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 were begun several years ago with generous support from 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.  Recipients are sent blind copies, in order to ensure that individual addresses are kept private.  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.  Annual membership in the Forum is possible for a contribution of $35 or more.  To inquire about becoming a member, contact Dr. Davis.  The primary benefit of membership is knowing that you have helped us provide quality programs, but from time to time members are invited to a limited number of private events.

EVENTS FOR Fall 2008

THE READING GROUP will meet for the first time this year on Thursday, December 11, at 7:00 pm, in Kline Hall 108.  We will discuss the introduction and first chapter in Oracles of Science: Celebrity Scientists versus God and Religion, by Karl Giberson and the late Fr. Mariano Artigas.  We will cover the rest of the book on the following schedule:

            Chapters 2 & 3 – Thursday, January 15, at  7:00 pm in Kline 108
            Chapters 4 & 5 – Thursday, February 12, at 7:00 pm in Kline 108
            Chapter 6 & conclusion – Tuesday, March 3, dinner meeting with Dr. Giberson at 5:15 pm in location TBA

Information about Giberson and his books is available at http://www.karlgiberson.com/Site/Welcome.html.  The reading group is free and open to the public, but you will need to bring your own copy of the book!  All are invited to attend, whether or not you have attended any of our events in the past.  Discussions this year are led by Dr. Davis and Dr. Richard Luley, M.D.

OTHER EVENTS are announced 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 the speakers, see the pull-down menu on the left.

PUBLIC EVENTS:

• Free lecture by biblical scholar Dr. Peter Enns, “Genesis and Evangelicals.”  Tuesday, 16 September 2008, at 7:00 pm in Hostetter Chapel Sanctuary, Messiah College.

• Free lecture by astrophysicist Dr. Stephen Barr, “Retelling the Story of Science.”  Tuesday, 14 October 2008, at 7:00 pm in Hostetter Chapel Sanctuary, Messiah College.

• Free lecture by Dr. Christine Rosen, “Eugenics and Religion.”  Monday, 10 November 2008, at 7:30 pm in Kline Hall 120, Messiah College.

• Free lecture by Dr. Karl Giberson, “Scientists Assaulting God: Can Evolution be a Religion?”  Tuesday, 3 March 2009, at 7:00 pm in Hostetter Chapel Sanctuary, Messiah College.