IAP Independent Activities Period by, for, and about
	the MIT community
 
overview participate organize offerings calendar  
for-credit subjects non-credit activities by category non-credit activities by sponsor non-credit activities by date

Help | Advanced Search

IAP 2004 Activities by Category

Religion and Ethics

A Course on Spirituality
Hooman Katirai
Sun Jan 11, 07:30-09:30pm, Sydney&Pacif Rm 919
Sun Jan 18, 25, 07:30-09:30pm, TBA

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Though only 160 years old, the Bahai Faith is one of the newest of the World's Religions, listed in the Encyclopedia Britannica as having significant communities in more than 210 countries. Principles include the independent investigation of truth, the harmony of science and religion, the equality of men and women, and more. Over a potluck dinner and discussion, we explore the meaning of selected Bahai writings on a number of subjects including service to humanity, the spiritual life, the existence of the spirit and the life hereafter. Participants will complete the first book in a six-book series. Approximately 50% of attendees will be members of the Bahai Faith, and approximately 50% of attendees are looking to learn more about the Bahai Faith. The format, however, is such that Baha'is also learn a lot. Participants may drop in; however, we ask that you try to RSVP in advance so as sufficient number of workbooks will be available.
Contact: Courtney L. Craig, ruhi@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Bahai Association

A Discussion on Prayer and Meditation from the Hindu Perspective
Kiran Madhav, Sandhya Sitaraman
Fri Jan 9, 04:30-06:00pm, MIT Chapel, (Location tentative)

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Do you have trouble concentrating sometimes? Do you want a head start on stress relief for the coming semester? Have you ever just wanted to clear your mind of useless junk?
Join MIT Hindu Students Council in a meditation session led by Swami Tyagananda, MIT Hindu Chaplain, of the Vedanta Society in Boston. We will also be demystifying the significance of prayer so you won't be lost the next time you go to the temple or a puja.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hsc/www
Contact: Kiran Madhav, kmadhav@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hindu Students Council

Abraham, Friend of God
Suheil Laher
Tue Jan 6, 06-07:30pm, 1-134

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Find out how Muslims view Abraham, the great Patriarch and Prophet.
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy

Apologetics
Brian Bucher MIT Alum.
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None

These classes will be a journey into the most fundamental questions we can ask ourselves, looking at how the Christian faith seeks to answer them. We'll discuss such questions as: Is there any meaning to life? What does science tell us about the nature of reality? Can a good God really exist if there is evil in the world? Can our powers of reason help us in the search for answers to all these questions? What evidence does Christian theism offer as rational justification?
Contact: Brian Bucher, babucher@alum.mit.edu
Sponsor: Graduate Christian Fellowship

Class 1: How Should We Approach Matters of 'Faith'?
Brian Bucher MIT Alum.
Fri Jan 9, 06-07:00pm, W20-306

Class 2: What Does Science Have To Tell Us About God?
Brian Bucher MIT Alum.
Fri Jan 16, 06-07:00pm, W20-306

Class 3: What About Evil?
Brian Bucher MIT Alum.
Fri Jan 23, 06-07:00pm, W20-306

Class 4: Historical Data and the Christian Faith as an Historical Faith
Brian Bucher MIT Alum.
Fri Jan 30, 06-07:00pm, Kresge Rehears. Rm B

Bhajan Workshop (Devotional Singing)
Sandhya Sitaraman, Kiran Madhav
Fri Jan 23, 04:30-06:00pm, MIT Chapel

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Bhajans are devotional songs to various gods and goddesses in Hindu mythology. Join MIT HSC in learning and practicing some popular bhajans in the Hindu tradition. Musicians, singers and not-so-musically inclined are all welcome. Come just to listen, or sing along, or to lead a bhajan.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bhajan).
Contact: Sandhya Sitaraman, sandhyas@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hindu Students Council

Bible Study: Gospel of Mark
Nick Godfrey, Episcopal Diocese of MA
Tue Jan 13, Thu Jan 22, Tue Jan 27, Thu Jan 29, 02:30-04:00pm, W11.007

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Signup by: 13-Jan-2004
Limited to 15 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

We will take a look at the Gospel of Mark in five sessions. Come and explore what Mark's Gospel has to say about faith and life in the twenty-first century. All are welcome, regardless of faith and no previous Bible study is required.
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy

Classic Christian Prayer
Nick Godfrey Episcopal Diocese of MA
Wed Jan 7, Thu Jan 8, Fri Jan 9, 02:30-03:30pm, PDR3

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 15-Dec-2003
Limited to 15 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)

In this IAP activity we'll look at three classic types of Christian prayer. Each day will include a quick overview, instruction and time to try out one type of prayer. These types of prayer should help us to focus on the present moment and to be attentive to God's presence in the world. All are welcome, regardless of faith background. No previous experience required.
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy

End of Life: Medical Ethics and Jewish Law
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 8, 06-07:00pm, W11 Board Room

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

New advances in medical technology pose new ethical dilemmas. Guidance can be found, however, from the Talmud, Maimonides, and Shulchan Aruch. This series will focus on how criteria and principles can be gleaned from these ancient sources to shed light on the complex issues of the day.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katya Myer, W11, x3-2982, katyam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Ethics of Energy Production and Consumption
Sarah Fredericks, Johanna Kiefner
Thu Jan 8, 07-09:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Join a discussion around the ethical issues involved in producing and using energy. Sarah Fredericks is a PhD student in Science, Philosophy and Religion at Boston University. Johanna Kiefner is the Lutheran Chaplain at MIT.
Contact: Sarah Fredericks, W11-035, x3-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu; sfrederi@bu.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT

From Jesus to Christ
The Rev. Johanna Kiefner
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none

PBS Frontline Video Series telling the story of the complicated and often contentious rise of Christianity in the first 300 years CE.
Contact: The Rev. Johanna Kiefner, W11-035, x3-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT

Part 1 The Life of Jesus
The Rev. Johanna Kiefner
This hour segment traces the life of Jesus, exploring the message that helped his ministry grow and the event that let to his crucifixtion. This hour long video looks at how scholars and archaeologists have pieced toghether a new portarait of where Jesus was born, how he lived, and who he was.
Discussion follows video.
Tue Jan 6, 12-02:00pm, 4-253

Part 2: The First Christians
The Rev. Johanna Kiefner
This hour segment examines the rise of Christianity immediately after the crucifixtion, and explores evidence suggesting that Jesus' followers, because of their diversity and the differences in their cultures and languages, looked at and interpreted Jesus and his teaching in many different ways.
Discussion follows video
Tue Jan 13, 12-02:00pm, 4-253

Part 3: The Rise of Conflict
The Rev. Johanna Kiefner
This hour segment traces the development and impact of the Gospels, looking at the increasingly hostile relationship between the Christians and the Jews in the latter half of the first century CE.
Discussion follows video.
Tue Jan 20, 12-02:00pm, 4-253

Part 4: Rise of Christendom
The Rev. Johanna Kiefner
This final hour segment documents the extraordinary events of the second and third centuries in which Christianity grew from a small Jewish sect to an official religion of the Roman Empire.
Discussion follows video.
Tue Jan 27, 12-02:00pm, 4-253

Graduate Shabbat Experience
Maxim Shusteff
Fri Jan 16, 07-10:00pm, Sidney Pacific

No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 15-Jan-2004
Single session event
Fee: 5.00 for Dinner cost

Experience Shabbat with MIT Graduate Hillel! Enjoy a relaxing, delicious dinner and stimulating conversation. Prepay by Wednesday, January 15, 12 pm to Kate Adelstein, W-11, 253-2982, hillelrsvp@mit.edu
Contact: Maxim Shusteff, W-11, x3-2982, shusteff@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Halachic (Jewish Law) Perspectives on Homosexuality
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Wed Jan 21, 05-06:00pm, W11, Hillel Center

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Perspectives on homosexuality from traditional Jewish sources: the oral and written Torah, medieval codifications of Jewish law, and modern decisors of Jewish law. Presentation, with discussion to follow.
Contact: Ian Jacobi, W11, x3-2982, jacobi@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Hinduism: Beliefs, Misconceptions, and Challenges Faced
Kiran Madhav, Pallavi Mishra
Fri Jan 30, 04:30-06:00pm, MIT Chapel, (Location tentative)

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

So what are the basics of the Hindu tradition? HSC members will be leading an open discussion on this as well as common misconceptions about Hinduism, including the caste system and the belief in many gods. Join MIT HSC in this discussion about these misconceptions as well as challenges faced by Hindus today.
Contact: Kiran Madhav, kmadhav@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hindu Students Council

Hymn Sing
Amy McCreath & Johanna Kiefner
Wed Jan 7, 05:15-06:15pm, MIT Chapel

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Get your new year off to a good start with an hour of singing your favorite hymns and discovering others' favorites. We'll have hymnals from lots of Christian traditions available, and our pianist will support our song. If you have a hymn to suggest that probably isn't in the hymnals, contact me ahead of time.
Contact: Amy McCreath & Johanna Kiefner, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy

Islamic Doctrine
Suheil Laher
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Six lectures with Q&A sessions. This series explains what Muslims believe, and why. It is suitable both for non-Muslims, who would like to gain insight into the subject, and for Muslims, who wish to have a more detailed understanding and/or review. Major topics covered are: Reason in Islam, Sources of Doctrine, Islamic Concept of God and His Attributes, Angels, Revealed Books, Prophets, Resurrection and the Hereafter, Destiny and Free Will.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/activity/m/mitmsa/www/NewSite/doctrine.htm
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy

Lecture 1
Suheil Laher
Overview of Islam, The Purpose of Life, Sources of Doctrine, Reason and its Place, Existence of Allah, Belief in Allah
Tue Jan 13, 06-07:30pm, 1-242

Lecture 2
Suheil Laher
Attributes of Allah. Belief in Qadar ("Destiny")
Thu Jan 15, 06-07:30pm, 1-135

Lecture 3
Suheil Laher
Unseen Worlds: Angels and Jinn
Tue Jan 20, 06-07:30pm, 1-150

Lecture 4
Suheil Laher
Divine Communication: Scripture and Prophets
Thu Jan 22, 06-07:30pm, 1-150

Lecture 5 (POSTPONED)
Suheil Laher
Postponed since activity leader is unexpectedly having surgery. Email msa_imam@mit.edu for rescheduling details.
------------
Beyond Death: Human Existence in the Intermediate Realm, between Death and the Day of Judgment. Overview of signs before the Day of Judgment, and the end of this world.
Tue Jan 27, 06-07:30pm, 1-150, postponed

Lecture 6 (POSTPONED)
Suheil Laher
Postponed since activity leader is unexpectedly having surgery. Email msa_imam@mit.edu for rescheduling details.
-------
The Hereafter: Resurrection, Intercession, Questioning and Accounting, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Relationship between Faith and Deeds.
Thu Jan 29, 06-07:30pm, 1-135, postponed

Jesus, Prophet of Islam
Suheil Laher
Thu Jan 8, 06-07:30pm, 1-135

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

How does Islam view Jesus? What Muslim scriptural texts say about his immaculate birth from the virgin Mary, his speech in the cradle, his miraculous feats in healing the sick and reviving the dead, his return near the end of time, his role as the Messiah, and his eminent rank among God's messengers.
Contact: Suheil Laher, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy

Jewish Chassidic Thought
Rabbi Shmuel Pozner
Tue Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, 05:15-06:15pm, W11 Board Room

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

A weekly, informal discussion of various Jewish topics, based on the mystical dimensions of Jewish thought. Taught by Rabbi Shmuel Posner, the classes will examine the texts of the Chassidic masters and how they apply to our lives today. No previous textual experience necessary. For more info, email the class list chassidut@mit.edu
Contact: Ian Jacobi, jacobi@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Miracles in Modern Judaism – War and Peace Stories
Katya Myer
Wed Jan 7, 07-08:00pm, 4-231

Single session event

Jews have lived through exile, the Holocaust, wars, oppression, forced assimilation and still survive as a nation – a cultural and historical entity. At the roots of our history we find miracles of enormous magnitude: the Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the supernatural sustenance for 40 years in the deadly desert. During the lecture, we will try to distance ourselves from the reality of today, and analyze our present as if it were the distant past. From this viewpoint, our contemporary lives will seem as miraculous as those of our ancestors.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katya Myer, W11, x3-2982, katyam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Reform Shabbat Around Cambridge
Lisa Messeri
Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 20 participants.
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan teaches that Shabbat represents those moments when we pause in our brushwork to renew our vision. Join us for Shabbat worship in the Reform Jewish tradition followed by dinner. We will meet each week at a different student's residence.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel/www/
Contact: Adrien Uretsky, W11-040, x3-2982, jcsc@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel


Lisa Messeri
e-mail jcsc@mit.edu for address and transportation
Fri Jan 9, 06-09:00pm, Student Residence


Lisa Messeri
e-mail jcsc@mit.edu for address and transportation
Fri Jan 16, 06-09:00pm, Student Residence


Lisa Messeri
e-mail jcsc@mit.edu for address and transportation
Fri Jan 23, 06-09:00pm, Student Residence


Lisa Messeri
e-mail jcsc@mit.edu for address and transportation
Fri Jan 30, 06-09:00pm, Student Residence

Religion, Science, and Society
Brian Aull
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

A series of discussions on world religions and spirituality, their relationship with science, and their impact on society.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/mitba/www/
Contact: Brian Aull, Lin LI-127C, (781) 981-4676, aull@ll.mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Bahai Association


Brian Aull
Wed Jan 7, 07:30-09:00pm, Wong Aud. (Sloan)


Brian Aull
Mon Jan 12, 07:30-09:00pm, Wong Aud. (Sloan)

Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith
Brian Aull
The Bahá’í Faith is the latest of the world’s major religions and the second most widespread. This presentation will outline its history and basic principles, as well as discussing its current and potential future impact on the world community.
Tue Jan 20, 07:30-09:00pm, Wong Aud. (Sloan)

The Soul: a Bahá’í Perspective
Enayat Rawhani
Mr. Rawhani outlines the description of the soul in the Bahai Writings as a non-physical, immortal entity. Drawing his ideas from the writings of all religions, Mr. Rawhani outlines the connection between the body and the soul, the divine wisdom behind this connection, and its implication in our spiritual life.
Mon Jan 26, 07:30-09:00pm, Wong Aud. (Sloan)

Inspiring the Skeptics About God
Safa Sadeghpour and Hooman Katirai
Thu Jan 29, 07:30-09:00pm, Wong Aud. (Sloan)

Reverence and Irreverence: Contemporary Films about Faith
Sarah Fredericks, Johanna Kiefner
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Watch and discuss thought-provoking and sometimes humorous films about religion that may challenge the way people view organized religion, Jesus, and other matters of faith in an environment open to discussion and questions.

Sarah Fredericks is a PhD student in Science, Philosophy and Religion at Boston University. Johanna Kiefner is Luther Chaplain at MIT.
Contact: Sarah Fredericks, W11 035, x3-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu; sfrederi@bu.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT

"The Last Temptation of Christ"
Sarah Fredericks, Johanna Kiefner
A film that pushes the question of the humanity of Jesus while examining his relationship with his contemporaries and God.
Mon Jan 12, 07-10:00pm, 4-270

"Dogma"
Sarah Fredericks, Johanna Kiefner
Two banished angels try to get back to heaven, but to do so they must prove God fallible and consequently may destroy civilization.
Thu Jan 22, 07-10:00pm, 4-270

"Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter"
Sarah Fredericks, Johanna Kiefner
Jesus has come again, and must save his followers from vampires using kung-fu fighting skills. This musical combines the gospels, a Mexican wrestling star, vampires, and contemporary sexual politics with a liberal dose of humor. For more information, check out www.odessafilmworks.com .
Mon Jan 26, 07-10:00pm, 6-120

Shabbat 101: A Shabbat Experience for Beginners: Renewing Our Days
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Fee: for dinner and lunch costs

For Jews and non-Jews who would like to experience Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, in an informal, egalitarian, traditional, explanatory environment. The Conservative Minyan at MIT invites you to enjoy an evening, morning, and afternoon of prayer, reflection, good food and discussion. Guests can attend for the entire program, or for any of the sections. Guests do need to register and pay for meals in advance. The theme of this Shabbat will be renewal, as individuals, in relationship, and as a community.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katharine Adelstein, W11, x3-2982, kea@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

Session 1
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Welcome the Sabbath with a traditional service and a delicious Sabbath meal ($12)
Fri Jan 23, 06-09:00pm, W11 Hillel Center

Session 2
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Morning worship service and festive lunch ($8)
Sat Jan 24, 10am-06:00pm, W11 Hillel Center

Spirituality Discussion Group on "The Twelve Enlightenments for Healing Society" by Dr. Il Chi Lee
Lucie Vogel
Schedule: TBD
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 05-Jan-2004
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
Prereq: read The Twelve Enlightenments for Healing Society

A discussion group on the book The Twelve Enlightenments for Healing Society by Dr. Il Chi Lee. In his book, Dr. Lee shows readers how to become what he calls "enlightened activists" and push past the artificial boundaries of institutions that prevent us from realizing we are all members of the human society. "Only when you have achieved active enlightenmnet can you start to aid and even heal humanity," Dr. Lee explains. In his book, he takes the reader on a journey toward that enlightenment through twelve practical yet spiritual steps. Meetings will include simple yoga exercises to relax participants, discussion on book material, and meditation from the book's contents.
Web: http://www.healingsociety.org
Contact: Lucie Vogel, W31-225, (617) 335-5577, luciev@mit.edu
Sponsor: Brain Respiration Club

Spirituality in the Workplace
Les Norford
Fri Jan 30, 04-05:00pm, 4-159

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

This workshop about Spirituality in the Workplace will be given by a woman named Sunny Scott Luther. Sunny has been in several types of business, including modeling, manufacturing, lobbying and managing a convention hotel which served hundreds of conference groups. She had to handle "just about every challenging situation you can think of" including guest and staff crises - hold-ups, employee relationships, financial challenges, negotiations, and more. Because spirituality served her well there, Sunny left hotel management to move into her current full-time job of assisting others in
their discovery of how spiritual ideas can bring positive results to every aspect of life, including work, relationships, health, healing, etc.
Contact: Les Norford, 5-418, x3-8797, lnorford@mit.edu
Sponsor: Priscilla Del Castillo, BAKER-HOUSE # 425, 617 225-7175, pdelcast@mit.edu

Storytelling: Sharing Tales from the Ramayana
Kiran Madhav, Pallavi Mishra
Fri Jan 16, 04:30-06:00pm, MIT Chapel

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up

The Ramayana is an epic poem in Hindu mythology that tells the story of Rama and his wife Sita, Sita's abduction by the demon Ravanna, and her rescue with the help of the monkey king Hanuman. Swami Tyagananda, the MIT Hindu Chaplain, will be leading a discussion on various aspects of characters in the story. Feel free to bring your favorite stories from the epic, or just come to listen.
Contact: Kiran Madhav, kmadhav@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hindu Students Council

The Ancient Art & History of the Torah, Tfillin, and Mezuzah
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 15, 22, 06-07:00pm, W11 Board Room

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

Learn the history and laws of creating a Torah scroll and other Jewish ritual items. See parchment, pens, and ink used by an actual Torah scribe. Try your hand at crafting a feather quill.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katya Myer, W11, x3-2982, katyam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

The Mikveh: Rituals of Water in Judaism
Adrien Uretsky, Kelly Zimmerman
Tue Jan 20, 10:30am-03:00pm, Meet at building W11

Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 18-Jan-2004
Limited to 15 participants.
Single session event

Leave MIT for a for a field trip to learn about the use of water in Judaism as a symbol of purity. The mikveh is a Jewish ritual bath of natural water. We will visit two of Boston's mikvot to learn about the different ways that this Jewish tradition is practiced and interpreted.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel/www/
Contact: Adrien Uretsky, W11-040, x3-2982, jcsc@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

The Mystical Message of the Mezuzah: Spirit + Ritual = Spirituality
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Tue Jan 6, 07-08:15pm, W11 Board Room

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

This seminar will trace the development of the Mezuzah, the Jewish doorpost ornament. We will see its origins early in the Bible, through the oral traditions in the Talmud, and finally its established traditions in the medieval code of Jewish Law, the Shulchan Aruch. Learn how, when, and where to put a mezuzah. No Hebrew or Bible knowledge required.
Web: http://www.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katya Myer, W11, x3-2982, katyam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel

The Spirit of Awakening: An Introduction to Bodhicitta
Tenzin LS Priyadarshi
Thu Jan 15, 22, 29, 06:30-08:00pm, MIT Chapel

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)

This series of talks will primarily focus on the centrality and the importance of cultivating the Spirit of Awakening (Bodhicitta) as discussed in the Buddhist philosophical texts. How is it that this Spirit of Awakening helps us to understand our role as a human person thereby empowering us with the sense of individual and global responsibility? Why is there so much emphasis on the joint cultivation of wisdom and compassion as a necessity for our moral and intellectual development? Why is Buddhism so keen on encouraging one to educate one’s heart and mind and not mind alone? These are the kinds of questions that would be discussed and debated during these talks in order to help us better understand our “view” of humanity and society.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/metta/www/
Contact: Tenzin LS Priyadarshi, W-11-35, x4-3060, tenzin@mit.edu
Sponsor: Buddhist Community

Walk a Labyrinth
Amy McCreath
Wed Jan 14, 07:30-09:00pm, 50-140 (Walker Mem)

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Signup by: 11-Jan-2004
Single session event
Prereq: an open mind; clean socks

Labyrinths are tools for meditation, insight, prayer, and stress relief which appear in many civilizations. We will talk briefly about the history and use of labyrinths and then you will be invited to walk a Chartres pattern canvas labyrinth. This is a meditative event, and the walk will take place in silence. Open to people of all faiths, philosophies, or mindsets.
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy

What Is Islam?
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None

Is Islam a religion of peace, as President Bush declared after 9/11? Who was Muhammad? Here is your opportunity to get an overview of what Islam is really about. The three sessions cover various aspects of Islam, with time for discussion/Q&A at each.
Contact: Suheil Laher, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy

Fundamental Beliefs and Practices
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain
What do Muslims believe and why? What is the Muslims' concept of God? Prophets? Scripture? Afterlife? What are the 5 pillars of Islamic practice?
Mon Jan 5, 06-07:30pm, 1-135

Muhammad the Prophet
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain
Who was Muhammad, and what was his message? Learn about his life through listening to an audio biography narrated by Cat Stevens.
Wed Jan 7, 06-07:30pm, 1-242

The Shari`ah
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain
Shari`ah is the Islamic Law. Like the earlier Mosaic Law, it is broad in scope. This session gives an overview of economic, social (including family and women) and political issues in Islam.
Fri Jan 9, 06-07:30pm, 1-134

Why Me? Why Anyone? The Problem of Suffering: Three Interfaith Clergy Reflect
Rabbi Ben Lanckton, Rev. Johanna Kiefner, Rev. Amy McCreath
Wed Jan 21, 06:30-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room

No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 19-Jan-2004
Single session event

One of the tasks of religion is to answer large questions, for example, "Why do we suffer?" This dinner discussion will provide an informal setting for three clergy: from the Jewish, Lutheran and Episcopalian faiths, to offer personal perspectives. The goal of the evening will be for the clergy to share and respond to questions about how they, personally, make sense of the suffering that is part of our experience.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel
Contact: Katharine Adelstein, W11, x3-2982, kea@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel


MIT  
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Home | Overview | Participate | Organize | Calendar | Search
Offerings : For-credit subjects | Non-credit activities by category | Non-credit activities by sponsor | Non-credit activities by date
IAP Office, Room 7-104, 617-253-1668 | Comments and questions to: iap-www@mit.edu | Last update: 21 August 2003