New State Russian School Curricula and Student Summer School on Religion and Science

Moscow State University
Moscow

Monthly interdisciplinary committee meetings with specialists in the natural sciences, humanities, and theology are held by this society, culminating in summary presentations of the society’s works at the annual “Russian Inter-Region Symposium” – which brings together representatives of all of the active LSI societies throughout Russia. The group also hosts roundtable discussions during the Russian Congresses of Philosophy in Moscow, as well as hosts a Student Summer School on Science and Religion each year. All lectures and materials generated by the society will be published and presented on the Moscow State University website. One of the major works of the group, following deep and collaborative exploration, is the preparation of texts and renewed religious studies curricula and coursework. Acting as coordinators and overseers of religious studies programs for all of the universities in Russia, this group sets the standard for regular exploration of religion and science in religious studies programs across the country. The responsibility of supervising the editing and publishing of educational literature for all Russian State Curricula in religious studies, places this collaborative effort at the forefront of redefining education in religion in Russia to include perspectives in science and faith. Outreach efforts include the preparation and active distribution of a comprehensive database; the creation of interactive study courses and video seminars, and a distance-learning program to prepare educators and students for scholarly works in science and religion. Broad topics to explore and develop include the nature of science and religion; the history of the interaction between science and religion; science and Christianity in the Twentieth Century; integral culture – religion and the philosophy of science; and topics in physics, literature, ethics, and on the soul and redemption. As cooperating members of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR), which includes universities in Ukraine, Belarussia, and Germany, the group also networks to promote explorations beyond their own national sphere of influence. Matching funds are provided by Moscow State University.