Course organiser:David Chapple
Presenter:Various
In our lifetime New Zealand’s population has become culturally and spiritually diverse. No longer is it almost solely Christian. Your neighbour today may be Muslim, Buddhist, a Sikh, Confucian, or Baha’i and there is a growing likelihood that they will have no religious affiliation at all! So what do the various religions or secular beliefs mean in terms of what makes life meaningful to the person living it?
Four speakers, from different religious or philosophical backgrounds will present their view of the World and in so doing share their views on five central issues allowing us to see the similarities and differences between them.
1. The creation of the Universe.
2. The existence and nature of any supernatural being.
3. Communing, as in prayer or meditation with a non-physical presence.
4. An afterlife and the forms it takes.
5. Worship, rituals, spiritual leadership, a basis in scripture.
The question is, “Just how do people’s beliefs influence the way they live and in a manner that is meaningful for them?” An interesting question, eh?
22 Sep:
'An Islamic View of the World'.Anthony Green is a member of the Shura (Advisory) Council of the Muslim Association of Canterbury. His talk is entitled, 'In This There are Signs for Those Who Reflect' - Thoughts on Islam, responsibility and the relationship between all created beings.
29 Sep:
'A Baha’i View of the World'.John Spurdle presents his view as a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Christchurch. His address is entitled 'Why Baha'i?' There's already a plethora of religions in the world so who needs another?
6 Oct:
'A Buddhist View of the World'.Kelsang Luma is a Western Buddhist nun and Resident Teacher of Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre in Christchurch. She will discuss the relevance this ancient religion has for giving meaning to life in the modern world.
13 Oct:
'A Secular Humanist’s View of the World'.Sara Passmore is the President of the Humanist Society of New Zealand and former Head of Education of the British Humanist Association. She will discuss living a life in the here and now - without religion - and how this gives meaning to life in the modern world.
20 Oct:
Small group discussion - a turn to have your say!Over to you!
