Orion Institute Post Conference Seminar

EoR Conference Site

The International Conference on the Evolution of Religion ends with a luau on the evening of Tuesday, January 9. There will be three post-conference activities: three Wednesday workshops and a five-day course. While these activities are not associated with conference, each with its own independent management, registration, and speakers, we have included a summary of these activities on the Evolution of Religion website to inform attendees of these other events being held at the Makaha Resort immediately after the conference.

9:00-11:30 AM	Looking Ahead The Future of Religion and Humanism Workshop Chair: Carlton Coon (Vice President of the American Humanist Association and retired United States Ambassador) If one takes a long look at how religion has evolved in relation to the more general patterns of the evolution of complex societies, one could argue that what we have now is the early stirrings of a global ethic and world view that will replace the old, competing monotheistic religions. If this were the case, how would this embryonic global ethic and world view be likely to evolve? Is humanism just another kind of “religion” or will it be the evolutionary successor rather than just one of several alternatives to current religions? What light does the recent scientific study of religion throw on these possibilities? What are humanists to make of these recent findings?
1:00-3:30 PM	Religion’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Workshop Co-chairs: Dwight Collins (President, Collins Family Foundation) and Gary Gardner (Director of Research, WorldWatch Institute) The absence of strong spiritual and ethical dimensions in twentieth-century development helped to produce one of the most violent, environmentally impoverished, and economically unequal centuries in human history. Ethical and spiritual contributions in the twenty-first century are needed to rectify these pitfalls. Religions can help societies to wrestle with the bedrock question of societal advancement: What does it mean to be a developed society? In doing so, religious traditions help to create the new worldviews needed to build sustainable civilizations in the new century. Fortunately, many religious traditions are awakening to their vital role. Inspiring Progress identifies the value that religions add to the debate about societal advancement, and it encourages the world's religious traditions to step up their involvement in shaping the development path of the human family in the twenty-first century.
4:00-5:30 PM	Can Religion Itself Be Saved? — The Evolving Church Workshop Chair: Spencer Burke (Author of Making Sense of Church: Eavesdropping on Emerging Conversations About God, Community, and Culture, and also author of A Heretic’s Guide to Eternity) In an age where spirituality is cool but religion is often viewed as a holdover from a different cultural time, what does the future hold for traditional faiths? Given the increasing global tensions that are often connected to religions such as Islam and Christianity, what benefit can be derived from institutional religion? This seminar will explore the challenges and opportunities for Christian faith in the 21st century. In the face of a growing conservative trend (a perception that to be Christian equates with being suspicious of science, intolerant of others, or a right-wing fundamentalist), Spencer Burke, Barry Taylor and Michael Dowd will host a provocative and indeed prophetic inquiry into the possibility (inevitability?) of the Church becoming a decidedly positive force on behalf of the entire body of life and planet Earth as a whole. There are radically new ways of thinking about traditional religion in the 21st century and this seminar will explore some of the most hopeful and provocative of these. Come play with us. You'll be glad you did!

7:00 PM January 10 – evening January 15

Orion Adventure Courses Presents

SCIENCE AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT

Exploring Our Maps of Reality
Cheryl Genet, Instructor

Makaha Resort
Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii
January 10-14, 2007
(Immediately following the Evolution of Religion Conference and Workshops)
Full description, registration, and reservation information at www.orioninstitute.org or call 805-438-4088

Come (or stay) for an intellectual adventure in Hawaii—five days in the tranquil beauty of a Polynesian paradise to contemplate science, belief, and humanity’s destiny. Expand your maps of reality while enjoying time to lounge by the pool or on the beach, explore Oahu, continue lively discussion with other learners, or just take a good afternoon nap!

Course Description
Humanity has discovered a new creation story—the science story of how we came to be. Responding to this evolutionary story has forced us to reconsider our “maps of reality,” including our spiritual beliefs and how we distinguish ourselves from other life. Our “maps” inform our decisions and values and help us make sense of our experiences. This class will help you explore major scientific and spiritual worldviews and understand current conversations about faith and reason. You will be encouraged to consider your own maps of reality, and human meaning and humanity’s future in a vast and perplexing universe. There will be ample time for small group discussions and individual reflection, as well as the development of maps of your own worldviews.

Course Schedule

January 10	Evening Introductions, course overview, keynote speaker Reverend Michael Dowd (The Great Story) “Thank God for Evolution!”
January 11	“The Evolutionary Story” from two perspectives Dr. Russell Genet (Astronomer and author of Humanity) tells the science story of how we came to be (morning) Barbara Marx Hubbard (Conscious Evolution) will share her “Evolutionary Spirituality: The Soul of Evolution” (evening)
January 12 – 15	“Exploring Our Maps of Reality” Morning and evening sessions January 12 - Where have we been? Historical maps January 13 - Where are we now? Modern maps January 14 - What are the possibilities? Exploring Science & Belief January 15 - Where are we going? Finding meaning in a vast universe Aloha Luau Banquet – Aloha Spirit as a Worldview

Registration and Tuition - $185 per person (Wednesday evening plus five days) – Address to send checks or to use PayPal - www.orioninstitute.org
Learners make reservations for lodging and Aloha Luau Banquet with the Makaha Resort (www.makaharesort.net) or call 866-576-6447 (toll free)