Science, Religion and an Evolving Faith

Naramata Centre Society, Naramata, BC

Event Description

Program Description

Science and Religion are often portrayed as opposites, but what if scientific discovery is the Mystery revealing its creative role in the Universe? People may experience a sense of Mystery, but don’t believe all religious doctrines. This program will use the science of Big History and a DVD entitled “Painting the Stars” to prompt discussion about what an evolutionary Christian spirituality might look like. Time for reflection will also be included. No answers will be provided, but there will be some good questions to live with.

This program is about evolutionary Christianity, starting with a bit of “Big History” and using a DVD with Bruce Sanguin, John Spong, Matthew Fox, Michael Dowd, Phillip Clayton, Jan Phillips and a variety of other “evolutionary” Christians as a basis for discussion.

There will be presentation, video, group discussion and time for refection on the Naramata grounds.

Program Logistics

Duration: 5 days, mornings (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM), Monday to Friday

Ages: 40+, “second half of life”

Accommodations: Participants who wish to stay at Naramata Centre while attending the program can book indoor accommodation or a campsite for the week of September 3-10. For more information on accommodation rentals and pricing, click here.

Program Leader

Robert McDonald Robert spent his career as an aerospace engineer and manager in Ontario. After retirement, he has taught Elder College courses for 9 years on Astronomy, Big History and now “Science, Religion, and an Evolving Faith.”

Robert completed the two year Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Companionship in 2015. He is a member of Comox United Church, a member of Presbytery, leads small groups and does occasional lay worship leadership.

His spiritual path includes everything from summer courses at VST to explorations of First Nation spirituality. He reads widely on Jungian psychology and the spiritual journey.

Cancellation Policy

Should a participant wish to withdraw from a registered program, they can do so with a full refund up to 30 days prior to their program start date. Program cancellations less than 30 days before the program start date are not refundable.

The Naramata Centre Society reserves the right to cancel programs should attendance not meet required minimums for financial viability. Should a program be canceled, participants will be notified more than 30 days before program start time and their program fees will be fully refunded.