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

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. "

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