Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science
The Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science , under the direction of Dr. Edward B. (“Ted”) Davis, Professor of the History of Science, is part of an international group of local societies, sponsored by a variety of institutions, that are also funded by The Metanexus Institute. For a list of similar organizations in North America, go here: http://www.metanexus.net/local_societies/societies_list.asp?RegionID=1 .
The Forum sponsors many events of various kinds, all intended to help promote better understanding of religion and science–including medicine and social science–in this region. We continue the college’s established tradition of hosting speakers who represent a variety of religious and disciplinary perspectives. We also sponsor a book discussion group, presently meeting on the second Thursday of the month during the academic year (see below for more details). Many events take place on our campus, but some are held in other locations. All of our events are announced here. PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE . Information about each event is also sent electronically to anyone who wants to be contacted by email. To add your name to this list, or to update your email address, contact Dr. Davis at Tdavis@messiah.edu or at 717.766.2511 ext. 6840.
Dr. Davis’ webpage contains further resources on science and religion:
http://home.messiah.edu/~tdavis/.
All of our events are open to the public, indeed, it is the people of central Pennsylvania whom we seek to serve. Most of our events are also free; any exceptions will be clearly indicated when the events are announced. Preferential seating for certain events will be made available to members of the Forum. Annual membership in the Forum is possible for a contribution of $35 or more. To inquire about becoming a member, contact Dr. Davis.
EVENTS FOR SPRING 2007
THE READING GROUP usually meets on the second Thursday of each month during the academic year (September through April), at 7:00 pm in Kline Hall 108. We are presently reading Francis Collins’ book, The Language of God (Free Press, 2006). Collins’ views were featured (opposite those of atheist Richard Dawkins) in the Nov 13 issue of Time magazine.
Other events will be announced here as details are finalized. Please check this page periodically for updates.
Below is a short description of each event. For more details, including information about all visiting speakers and authors, see the pull-down menu on the left.
PUBLIC Events:
Our main spring event is a series of films and a symposium, all related to campus performances of the play, “Inherit the Wind,” which the Messiah Theater Department is performing that weekend. Here is a link to the play: http://www.messiah.edu/departments/theatre/seasons/06-07/inherit.html. This is a controversial, profoundly unhistorical play, which the Theater Department is doing partly at my request. I have for some time wanted to build a larger event around that play, in order to help call attention to the issues that the play raises and that it partly distorts. On Saturday, April 21, the Forum will sponsor a free public symposium, and the featured speakers will discuss various aspects of the play according to the following schedule:
1:00 pm: Dr. Ted Davis, Professor of the History of Science, speaks on “William Jennings Bryan and the Scopes Trial: What Really Happened.”
2:00 pm: Mr. Kristopher Yoder, director of the production, shares his insights on the play.
2:30 pm: INTERMISSION
2:50 pm: Mr. Walter Bilderback, dramaturg at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, speaks on a topic TBA
3:30 pm: Ms. Carol Iannone, freelance writer and editor of Academic Questions, speaks on a topic TBA. Ms. Iannone is author of an excellent article critiquing the play, "The Truth about 'Inherit the Wind'." (http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9702/articles/iannone.html).
4:10: Panel discussion of audience questions with all four speakers
For more information, check the pull-down menu on “current events” in April; details will be added as they are finalized.
Along with the symposium, the Forum is sponsoring public screenings of three films related to the ongoing controversy about evolution and public education. Each screening is free and will be in Parmer Cinema in Boyer Hall. Here are the details:
Monday, March 12, at 6:00 pm–“Inherit the Wind” (1960), starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, directed by Stanley Kramer. A classic film closely related to the stage production. For more information, go to http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scopes/SCO_INHE.HTM.
Monday, March 26, at 7:00 pm–“Flock of Dodos” (2006), a recent documentary about the intelligent design controversy, including some footage from Dover. For more information and to view the trailer, go to http://www.flockofdodos.com/.
Thursday, April 12, at 6:00 pm–“Unlocking the Mystery of Life” (2002), a documentary produced by advocates of intelligent design, reviewing their ideas and giving a short history of the movement. For more information and to view the trailer, go to http://www.illustramedia.com/umolinfo.htm.
The Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science , under the direction of Dr. Edward B. (“Ted”) Davis, Professor of the History of Science, is part of an international group of local societies, sponsored by a variety of institutions, that are also funded by The Metanexus Institute. For a list of similar organizations in North America, go here: http://www.metanexus.net/local_societies/societies_list.asp?RegionID=1 . 