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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)
Mark your calendars now for the weekend of October 26 and 27.
SPAFER will present an experiential weekend entitled, "Experiencing
the Wonder of the Creation." Friday evening, Oct. 26, Dr.
Eleanor DelBene will present "A Cosmic Walk," an experience
of the creation of the universe, the milestones of creation, and
the very, very recent appearance of humans on Planet Earth. On
Saturday, Dr. Ursula Goodenough, Professor of Biology at Washington
University, will speak on the wonder and awe of the science of
the evolution of life. Dr. Goodenough is a spiritual naturalist
who finds spiritual enrichment in the awe of the creation and the
evolution of life. Dr. Goodenough will provide a layman's-level-explanation
of the beauty and awe of modern 21st century science. She will
also provide her insights and experience regarding the spiritual
implications of modern science, especially biology.
This weekend will be held at Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham,
and will be free to be public as a way of saying "thank you" for
the support and interest of the SPAFER members over the past seven
years.
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 reference for
further study and more detail. Go here to view this presentation.
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
... all of this in a safe atmosphere of caring and understanding.
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:
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Links to Other Sites of Possible Interest
The Center for Progressive Christianity - "Religion
doesn't have to be irrelevant, ineffectual, or repressive. "
To report problems on this Web site, please send mail to: spaferwebmaster@spafer.org
Visitor number 1007
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