Purpose
To understand the historical and current issues in the relationship between science and religion.  Francis Collins (leader of the Human Genome Project) in his book, The Language of God, says, “The central question of this book is: In this modern era of cosmology, evolution, and the human genome, is there still the possibility of a richly satisfying harmony between the scientific and spiritual world views?”  He answers his own question with a “resounding yes!”  Through readings, discussion and understanding we hope to reinforce for ourselves Collins’ “resounding yes.”

Schedule
Group meets every Tuesday at 5:00 pm in the Common Room.

Concept
Religion and science have certain commonalities and certain differences. Copernicus’ discovery of our heliocentric solar system initiated one of the very early conflicts between science and the Roman Catholic Church.  This was followed by Isaac Newton’s mechanistic worldview, followed by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.  At present the major differences revolve around two extremes, the atheistic materialism of some scientists and those religious faiths that hold to a literal or inerrant view of the Bible.  These issues are often seen in the press on the one hand as Scientific Materialism and on the other hand as Creationism or Intelligent Design.  Developments in cognitive science seem to be leading toward even more serious differences in the decades to come.

By studying the interface between science and religion we seek to understand these issues and thus understand how to exploit commonalities through dialogue.

There is no requirement for previous understanding of science or of theology.  No member of the group is a scientist or a theologian.  We adhere to the language of the layperson.

Process
A text is selected by group consensus.  The group leader, who rotates among members on a voluntary basis, emails suggested discussion questions from pre-selected portions of the text to the group for each meeting.  Members come to meetings prepared to discuss these questions as well as others of interest.

Books covered to date in order of coverage
When Science Meets Religion                           Ian Barbour
Faith, Science and Understanding                      John Polkinghorne
The Way To The Dwelling Of Light                     Guy Consolmagno
The Work of Love: Creation as Kenosis              Ed. by Polkinghorne
Paths from Science Toward God                        Arthur Peacocke

We are presently studying Alister McGrath’s Science and Religion, An Introduction, available at Amazon.com.

For more info call or email Ken Simmons (703-823-9378 or kensimmons02@comcast.net) or Bill Ryon (703-451-7062 or wryonjr@verizon.net).

>> Click here to register online for the Religion & Science Book Study

 

Pilgrims in Christ 2007–2008
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:50 pm, Guild Room

Overview
Pilgrims in Christ is a nine-month “catechumenate” offering formation in the basics of Christian faith and practice, in the context of the Anglican tradition. It is intended for the following adults, called by God to a process of new commitment and spiritual growth:

• Candidates for:

• Baptism 

• Confirmation (already baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

• Reception (already confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Churches, now wishing to be received into the Episcopal Church)

• Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows (already confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church, wishing a formal recommitment with the laying on of hands by a bishop)

• Potential Sponsors (confirmed Episcopalians and members of St Paul’s who are willing to be enriched from the experience of shepherding a Pilgrims candidate)

• All who seek spiritual renewal, a deeper relationship with Christ, or a fuller knowledge of the Catholic faith

• Those wishing a greater understanding of specifically Anglican spirituality and tradition
   

The goals of Pilgrims in Christ are: 

• To draw each one closer to a loving, faithful, and transforming God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — through word and sacrament, community and service, and viewing our lives theologically. 

• To provide knowledge and understanding — an increase in heart, mind, and soul.

• To assist each individual in establishing, or expanding, a healthy prayer life.

• To nurture a connection with the blessings of the Church — through the ages, today, and beyond — especially within the context of Anglican and Anglo-Catholic tradition and practice. 

• To help in identifying each individual’s spiritual gifts and the personal ministries to which each one is called.

• To encourage and support a commitment to lifelong spiritual pilgrimage.

Pilgrims meets for two (+) hours per week throughout the academic year and is taught by the rector, the parish catechist, and others on a teaching team. The format includes prayer, presentations, and group discussions. There is an off-site Saturday retreat in the Fall and another during Lent, and this year there will also be a workshop at the church one Saturday in December. These three Saturdays are integral parts of the curriculum.

In addition to the weekly classes, the retreats, and the workshop day, there are three public rites (held at the 11:15 am Sunday Mass this year), plus Baptism and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil—all of which are attended by the whole Pilgrims class. 

Our curriculum, new in 2005, is in four parts. Participants are asked for an initial commitment to Part One, and the commitment is renewed in additional increments, through May 2008. 

Time and Place
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:50 pm (Note: Monday evenings during Lent). Participants are encouraged to attend the 6:00 pm Mass beforehand and to bring a bag supper to class. Beverages are provided. Announcements for the week begin at 6:40 sharp and the class follows promptly. After the Introductory Dinner (which is held in the dining room), Pilgrims in Christ plans to meet regularly in the Guild Room. 

>> View the complete Pilgrims in Christ Schedule for 2007–2008
>> Click here to register for Pilgrims in Christ (2007–2008)

For more information, contact Fr. Sloane, 202-337-2020, ext. 12, or Edie Davis, 301-277-6545.

Bible Study: Everything New is Old Again
An Introduction to the Year of Matthew in the Sunday Lectionary
Thursday October 11, 18, and 25, 2007 (Time TBA)

Fr. Lewis will lead a three-part study on the Gospel of Matthew on Thursdays, October 11, 18, and 25th. There is a sign-up sheet at the Tract Rack with a cutoff date of Friday, September 21.  Matthew's telling of the Good News treads a narrow path.  It shows how Jesus and his teachings usher in the Kingdom of Heaven in a new and dramatic way, a way that would speak to the whole world and its peoples. At the same time it shows Jesus and his teachings to be part of the plan of the God of Abraham, Moses, and David, known to God’s people in Scripture and the covenants.  So in teaching the Lord can say of the Law, "Not one mark of it will pass away."  At the same time he can say of the Law, "You have heard it said of old...., but I say unto you...." Old and New are both important to the first evangelist.

This is a short introduction to the Gospel of Matthew: the source of the gospel readings for the lectionary year which begins with Advent I this year.  Through consideration of the mind of Matthew and the circumstances, and the distinctive selections in Matthew’s story, this Bible study will help us to hear Matthew as he preaches the Good News of Jesus Christ to us weekly throughout this church year.

For more information, contact Fr. Lewis, LALewis@vts.edu or 703-461-1713 (office).