SPAFER ... a forum for religious and spiritual exploration
Welcome to the home page for SPAFER, South Points Association for Exploring Religion. SPAFER, a 501(c)-3 non-profit organization, was formed in 2000 by Ken Forbes, Burdett Wantland, and several others who, following informal conversations at a Jesus Seminar, felt the need to have a forum in the Mid-South to discuss and explore religious questions and issues that orthodoxy does not seem to address. SPAFER is composed of a group of individuals in the Mid-South area who enjoy meeting periodically and discussing religious issues in a free and respectful atmosphere. SPAFER also from time to time sponsors speakers who provide different and stimulating insights into religious questions. An example of such speakers is Bishop John Shelby Spong who was sponsored by SPAFER and spoke in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 7, 2002 and on March 10-11, 2004.

News and Meetings (see Meetings of Interest for other events)

We now look forward to 2009 and two exciting speaker engagements. On Aril 3-4, 2009, we will have Dr. Bernard Brandon Scott in town to talk about Jesus' parables. For reservations and more details about the April 09 lecture go here.

In the fall of 2009, we are fortunate to host Dr. Martin E. Marty. Dr. Marty is currently the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of the History of Modern Christianity in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. Dr. Marty has received over 75 honorary doctorate degrees and has authored over 5,000 articles. Dr. Marty's biosketch can be found on Wikipedia here, or his curriculum vitae can be found here. Dr. Marty will speak October 23-24, 2009, at the Shades Valley Lutheran Church. The topic of his presentation has not yet been finalized.

New! Tupelo RoadHouse Organized!

On November 8, 2008, 17 people met in Tupelo, MS, to form a SPAFER RoadHouse group. See this page for more information about the new Tupelo group and their meeting schedule..

History of Science and Religion

There is now a section on the SPAFER site that gives a brief history of science and religion, complete with off-site Web references for further study and more detail. Go here to view this presentation.

The Miracle - A Creation Story for Our Time

Brian Swimme and Thomas Berry have written a stunning book entitled, "The Creation Story," a book that retells the story of creation from a perspective of 21st century science. Swimme and Berry are both amazing writers who spin a tale of creation that captures the awe and mystery of cosmic evolution.

Your Web master has presented a version of this book in a couple of places to those who were interested. A Word copy of my notes for those who are interested is now posted on this site. I urge you to read this brief interpretation of the book, and then buy the book and read it cover to cover. It is one of those "must read" books for all of us, especially if you find youself interested in spiritual naturalism. It is a rather large file, so please be patient. Go here to download the Word document into your computer.

The Mission of SPAFER

SPAFER, a progressive community of faith for those who wish to enjoy fellowship and intellectual stimulation with others of like mind and spirit.

The mission of SPAFER is to provide in the Mid-South region an open forum for people interested in religious inquiry.

We provide educational opportunities, fellowship, and fun for those who have difficulty with religious orthodoxy. We provide new meanings to life, new friends, and a safe space for dialogue and study with diverse people.

We do this through:

• providing individuals with continuing education and with the intellectual resources helpful to their self-directed search for God (periodic lectures by respected national figures like Bishop Spong and Dr. Stephen Patterson, Dr. Hal Taussig, Bart Ehrman, and Dr. Marcus Borg of the Jesus Seminar)
• creating community at convenient points throughout the Mid-South, participation in small local group discussions called "RoadHouses," and regional retreats where one's expressions will be received with respect
• publishing newsletters and small booklets, for example, our forthcoming newsletter and also the SPAFER Oasis published bi-monthly

Won't You Join Us?

Everyone is welcome to join the RoadHouse meetings held in Birmingham, Alabama. We also invite you to become a member of SPAFER and receive the bi-monthly publications. See the link on the left-hand side of this page.To receive more information on SPAFER through an email communication, enter your email address in the box below:

Links to Other Sites of Possible Interest

The Center for Progressive Christianity - "Religion doesn't have to be irrelevant, ineffectual, or repressive. "

Connections - an interesting progressive Christian newsletter written by a United Methodist woman, Barbara Wendland, from Temple, Texas.

To report problems on this Web site, please send mail to: spaferwebmaster@spafer.org