Baltimore Society for Science/Religion Understanding

Physics Department, Loyola College Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland

The mission of this society is to foster exploration of the relationships between science and religion in the academic and local community. Currently comprised of faculty and students from institutions of higher learning in the Baltimore area representing a variety of religious beliefs and disciplines including: chemistry, philosophy, theology, biology, physics, astronomy, pastoral counseling, English, earth sciences, education, and engineering, the group invites participation from all interested persons. Programs of this society combine reading discussion groups, public lectures and seminars, and outreach to invite new perspectives and expertise into conversations. Members are encouraged to pursue original research and scholarship of rigorous and critical intellectual standards that contributes constructively and meaningfully to the field. Reading groups, examining foundational and advanced texts, meet monthly for exchange of views and insights. Lectures, featuring distinguished visiting scholars, are held at least twice a year and are followed-up with smaller, more intense discussions with members. Public lectures are open to the public and widely publicized. Lecturers are arranged so that topical themes and speakers complement texts under consideration. A special feature of the lecture series is a focus on inviting scholars from other LSI groups in the global network. Outreach efforts plan to attract a membership that is truly regional, including the academic community and area institutions, pastors, members of congregations, and other interested citizens in the region. Matching funds are provided by the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences of Loyola College Maryland.