Adult Discussion Group
Adult RE Discussion Group Class Schedule – Fall 2022
Continue your spiritual journey by engaging in thoughtful exploration this autumn every other Sunday at 9:00am in the Board Room. Participants will select readings and topics for the coming year. Want to present or join the discussion group? Contact Keith Bittinger
These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv
September 11: Mind and Cosmos – In his book Mind and Cosmos, philosopher Thomas Nagel challenges the dominant worldview of our time—materialistic naturalism—the view that all of reality can ultimately be explained in terms of matter and the laws of nature. Nagel argues that to the contrary, mind and consciousness cannot be fully explained in materialistic terms, and this has implications for science as well as our understanding of the ultimate nature of reality. Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger.
September 25: Consciousness – We will explore some of the scientific studies that demonstrate or suggest that human consciousness can exist outside of a physical body, including those from Duke University, Princeton University, and the Institute of Noetic Sciences. We will also delve into the mainstream efforts to suppress these findings because they believe the accepted model of consciousness as material means they can’t possibly be valid. Suggestions on how to resolve the mainstream’s objections will be offered. Discussion leader: Brian McPherson.
October 9: Sounds and Emotions – Many spiritual/religious traditions include practices that use mantras or the chanting of sacred sounds to induce a state of wonderment or awe. We will review some research that shows how individual sounds have emotional valence and then apply the findings from these studies to specific mantras from various traditions, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Sufi. Discussion leader: Brian McPherson.
October 23: Antiracism – Common Read – Justice on Earth – Environmental discussion topics are contemplative practices, stepping out of our silos, and learning to change. This class discussion will draw from Chapters 7, 8, 9 (pgs. 67 – 106) of Justice on Earth – People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and the Environment (available from www.uua.org and more). Prior reading is encouraged but optional. Discussion leaders: Cheryl Parsons & Martha Bergsten
November 6: Voting in PA – Are you ready to vote on November 8? (Make sure you and your friends are already registered before the October 24th deadline.) Bring your questions about voting in PA for a respectful, non-partisan, non-political Q&A. For example, when is the Pennsylvania Primary, and can independent voters participate? We’ll start by visiting the Running for Office section of the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website, www.dos.pa.gov for an overview of how people become candidates. Then, we’ll take a brief tour of voter education resources on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s other website, www.vote.pa.gov. If you have questions before or after our discussion, please call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (877-868-3772). Discussion leader: Jennifer Hricak
November 20: What Does Spirituality Look Like in Your Life? – Discussion leader: Riley Johnson
December 4: Mormonism – In this class we will look at the origins, beliefs, and rituals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church. Discussion leader: Courtney Wiley.
December 18: Powwow – What exactly is it and does it work? – Powwow, also called Brauche or Brauchereiin Deitsch, is a vernacular system of North American traditional medicine and folk magic originating in the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Blending aspects of folk religion with healing charms, “powwowing” includes a wide range of healing rituals used primarily for treating ailments in humans and livestock, as well as securing physical and spiritual protection, and good luck in everyday affairs. Discussion leader: Cathy Dewalt