington. As a Northern working class girl she was not encouraged to be clever. Her adopted father was a factory worker, her mother stayed at home. There were only six books in the house, including the Bible and Cruden's Complete Concordance to the Old and New Testaments. Strangely, one of the other books was Malory's Morte d'Arthur, and it was this that started her life quest of reading and writing. The house had no bathroom either, which was fortunate because it meant that Jeanette could read her books by flashlight in the outside toilet. Reading was not much approved unless it was the Bible. Her parents intended her for the missionary field. Schooling was erratic but Jeanette had got herself into a girl's grammar school and later she read English at Oxford University. This was not an easy transition. Jeanette had left home at 16 after falling in love with another girl. While she took her A levels she lived in various places, supporting herself by evening and weekend work. In a year off to earn money, she worked as a domestic in a lunatic asylum."
Please join us for a viewing and discussion of her engaging interview. We'll be happy to see you. As usual, superlative childcare is provided
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Catherine Murray --- Stepping on the Mortal Coil
This coming Sunday, June 20 we'll host Catherine Murray, artist and chair of the Department of Art and design at ETSU. It was my good fort,une to serve on a committee with Catherine and discover what a lively, intelligent person she is. Here's what she sent regarding her presentation:
"Stepping on the Mortal Coil"
Even before the ongoing crisis due to the malfunctioning oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico,my recent art work was informed by both the acceptance of inevitable change and the recognition of preventable damage wrought by human activity on the natural environment.
Recent trips to northern Scotland and to Iceland impressed me not only because of the breathtaking beauty of these places, but also because of the revelation of the brutality that was involved in their settlement. Currently environmental damage created by human activities is evidenced at an alarming rate not only in the Gulf, but also in these northern and remote places; migratory birds and other animals are suffering, unable to reproduce in sufficient numbers, due to warmer waters, and their food sources are dying as well.
As an artist, it is a challenge to infuse issues like this into the work without becoming didactic or preachy; I am trying to work with my concerns about the environment in a way that is true to my aesthetics, and true to my concerns about this fragile world.
I will show images of, and give a brief explanation about, some of my art from the last few years.
And about Catherine:
Catherine Murray received her MFA in Sculpture, University of Montana, Missoula, MT. and the BA Sculpture, with High Honors, Portland State University, Portland, OR. She was awarded residencies from the Scottish Sculpture Workshop, Lumsden, Scotland, from the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis, and from the Ucross Foundation, Ucross, WY.
In November, 2009, she had a solo exhibition, Stepping on the Mortal Coil, at Sechrest Gallery, High Point University, High Point, NC.
Recently, her work has been featured in group exhibitions including, in 2009, From These Hills, Contemporary Art from the Southern Appalachian Highlands, William King Center, Abingdon, VA.; Metamorphosis, group sculpture show. Vadim Bora Gallery, Asheville, NC: the Kingsport Sculpture Walk, 2009-10, Kingsport, TN;
Expositions in Glass: Outdoor Sculpture 2009, Courthouse Galleries at the Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth, VA, and Tanasi: Northeast Tennessee Artists, at The Reece Museum, ETSU.
Catherine has taught sculpture and design at ETSU since 1995; in 2008 she became the chair of the Department of Art and Design.
Please join us. we'll be delighted to see you. The presentation starts at 9:45. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
"Stepping on the Mortal Coil"
Even before the ongoing crisis due to the malfunctioning oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico,my recent art work was informed by both the acceptance of inevitable change and the recognition of preventable damage wrought by human activity on the natural environment.
Recent trips to northern Scotland and to Iceland impressed me not only because of the breathtaking beauty of these places, but also because of the revelation of the brutality that was involved in their settlement. Currently environmental damage created by human activities is evidenced at an alarming rate not only in the Gulf, but also in these northern and remote places; migratory birds and other animals are suffering, unable to reproduce in sufficient numbers, due to warmer waters, and their food sources are dying as well.
As an artist, it is a challenge to infuse issues like this into the work without becoming didactic or preachy; I am trying to work with my concerns about the environment in a way that is true to my aesthetics, and true to my concerns about this fragile world.
I will show images of, and give a brief explanation about, some of my art from the last few years.
And about Catherine:
Catherine Murray received her MFA in Sculpture, University of Montana, Missoula, MT. and the BA Sculpture, with High Honors, Portland State University, Portland, OR. She was awarded residencies from the Scottish Sculpture Workshop, Lumsden, Scotland, from the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis, and from the Ucross Foundation, Ucross, WY.
In November, 2009, she had a solo exhibition, Stepping on the Mortal Coil, at Sechrest Gallery, High Point University, High Point, NC.
Recently, her work has been featured in group exhibitions including, in 2009, From These Hills, Contemporary Art from the Southern Appalachian Highlands, William King Center, Abingdon, VA.; Metamorphosis, group sculpture show. Vadim Bora Gallery, Asheville, NC: the Kingsport Sculpture Walk, 2009-10, Kingsport, TN;
Expositions in Glass: Outdoor Sculpture 2009, Courthouse Galleries at the Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth, VA, and Tanasi: Northeast Tennessee Artists, at The Reece Museum, ETSU.
Catherine has taught sculpture and design at ETSU since 1995; in 2008 she became the chair of the Department of Art and Design.
Please join us. we'll be delighted to see you. The presentation starts at 9:45. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Roy Settle of the Appalachian RC&D Council
This coming Sunday, June 13th, we will host Roy Settle of the Appalachian RC&D Council. Roy says,
"We are excited about the opportunity to share our work with your Church...the following is a brief outline of what I propose to present.
Appalachian RC&D Council
Organizational Background & History
Major Project Summaries & Needs
. LocalGoods.org – The importance of buying local as it relates to our Environment, Community & Economy
· Follow the Quilt Trail – Using public art and heritage to preserve historic barns and improve rural farm income opportunities.
· Lands of Boone & Crockett Project – Assisting landowners in the voluntary and permanent preservation of family farms for generations to come and the public benefit.
A little bit about Roy:
He is employed by USDA and serves as Coordinator for the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, a regional non-profit organization. The Council is based is based in Jonesborough and was authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1994.
Roy is a native of Clarksville, Tennessee where he attended Austin Peay State University and graduated with a degree in Plant and Soil Science. He has worked with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service since 1984. He has held field level positions with the agency across Tennessee. He currently serves as the USDA Project Coordinator for the Appalachian RC&D Council assisting Carter, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi & Washington Counties. The Council focuses on providing communities with technical and other resources in the areas of farmland protection, heritage preservation, sustainable community development, conservation education and compatible land use.
Mr. Settle resides in Kingsport and is a member of the Sullivan County Planning Commission and County Historic Zoning Commission. He is a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and is married to Amy and the proud father of two sons, Douglas and Brandon.
Please join us for this interesting presentation on important work in our region. We'll be glad to see you. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
"We are excited about the opportunity to share our work with your Church...the following is a brief outline of what I propose to present.
Appalachian RC&D Council
Organizational Background & History
Major Project Summaries & Needs
. LocalGoods.org – The importance of buying local as it relates to our Environment, Community & Economy
· Follow the Quilt Trail – Using public art and heritage to preserve historic barns and improve rural farm income opportunities.
· Lands of Boone & Crockett Project – Assisting landowners in the voluntary and permanent preservation of family farms for generations to come and the public benefit.
A little bit about Roy:
He is employed by USDA and serves as Coordinator for the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, a regional non-profit organization. The Council is based is based in Jonesborough and was authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1994.
Roy is a native of Clarksville, Tennessee where he attended Austin Peay State University and graduated with a degree in Plant and Soil Science. He has worked with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service since 1984. He has held field level positions with the agency across Tennessee. He currently serves as the USDA Project Coordinator for the Appalachian RC&D Council assisting Carter, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi & Washington Counties. The Council focuses on providing communities with technical and other resources in the areas of farmland protection, heritage preservation, sustainable community development, conservation education and compatible land use.
Mr. Settle resides in Kingsport and is a member of the Sullivan County Planning Commission and County Historic Zoning Commission. He is a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and is married to Amy and the proud father of two sons, Douglas and Brandon.
Please join us for this interesting presentation on important work in our region. We'll be glad to see you. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
Friday, June 4, 2010
HeLa Cells
This coming Sunday, June 6, Jeff Wardeska will led the discussion on the topic of HeLa cells, some to the most commonly used cells in biological research. These cells didn't just materialize out of thin air, they came from a person, and natrually, they have a story.
Jeff writes:
" I have just finished reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. It's the story of the HeLa cells, the world's first immortal cell line, their scientific impact, but also the impact they have had on the Lacks family, descendents of Henrietta, and the ethical issues surrounding the ownership of cell cultures, and would like to discuss this fascinating book. It's just published this year and is a current best seller."
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. Wonderful childcare is provided.
Jeff writes:
" I have just finished reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. It's the story of the HeLa cells, the world's first immortal cell line, their scientific impact, but also the impact they have had on the Lacks family, descendents of Henrietta, and the ethical issues surrounding the ownership of cell cultures, and would like to discuss this fascinating book. It's just published this year and is a current best seller."
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. Wonderful childcare is provided.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Margaret Atwood via Bill Moyers.
This Sunday Brenda Wardeska will lead us in discussing the interview Bill Moyers did with the author Margaret Atwood as part of his 'On Faith and Reason' series. It is only about 33 minutes long, so there should be time for discussion.
Margaret Atwood's Wikipedia entry notes that she "is among the most-honoured authors of fiction in recent history; she is a winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and Prince of Asturias award for Literature, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize five times, winning once, and has been a finalist for the Governor General's Award seven times, winning twice."
The 'On Faith and Reason' series hosted by Bill Moyers successfully counters the argument the television is merely a vast wasteland. It is superb in its presentation of some of the world's deepest and most articulate voices.
Please join us for the Adult Forum at 9:45. You might like us. And remember, intelligent, loving childcare is provided.
Margaret Atwood's Wikipedia entry notes that she "is among the most-honoured authors of fiction in recent history; she is a winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and Prince of Asturias award for Literature, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize five times, winning once, and has been a finalist for the Governor General's Award seven times, winning twice."
The 'On Faith and Reason' series hosted by Bill Moyers successfully counters the argument the television is merely a vast wasteland. It is superb in its presentation of some of the world's deepest and most articulate voices.
Please join us for the Adult Forum at 9:45. You might like us. And remember, intelligent, loving childcare is provided.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Rev. Tom Honey and a reconciliation of Suffering and a caring God
At a February 2005 TED conference, a "bonus" talk, was delivered by Rev. Tom Honey, a parish priest in the Church of England. For some, it was the event to remember.
"It's a classic problem in theology: How can the existence of evil be reconciled with a God who is supposed to be all-loving, all-knowing and all-powerful? Reverend Tom Honey attempts to answer this question in the wake of the tsunami" which had occurred just weeks earlier.
This coming Sunday we'll listen to the talk and then we'll talk about what we heard and our understanding of what we heard. Please feel free to preview at the link above.
Join us at 9:45. We'll be glad to see you. And bring the kids because superb childcare is provided.
"It's a classic problem in theology: How can the existence of evil be reconciled with a God who is supposed to be all-loving, all-knowing and all-powerful? Reverend Tom Honey attempts to answer this question in the wake of the tsunami" which had occurred just weeks earlier.
This coming Sunday we'll listen to the talk and then we'll talk about what we heard and our understanding of what we heard. Please feel free to preview at the link above.
Join us at 9:45. We'll be glad to see you. And bring the kids because superb childcare is provided.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.com
This coming Sunday we'll view and discuss a talk by Eliazbeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love." From the website, she "muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk."
Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.com
If you want to preview the talk, it's at the link above.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be happy to see you. Loving childcare is provided.
Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.com
If you want to preview the talk, it's at the link above.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be happy to see you. Loving childcare is provided.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight | Video on TED.com
Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight | Video on TED.com
This coming Sunday, we're going to get a dose of TED. You'll love this. We're going to view the talk shown above, by Jill Bolte Taylor. If you'd like to see it now, just click the link above. It's hard to call this a talk. It's seems much more. Jill (Dr. Taylor) is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, a research scientist. In the mid 1990's she had a stroke. Usually a devastating medical disaster, Jill has turned her stroke experience into a vast, meaningful understanding of the spirit of humanity and it's place on the earth.
Please join us. We'll be glad to see you at 9:45. And remember, excellent childcare is provided.
This coming Sunday, we're going to get a dose of TED. You'll love this. We're going to view the talk shown above, by Jill Bolte Taylor. If you'd like to see it now, just click the link above. It's hard to call this a talk. It's seems much more. Jill (Dr. Taylor) is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, a research scientist. In the mid 1990's she had a stroke. Usually a devastating medical disaster, Jill has turned her stroke experience into a vast, meaningful understanding of the spirit of humanity and it's place on the earth.
Please join us. We'll be glad to see you at 9:45. And remember, excellent childcare is provided.
Monday, April 26, 2010
For next Sunday, May 2, we'll listen to portions of writer Anne Lamott's interview by the Very Reverand Alan Jones at Grace Cathedral.
Here's the link to the page that contains the link to the interview.
http://www.gracecathedral.org/forum/for_20061022.shtml
In order to listen to the interview straight from the page, you must have RealPlayer installed on your computer. (It's free download available of the same page...just follow the links.) Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file and listen to it on whatever.
Here's the site's blurb Ms. Lamott's interview:
"Funny, serious, and decidedly unconventional, an afternoon with Anne Lamott is one you will treasure. From her self-deprecating humor to her deeply felt insights, Lamott's practices include an eco-friendly, unorthodox Christianity that has earned a following around the world. Her honesty is heartfelt and formidable; her wit means there's never a dull moment."
Please join us at 9:45. You'll be warmly welcome. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
Here's the link to the page that contains the link to the interview.
http://www.gracecathedral.org/forum/for_20061022.shtml
In order to listen to the interview straight from the page, you must have RealPlayer installed on your computer. (It's free download available of the same page...just follow the links.) Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file and listen to it on whatever.
Here's the site's blurb Ms. Lamott's interview:
"Funny, serious, and decidedly unconventional, an afternoon with Anne Lamott is one you will treasure. From her self-deprecating humor to her deeply felt insights, Lamott's practices include an eco-friendly, unorthodox Christianity that has earned a following around the world. Her honesty is heartfelt and formidable; her wit means there's never a dull moment."
Please join us at 9:45. You'll be warmly welcome. And as always, loving childcare is provided.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
MicroLoans with Jerry Nagel
Coming up on April 25th we will host Jerry Nagel who will speak on MicroLoans to individuals and groups in the less developed world. Many of you will know Jerry from his previous presentation to the Adult Forum. However, this occurred before I arrived, so I invited him back.
I aske Jerry to send me something about himself and his talk, and here's what he said:
"I taught various field biology courses at ETSU from 1969 to my retirement 13 years ago and was active in local naturalist rallies and environmental groups. Got interested in microloans through our Issues Sunday School class at Covenant Presbyterian in Johnson City while we were doing a study on Globalization. We studied "The True Cost of Low Prices: The Violence of Globalization" - basically a lousy book with lots of whining about US exploitation but almost nothing about solutions. We were all rather frustrated, so I volunteered to do a wrap-up session summarizing what PC(USA) was doing about these social justice issues and found out that we were involved with a Dutch faith-based group called Oikocredit which raises capital to fund microloans to small, 3rd world entrepreneurs without access to commercial banks. The whole concept really intriqued me and I have been studying and prosyletizing the concept ever since. We personally have committed about 10% of our resources to microloans via groups we are confident are interested mainly in social justice rather than profit."
Please join us for the presentation and discussion. We'll welcome you warmly. And as it is with us, the very best in childcare is provided.
I aske Jerry to send me something about himself and his talk, and here's what he said:
"I taught various field biology courses at ETSU from 1969 to my retirement 13 years ago and was active in local naturalist rallies and environmental groups. Got interested in microloans through our Issues Sunday School class at Covenant Presbyterian in Johnson City while we were doing a study on Globalization. We studied "The True Cost of Low Prices: The Violence of Globalization" - basically a lousy book with lots of whining about US exploitation but almost nothing about solutions. We were all rather frustrated, so I volunteered to do a wrap-up session summarizing what PC(USA) was doing about these social justice issues and found out that we were involved with a Dutch faith-based group called Oikocredit which raises capital to fund microloans to small, 3rd world entrepreneurs without access to commercial banks. The whole concept really intriqued me and I have been studying and prosyletizing the concept ever since. We personally have committed about 10% of our resources to microloans via groups we are confident are interested mainly in social justice rather than profit."
Please join us for the presentation and discussion. We'll welcome you warmly. And as it is with us, the very best in childcare is provided.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Big Questions Continue!
This coming Sunday Mike Garrett continues to ask hard (but fascinating) questions about evolution, religion and our place in the universe. The past Sunday's event was both excellent and entertaining. Mike is a charming and gifted presenter. Expect more of the same.
Please be warmly invited to join us at 9:45, and if you have small children, we provide superior childcare.
Please be warmly invited to join us at 9:45, and if you have small children, we provide superior childcare.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
"Extinction: Bad Genes or Bad Luck?"
This coming Sunday Mike Garrett will help us explore "Randomness and God's will."
Mike writes:
"I've been puzzling over what God might mean in a world governed by randomness and rules, so I am exploring a book on extinction by the evolutionary biologist, David Raup. It's an easy read, but the ideas are surprisingly slippery.
Over two Sundays, I'll be presenting the book and asking for help in figuring it out. A little math, a little probability and statistics, a little paleontology, and hopefully some great discussion.
Here's a link to the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Extinction-Bad-Genes-Luck/dp/0393309274 Raup is a major figure in the field, a mentor to Stephen J. Gould, and an engaging writer."
Please join us at 9:45 for some engaging ideas and lively discussion. We'll be delighted to see you. As usual, calm and caring childcare is provided.
Mike writes:
"I've been puzzling over what God might mean in a world governed by randomness and rules, so I am exploring a book on extinction by the evolutionary biologist, David Raup. It's an easy read, but the ideas are surprisingly slippery.
Over two Sundays, I'll be presenting the book and asking for help in figuring it out. A little math, a little probability and statistics, a little paleontology, and hopefully some great discussion.
Here's a link to the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Extinction-Bad-Genes-Luck/dp/0393309274 Raup is a major figure in the field, a mentor to Stephen J. Gould, and an engaging writer."
Please join us at 9:45 for some engaging ideas and lively discussion. We'll be delighted to see you. As usual, calm and caring childcare is provided.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Elaine Pagels on the Gospel of Thomas: Which Jesus?
Elaine Pagels book, "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas" has been one of the most important books in my library. Its reading marks a major turning point in the way I view Christianity. This coming Sunday, we'll listen to Professor Pagels talk about this book via the internet. She's a charming speaker. (Good news! We figured out how to make the speaker system work very well).
In 2004, Elaine Pagels was selected as a feature lecturer in the Comtemporary Civilization Series at Columbia University. A recording of her lecture is available on-line and you can preview it here (The video requires RealPlayer software): http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/lectures/fall2004
The introductory text at the website reads:
Professor Elaine Pagels delivered the Fall 2004 Contemporary Civilization Lecture, entitled "Which Jesus? The Newly Discovered Gospel of Thomas Challenges the Cannon." The lecture was delivered on Friday, October 15, at 11:00 am, in Roone Arledge Auditorium.
Elaine Pagels, the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University, is the author of many works-- most recently, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, published in 2003, which was a New York Times bestseller for 19 weeks and nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
Pagels as also authored The Origin of Satan (1995), and Adam, Eve and the Serpent (1987), as well as the critically acclaimed Gnostic Gospels (1980), which was selected as the recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award and the National Book Award.
Professor Pagels was a recipient of a MacArthur Prize from 1980-1985, and has also received awards from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton.
Please join us for this fascinating presentation. We' be glad to see you. superior childcare is provided.
In 2004, Elaine Pagels was selected as a feature lecturer in the Comtemporary Civilization Series at Columbia University. A recording of her lecture is available on-line and you can preview it here (The video requires RealPlayer software): http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/lectures/fall2004
The introductory text at the website reads:
Professor Elaine Pagels delivered the Fall 2004 Contemporary Civilization Lecture, entitled "Which Jesus? The Newly Discovered Gospel of Thomas Challenges the Cannon." The lecture was delivered on Friday, October 15, at 11:00 am, in Roone Arledge Auditorium.
Elaine Pagels, the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University, is the author of many works-- most recently, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, published in 2003, which was a New York Times bestseller for 19 weeks and nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
Pagels as also authored The Origin of Satan (1995), and Adam, Eve and the Serpent (1987), as well as the critically acclaimed Gnostic Gospels (1980), which was selected as the recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award and the National Book Award.
Professor Pagels was a recipient of a MacArthur Prize from 1980-1985, and has also received awards from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton.
Please join us for this fascinating presentation. We' be glad to see you. superior childcare is provided.
Monday, March 22, 2010
“The Gray Fossil Site and Museum: Why is it important anyway?”
This coming Sunday we'll host Jeanne and Mike Zavada. These guys are a powerful duo. Jeanne is the director of the Gray Fossil Site Museum. As most know, the museum has been a huge success, surpassing even the most optimistic predictions prior to opening. The first thing I heard about the museum after it opened was that the parking lot might have to be expanded. Few new establishments get to say that in the first year. Rather than go on about what a neat place it is, I'll just post the link, here. Have a look.
Here's their bio:
“Jeanne and Mike Zavada have been married for 20 years and have 6 children and 4 grandchildren between them. They moved to Gray from Providence, RI almost 4 years ago. Jeanne is the Director of the ETSU & General Shale Brick Natural History Museum/Gray Fossil Site and holds a Master’s degree in Geography/Urban Planning from University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She serves as a member of the Gray Business Association and on the council of the Johnson City Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mike is Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at ETSU and received a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of Connecticut, Storrs. His research interests include the time and place of origin of the angiosperms, ethnobotany, paleo- and plant ecology, lichenology, and the application of paleobotany and palynology to archaeology, and aerobiology.”
Please join us Sunday, March 28 at 9:45. We'll warmly welcome you, and as usual, superb childcare is provided.
Here's their bio:
“Jeanne and Mike Zavada have been married for 20 years and have 6 children and 4 grandchildren between them. They moved to Gray from Providence, RI almost 4 years ago. Jeanne is the Director of the ETSU & General Shale Brick Natural History Museum/Gray Fossil Site and holds a Master’s degree in Geography/Urban Planning from University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She serves as a member of the Gray Business Association and on the council of the Johnson City Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mike is Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at ETSU and received a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of Connecticut, Storrs. His research interests include the time and place of origin of the angiosperms, ethnobotany, paleo- and plant ecology, lichenology, and the application of paleobotany and palynology to archaeology, and aerobiology.”
Please join us Sunday, March 28 at 9:45. We'll warmly welcome you, and as usual, superb childcare is provided.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
More on Charity and Justice
Many thanks to Zellie Earnest for his presentation. Here's the recap.
Charity is giving to those in need.
Justice is changing the conditions that creat the need.
"When I fed the poor, they called me a saint. When I asked why there were so many poor, they called me a communist". Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement.
Recommended reading: T.R. Ried's "The Healing of America"
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-America-Global-Better-Cheaper/dp/1594202346
Biblical citations on Justice
Deu 16:18-20
18 “Appoint judges and officials for yourselves from each of your tribes in all the towns the Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly. 19 You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. 20 Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Prov 14:31
31He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
Prov 21:13
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
Isaiah 58:6
6"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?
Jeremiah 22:13-16
13 "Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his upper rooms without justice, who uses his neighbor's services without pay and does not give him his wages,
14 Who says, 'I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows, paneling it with cedar and painting it bright red.'
15 "Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
16 "He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?" declares the LORD
Amos 5:21-24
21 "I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 "Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.
23 "Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.
24 "But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream
Micah 6:8
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Matt 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Luke 4:18-19
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Luke 10:25-37
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
1 John 3:17-18
17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth
Charity is giving to those in need.
Justice is changing the conditions that creat the need.
"When I fed the poor, they called me a saint. When I asked why there were so many poor, they called me a communist". Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement.
Recommended reading: T.R. Ried's "The Healing of America"
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-America-Global-Better-Cheaper/dp/1594202346
Biblical citations on Justice
Deu 16:18-20
18 “Appoint judges and officials for yourselves from each of your tribes in all the towns the Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly. 19 You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. 20 Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Prov 14:31
31He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
Prov 21:13
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
Isaiah 58:6
6"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?
Jeremiah 22:13-16
13 "Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his upper rooms without justice, who uses his neighbor's services without pay and does not give him his wages,
14 Who says, 'I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows, paneling it with cedar and painting it bright red.'
15 "Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
16 "He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?" declares the LORD
Amos 5:21-24
21 "I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 "Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.
23 "Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.
24 "But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream
Micah 6:8
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Matt 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Luke 4:18-19
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Luke 10:25-37
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
1 John 3:17-18
17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Charity and Justice
Next Sunday, March 21, we will host Zellie Earnest from Waverly Road Presbyterian Church in Kingsport. Mr. Earnest will give a presentation on the difference between justice and charity. He promises biblical references to substantiate his point. In light of the recent news about the controversy of adanboning churches that promote social or economic justice, Mr Earnest's subject seems highly topical and current. Please join us at 9:45. We'll be glad to see you. Loving childcare is provided.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
An Introduction to Hinduism
Sunday, March 14...
Rebecca Nunley introduces us to Hinduism.
'Nuff said.
Join us at 9:45
Rebecca Nunley introduces us to Hinduism.
'Nuff said.
Join us at 9:45
Monday, March 1, 2010
Safe Sanctuaries
This coming Sunday, March 7, Jennifer Hann is going to lead our group with a presentation on child safety and security at church. It's an important topic.
Here's Jennifer's synopsis
"As our Children's ministry is growing, we're revisiting the ways in which we can provide a safe and healthy place for our children. Please join us on March 7th as we watch the DVD 'Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth.' While abuse of children is a troubling subject, having a well thought out system of polices and practices reduces the chance of child abuse and injury, protects our staff and volunteers and helps insulate our church from liability. Our child protection committee is drafting policies, forms and training guidelines to reduce the worries and protect our church communty. While this topic is of special interest to parents, gandparents and educators, an aware congregation is esential to our mission.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be glad to have you. As usual, excellent child care is provided.
Here's Jennifer's synopsis
"As our Children's ministry is growing, we're revisiting the ways in which we can provide a safe and healthy place for our children. Please join us on March 7th as we watch the DVD 'Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth.' While abuse of children is a troubling subject, having a well thought out system of polices and practices reduces the chance of child abuse and injury, protects our staff and volunteers and helps insulate our church from liability. Our child protection committee is drafting policies, forms and training guidelines to reduce the worries and protect our church communty. While this topic is of special interest to parents, gandparents and educators, an aware congregation is esential to our mission.
Please join us at 9:45. We'll be glad to have you. As usual, excellent child care is provided.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Evolution and our inner fish, part 3
Zooks!! I totally forgot to post this week. Join us anyway. It's going to be another humdinger as Dr. Julie Wade wraps up the story of our Inner fish, a major point in our evolutionary history.
Excellent childcare provided.
Excellent childcare provided.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Evolution Sunday Part 2, More Inner Fish
Last Sunday, Dr. Julie Wade gave us an introduction to the scale of time and basic tools used to search into earth's evolutionary history. It was good! This coming sunday, Dr. Wade's talk continues with its focus on the book by Dr. Neil Shubin entitled “Your Inner Fish—A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body.” As noted, the book describes the evolutionary process that has resulted in our current human forms. We'll search for our inner fish within our basic bilateral body plan.
Dr. Julie Wade is a retired Professor of Biology from Milligan College. In her teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught a variety of anatomically based courses, including Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Histology, and will use that background to add to the presentation.
Please join us at 9:45 Sunday morning for this excellent presentation. We'll be glad to have you, and remember, superb childcare is provided.
Dr. Julie Wade is a retired Professor of Biology from Milligan College. In her teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught a variety of anatomically based courses, including Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Histology, and will use that background to add to the presentation.
Please join us at 9:45 Sunday morning for this excellent presentation. We'll be glad to have you, and remember, superb childcare is provided.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Evolution Sunday and Your Inner Fish
Paul Gabinet gave me the instructions on the new sound system and we are good to go. No more craning to hear, no more whispering. We've got VOLUME!!!
Thanks Paul.
This week we celebrate Evolution Sunday. To mark the occasion we are going to hear from our own Julie Wade, an expert on the topic. Here's Dr. Wade's synopsis of her presentation:
Your Inner Fish—Anatomical Evolution
Have you ever wondered why your body is made like it is? In a recent book by Dr. Neil Shubin entitled “Your Inner Fish—A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body”, Dr. Shubin describes the evolutionary process that has resulted in our current human forms. Dr. Shubin is a palenontologist who teaches gross anatomy to medical students at the University of Chicago. He maintains that in order to understand how our body is made and functions, we must understand its history. In a series of talks, I’ll be using his book as a basis to explain such structures and systems as our hands, teeth, body plan, sense of smell, sense of hearing, and others. I’ll then try to help us understand the meaning of it all by emphasizing the importance of our evolutionary heritage and why it simply cannot be denied. We owe a great deal to our Inner Fish!!!!
Dr. Julie Wade is a retired Professor of Biology from Milligan College. In her teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught a variety of anatomically based courses, including Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Histology, and will use that background to add to the presentation.
Please join us at 9:45 for this fascinating view of our evolutionary history. You'll be very welcome, and as always, superior childcare is provided.
Thanks Paul.
This week we celebrate Evolution Sunday. To mark the occasion we are going to hear from our own Julie Wade, an expert on the topic. Here's Dr. Wade's synopsis of her presentation:
Your Inner Fish—Anatomical Evolution
Have you ever wondered why your body is made like it is? In a recent book by Dr. Neil Shubin entitled “Your Inner Fish—A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body”, Dr. Shubin describes the evolutionary process that has resulted in our current human forms. Dr. Shubin is a palenontologist who teaches gross anatomy to medical students at the University of Chicago. He maintains that in order to understand how our body is made and functions, we must understand its history. In a series of talks, I’ll be using his book as a basis to explain such structures and systems as our hands, teeth, body plan, sense of smell, sense of hearing, and others. I’ll then try to help us understand the meaning of it all by emphasizing the importance of our evolutionary heritage and why it simply cannot be denied. We owe a great deal to our Inner Fish!!!!
Dr. Julie Wade is a retired Professor of Biology from Milligan College. In her teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught a variety of anatomically based courses, including Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Histology, and will use that background to add to the presentation.
Please join us at 9:45 for this fascinating view of our evolutionary history. You'll be very welcome, and as always, superior childcare is provided.
Sound system
Paul Gabinet gave me the instructions on the new sound system and we are good to go. No more craning to hear, no more whispering. We've got VOLUME!!!
Thanks Paul.
Thanks Paul.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Anne Lamott and Bishop Spong
Next Sunday, February 7, we are going to view and discuss some webclips featuring Anne Lamott and Bishop John Shelby Spong. These are separate clips, and we'll be looking for a common theme between the two...assuming that there is one.
Lamott's clip is related to one of her recent books, "Grace Eventually", in which she contends that Grace does eventually come to us all, at some point, and having found us we forget about it, or things happen and we lose grace, feel lost and miserable and alone, until grace finds us again.
Spong is probably more widely known to us, having been a liberal Episcopal minister and Bishop. He's had a high public profile for at least the last three decades and this has brought him numerous death threats. Spong has most recently promoted the idea that Christianity needs to do some things differently in order to prosper in the future; it needs to be less dogmatic and more inclusive.
While Spong often speaks at the level of the institution and the broad organization, Lamott's message is much more personal, even intimate. In some way that I haven't yet defined, their messages seem consistent and complimentary.
Please joins us for this potentially interesting session on Sunday morning at 9:45. We'll be glad to see you and hear what you might have to say on the subject. As always, the very finest of childcare is provided.
Lamott's clip is related to one of her recent books, "Grace Eventually", in which she contends that Grace does eventually come to us all, at some point, and having found us we forget about it, or things happen and we lose grace, feel lost and miserable and alone, until grace finds us again.
Spong is probably more widely known to us, having been a liberal Episcopal minister and Bishop. He's had a high public profile for at least the last three decades and this has brought him numerous death threats. Spong has most recently promoted the idea that Christianity needs to do some things differently in order to prosper in the future; it needs to be less dogmatic and more inclusive.
While Spong often speaks at the level of the institution and the broad organization, Lamott's message is much more personal, even intimate. In some way that I haven't yet defined, their messages seem consistent and complimentary.
Please joins us for this potentially interesting session on Sunday morning at 9:45. We'll be glad to see you and hear what you might have to say on the subject. As always, the very finest of childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Three Cups of Tea
"Three Cups of Tea" is the title of a book by Greg Mortenson in which the author relates his long-term efforts to create peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As an individual, he has been remarkably successful by focusing his efforts on developing schools, particularly schools for girls.
A couple of weeks ago, Mortenson was interviewed by Bill Moyers. On Sunday, the Adult Forum, will watch the 30-minute interview and share our responses. The text below is copied from the PBS website, and it serves as a good introduction.
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. Free, excellent and loving childcare is provided.
------------------------------------------------
From PBS:
Greg Mortenson is the co-founder of the nonprofit Central Asia Institute. His charity arm, Pennies For Peace, helps raise money for his school-building efforts in Central Asia. THREE CUPS OF TEA has been on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list for over three years, and was named a TIME Magazine "Asia Book of The Year."
Mortenson's new book is called STONES INTO SCHOOLS: PROMOTING PEACE WITH BOOKS NOT BOMBS, IN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN.
As of 2009, Mortenson has established over 131 schools in rural and often violent regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where few educational opportunities existed before. These schools have provided education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls.
In Pakistan, most of Mortenson's schools are in that country's two volatile border regions – one being its border with India, and the other its border with Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Mortenson's schools are located in seven different provinces, including some that are Taliban strongholds.
In 2009, Mortenson received Pakistan's highest civil award, Sitara-e-Pakistan ("Star of Pakistan") for his humanitarian effort to promote girls education in rural areas for 15 years.
Several bi-partisan U.S. Congressional representatives have nominated Mortenson for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 2009 and 2010.
Mortenson was born in 1957, and grew up on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. His father Dempsey, founded Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), his mother, Jerene, founded the International School Moshi.
In the late 70s, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he received the Army Commendation Medal, and he later graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1983.
A couple of weeks ago, Mortenson was interviewed by Bill Moyers. On Sunday, the Adult Forum, will watch the 30-minute interview and share our responses. The text below is copied from the PBS website, and it serves as a good introduction.
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you. Free, excellent and loving childcare is provided.
------------------------------------------------
From PBS:
Greg Mortenson is the co-founder of the nonprofit Central Asia Institute. His charity arm, Pennies For Peace, helps raise money for his school-building efforts in Central Asia. THREE CUPS OF TEA has been on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list for over three years, and was named a TIME Magazine "Asia Book of The Year."
Mortenson's new book is called STONES INTO SCHOOLS: PROMOTING PEACE WITH BOOKS NOT BOMBS, IN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN.
As of 2009, Mortenson has established over 131 schools in rural and often violent regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where few educational opportunities existed before. These schools have provided education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls.
In Pakistan, most of Mortenson's schools are in that country's two volatile border regions – one being its border with India, and the other its border with Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Mortenson's schools are located in seven different provinces, including some that are Taliban strongholds.
In 2009, Mortenson received Pakistan's highest civil award, Sitara-e-Pakistan ("Star of Pakistan") for his humanitarian effort to promote girls education in rural areas for 15 years.
Several bi-partisan U.S. Congressional representatives have nominated Mortenson for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 2009 and 2010.
Mortenson was born in 1957, and grew up on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. His father Dempsey, founded Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), his mother, Jerene, founded the International School Moshi.
In the late 70s, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he received the Army Commendation Medal, and he later graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1983.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Ideas Influencing the Science of Global Warming
In his presentation last Sunday, Dr. Wardeska covered the basics of historical temperature patterns and the rationale behind the conclusions that a) global warming is occurring, and b) identifiable factors, some of them man-made (anthropogenic) contribute to atmospheric temperature.
Next Sunday, Dr. Wardeska will begin looking at some of the factors that play a role in how we interpret the data, and where some of those biases originate. This should be fun. Please join us knowing that you'll be very welcome. Our excellent childcare continues.
Next Sunday, Dr. Wardeska will begin looking at some of the factors that play a role in how we interpret the data, and where some of those biases originate. This should be fun. Please join us knowing that you'll be very welcome. Our excellent childcare continues.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Science Behind Global Warming
This coming Sunday, January 17, Jeff Wardeska will present an overview of some of the factual-based findings that give rise to the concept of global warming. Here's his synopsis:
"Global Warming or climate change has become a topic of great concern in recent years. Everyone (almost) agrees the earth is the warmest it has been in many years and that since the mid 1800’s our increasing use of fossil fuels is causing the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to rise. Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion of all carbon based fuels, for example, natural gas is methane and burning methane produces water and carbon dioxide according to the equation
CH4 + 2 O2 -> CO2 + 2 H2O
There are many other factors which affect the climate and there is some legitimate disagreement about how strong the link is between levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and recent atmospheric warming.
Most of the evidence for global warming comes from scientists who work under the umbrella of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The IPCC, in addition to publishing their research in main-line scientific journals, issues comprehensive reports approximately every 6 years, the latest being in 2007.
Our increasing reliance on fossil fuels and the continuing build-up of carbon dioxide has implications beyond global warming, affecting the environment and the oceans (ocean acidification). We will also examine some predictions for the future resulting from these trends.
Jeff is trained in inorganic chemistry and is professor and chair of the department of Chemistry at ETSU. Please join us for an informative and entertaining discussion. You'll be very welcome. As always, wonderful childcare is provided.
"Global Warming or climate change has become a topic of great concern in recent years. Everyone (almost) agrees the earth is the warmest it has been in many years and that since the mid 1800’s our increasing use of fossil fuels is causing the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to rise. Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion of all carbon based fuels, for example, natural gas is methane and burning methane produces water and carbon dioxide according to the equation
CH4 + 2 O2 -> CO2 + 2 H2O
There are many other factors which affect the climate and there is some legitimate disagreement about how strong the link is between levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and recent atmospheric warming.
Most of the evidence for global warming comes from scientists who work under the umbrella of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The IPCC, in addition to publishing their research in main-line scientific journals, issues comprehensive reports approximately every 6 years, the latest being in 2007.
Our increasing reliance on fossil fuels and the continuing build-up of carbon dioxide has implications beyond global warming, affecting the environment and the oceans (ocean acidification). We will also examine some predictions for the future resulting from these trends.
Jeff is trained in inorganic chemistry and is professor and chair of the department of Chemistry at ETSU. Please join us for an informative and entertaining discussion. You'll be very welcome. As always, wonderful childcare is provided.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Findings from the Pacific Ocean
On January 10 we are lucky to have Jim Kevin as a guest speaker. Jim comes to us via Jean K. He has spent time as an on-board volunteer for the University of Washington's oceanographic research vessel, "Thomas G Thompson." This state-of-the-art ship provides some of the latest findings on environmental and fisheries conditions in the Pacific ocean, in addition to answering questions of "so what exactly is down there." The ship has been part of studies featured on the PBS program "NOVA." Jim is going to fill us in on some of the TGT's recent work.
Please join us for this interesting presentation. We'll be glad to have you. As usual, the very best of child care is joyfully provided.
Please join us for this interesting presentation. We'll be glad to have you. As usual, the very best of child care is joyfully provided.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Compassion....and Hope
We are going to return the the Living the Question2 series for the first week of the new year. We're going to view and discuss chapter 19, "Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry." Here are a couple of quotes from the reading to set the tone:
"A student of anthropologist Margaret Mead once asked her to describe the earliest sign of civilization in a given culture. The young student expected the noted scholar of cultures to say that clay pots or crude axes or grinding stones were the first clues of civilization. Dr. Mead’s answer was 'a healed femur,' the human thighbone. She went on to explain that a healed femur indicated that someone cared. Someone had to do the injured person’s hunting and gathering until the leg healed. The evidence of compassion, she said, is the first sign of civilization."
Pretty good, that. And from Harold Beck in The Joys of Liberation Preaching:
"Albert Schweitzer said, 'Concern for people is the beginning of hope.' And when I find somebody hopeless I conclude that they are not very much concerned about anybody. Isn’t it funny that the great harbingers of hope in our time have been the (Mother) Teresas, and the (Martin Luther) Kings, and the (Oscar) Romeros, and the Gandhis? Good heavens, of all the people who had a right to resign from hope -- maybe Schweitzer was right, 'Concern for other people is the beginning of hope.'"
Please join us at 9:45. You'll be very Welcome. As always, excellent childcare is provided.
"A student of anthropologist Margaret Mead once asked her to describe the earliest sign of civilization in a given culture. The young student expected the noted scholar of cultures to say that clay pots or crude axes or grinding stones were the first clues of civilization. Dr. Mead’s answer was 'a healed femur,' the human thighbone. She went on to explain that a healed femur indicated that someone cared. Someone had to do the injured person’s hunting and gathering until the leg healed. The evidence of compassion, she said, is the first sign of civilization."
Pretty good, that. And from Harold Beck in The Joys of Liberation Preaching:
"Albert Schweitzer said, 'Concern for people is the beginning of hope.' And when I find somebody hopeless I conclude that they are not very much concerned about anybody. Isn’t it funny that the great harbingers of hope in our time have been the (Mother) Teresas, and the (Martin Luther) Kings, and the (Oscar) Romeros, and the Gandhis? Good heavens, of all the people who had a right to resign from hope -- maybe Schweitzer was right, 'Concern for other people is the beginning of hope.'"
Please join us at 9:45. You'll be very Welcome. As always, excellent childcare is provided.
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