North Berkshire Center for Religion and Science
Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts
This Center combines membership from Williams College faculty and student body with local church and synagogue congregations, as well as the interested public in Williamstown and its environs. Through “constructive discussions,” this society means to promote interaction in which participants learn with each other and from each other, to increase their own understanding of religion and science, enrich their religious experience, and increase their understanding of other religious points of view. The group begins by offering seminars involving faculty and local clergy to develop materials for effectively presenting up-to-date science to non-scientists and making religion and science literature conveniently available to residents in the Williamstown area. As faculty and clergy develop interest and expertise, the group is promoting additional public discussions and seminars. The group also takes a lead in encouraging additions to the college curricula and that of the local adult education courses offered by the Berkshire Institute for Lifelong Learning. The society plans to share experience and materials through a NBCRS web site. Topics for exploration include origins of religion, continental philosophy’s approaches to religion and science questions, evolutionary biology, quantum physics, and issues in religion and science from multiple religious perspectives. Matching funds are provided by the Oakley Center for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Chaplain’s Office of Williams College.