Ignatian Residential College Local Society
Fairfield University
Fairfield, Connecticut
This society invites faculty, staff, students, and community partners to come together to enhance science and religion dialogue on the Fairfield University campus and surrounding area. The society is housed within the Ignatian Residential College, a community of scholars, students, and citizens with a strong conviction of the importance of examining life’s purpose and meaning based on the Jesuit reflection model. Meetings and activities are grounded in the Jesuit and Catholic traditions but are open to diverse and varied viewpoints. Monthly gatherings, an annual keynote speaker seminar program, and public lectures bring together people with diverse academic disciplines and educational backgrounds to consider advances in the sciences that provoke theological and religious reflection. In addition to society meetings, student discussion groups and local high school outreach programs aim to demonstrate that scientific and religious viewpoints need not be mutually exclusive but can be balanced to provide a greater understanding of ethical and moral standards as they are applied to current issues and technological advances in the public arena. Book and journal readings inform the discussions to establish a common ground for conversation. Topics in 2004-2005 included science and religion typologies, philosophical constructs in science and religion, and evolution. The featured speaker for 2004-2005 was Dr. John Haught of Georgetown University. Matching funds are provided by Fairfield University.