The Commons Project

 

Science and Religion Dialogue at Depauw University

The Commons Project is part of the local societies initiative at DePauw University sponsored by the Metanexus Institute. The Commons Project is a return to the idea that the community can come together in ways that display humility, civility, and curiosity as public issues relating to science and religion are explored and debated. At DePauw, the community consists of faculty, staff, and students. The Commons Project consists of many varied activities including:

Faculty and Staff Book Group

  • Books Discussed:
    • Is Nature Enough: Meaning and Truth in an Age of Science
      By: John F. Haught
      The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
      By: E.O. Wilson
      When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers, or Partners?
      By: Ian G. Barbour
      Science and Religion: Are They Compatible?
      Edited By: Paul Kurtz, Barry Karr, and Ranjit Sandhu

      The Language of God
      By: Francis Collins
      God is Not Great
      By: Christopher Hitchens

      Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction
      Edited by: Gary B. Ferngren

       

      Lying Awake
      By: Mark Salzman

       

      God and the New Atheism
      By: John F. Haught

       

      I Don't Believe in Atheists
      By: Chris Hedges

       

      The First Principles: A Scientist's Guide to the Spiritual
      By: Dr. John J. Petrovic

       

      The Future of Atheism
      Editor: Robert B. Stewart
      Alister McGrath and Daniel Dennett in Dialogue

       

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Monthly Discussions

Monthly discussions bring students, faculty, and staff together to share ideas and thoughts on the given topic.
  • Topics Already Discussed:
    • October 2006: The Commons Project: An Introduction and Discussion
    • November 2006: Scientists' Perspectives on Religion
    • February 2007: Free Will VS Determinism
    • March 2007: Cosmological Questions
    • April 2007: Dr. Fancy's Dissertation Discussion
    • September 2007: Dr. P.T. Wilson "Soul: We Don't all Agree"
    • November 2007: Lisa Swem
    • February 2008: Dr. Erik Wienlenberg "Ethics without God?"
    • March 2008: Dr.Carl Wienlenberg The Creation Museum in Northen Kentucky
    • April 2008: Robert Newton
    • October 2008: John O'Callaghan
    • November 2008: Ron Numbers
    • March 2009: Michael Shank
    • April 2009 Brad Tharpe

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Essay Contests

  • Essays:
    • Prompt for April 1,2009:

    • How should we balance the concerns of science and religion when deciding public policy?

    • 1st Place: David Cylkowski

    • 2nd Place: Mike Lutz

  • Members:
    • Commons Project Steering Committee
    • Dr. Nahyan Fancy
    • Dr. Jason Fuller
    • Dr. Marcia McKelligan
    • Dr. Pamela Propsom
    • Dr. Jacqueline Roberts
    • Rev. Bill Wieland

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Related Links

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