Upcoming Event: Public Lecture on “Science and Religion in Islam”

Taner Edis on Science and Religion and Islam

Friday September 28, 2007 @ 7:30

Kaneff 137, UTM

FREE ADMISSION

Taner Edis, born and raised in Turkey, is associate professor of physics at Truman State University and the author of The Ghost in the Universe: God in Light of Modern Science and Science and Non-belief, among other publications. His latest book is An Illusion of Harmony: Science and Religion in Islam.

During his visit to UTM, Taner Edis will explore whether the Koran anticipates the modern scientific understanding of the world, the intelligent design creationist movement within Islam, and whether science is even compatible with the Muslim faith. He also shares his views about the future of Islam, especially in relation to the secular, more scientific West.

Upcoming Event: Panel Discussion on Religion and Personal Freedom

The Panel on Religion and Personal Freedom hosted by the Mississauga Freethought Association will take place Tuesday, September 18th at 7pm in room CC1080 in the CCT Building of UTM.

The panel will address important issue surrounding the broad topic of religion and personal freedom. The speakers were chosen based on the fact that they have all had unique personal experiences relating to the confluence of religion and personal freedom. Thus, it is expected that each of these speakers will bring such experience to bear on the issue at hand. In this regard, the topic is likely to revolve around political issues of religion, personal freedom and secularism. However, we hope that the topic will evolve into more philosophical topics of humanism versus theology and the relative pros and cons of these worldviews in living one’s life. To meet all of these goals, we will follow a specific format. Each speaker will be allotted 15 to 20 minutes (maximum) for an opening statement. This way, each speaker can incorporate their own personal experience with the topic and set it in light of their own personal beliefs or worldview. Following this, the floor will be open to questions from the audience. Although audience members may ask questions about your personal experience, deeper issues are sure to surface that will address more philosophical issues. Further, and within reason, panelists will have the opportunity to redress other panelist’s opinions by way of a rejoinder. The question and answer period will continue for roughly 60 to 80 minutes.