"Blue Like Jazz" discussion group
Karen Condon
Mon Jan 23, 30, 08-09:30pm, PDR4
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened."
Join us for an informal discussion of the book "Blue Like Jazz". All faith backgrounds welcome. Contact kcondon@mit.edu for a free copy of the book. Jan 23rd we will discuss chapters 1-10, Jan 30th chapters 11-20.
Web: http://www.bluelikejazz.com
Contact: Karen Condon, H512, (617) 225-6527, kcondon@mit.edu
Sponsor: Karen L Condon, EAST CAMPUS, HAYD # 512, 617 225-6527, kcondon@mit.edu
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Abraham, Friend of God
Suheil Laher
Tue Jan 31, 06:30-08:00pm, 1-136
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
PLEASE NOTE REVISED SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
Find out how Muslims view Abraham, the great Patriarch and Prophet, and how they keep his legacy alive. Learn what Muslim sacred texts say about Abraham's life, his message, and his offspring, including his great sacrifice for God.
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Bible Discussion
Will Barge
Wed Jan 11, 18, 25, 1, 08-09:30pm, McCormick, East Penthouse
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Repeating event. Participants welcome at any session
What does it really mean that Jesus died on the cross, was raised from the dead, and redeems our wrongdoings? How does that affect my life, my problem sets, my current relationships, and my future? Join us for a discussion of Ephesians, an intriguing book of the Bible that talks about our relationship to God.
Contact: Will Barge, wbarge@mit.edu
Sponsor: United Christian Fellowship
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Christians and Muslims in Political Dialogue - Is There Hope for Peace?
Suheil Laher, Mako Nagasawa
Thu Jan 19, 07-09:00pm, w20-201 -West Lounge
Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 30 participants.
Single session event
Prereq: none
Sudan, Palestine, Nigeria, Indonesia, the Filippines: places of tension between Muslims and Christians. With Christian and Muslim fundamentalist movements afoot worldwide, this is even more of a concern. But historically, in some times and places, these two groups peacefully co-existed. Why? How did they read their sacred texts? And can Christians and Muslims today articulate a vision of political tolerance, even pluralism? Or are they moved by their texts into an intolerant, theocratic politics, making peace unlikely? This first session in Jan. will be a statement of the problems and concerns, a brief historical overview, and a treatment of key texts in the New Testament and the Qu'ran. Three future sessions will focus on areas of concern in the world: Sudan (Feb), Palestine (Mar), TBD (Apr).
Contact: Suheil Laher, w20-201 (west lounge)
Sponsor: Asian Christian Fellowship
Cosponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Harry Potter: Moral and Theological Landscapes
J. Gary Brinn
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
There are those within the Christian tradition that have called the Rowling novels un-Christian, prompting a number of theologians and scholars to examine the moral and theological implications of this juvenile fiction series. This two session series will focus first on the constuction of a moral code in the Potter novels and then the parallels between the narrative action and the Christian story. Participants will establish a framework for judging the novels in light of moral and theological concerns.
Contact: the Rev. Johanna Kiefner, w11-035, x3-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
Harry Potter and Morals
J. Gary Brinn
After an introduction to the construction of a moral code, including attention to the Judeo-Christian system of morals, the group will examine the first six books in the Harry Potter series drawing together a moral code based on Rowling's books. Please bring as many of the texts as you can carry.
Tue Jan 17, 07-08:30pm, 4-257
Harry Potter and Christianity
J. Gary Brinn
Having examined the moral landscape of the Potter series in the first session, the course will proceed with an overview of how Christian themes find their way into the books (and related fantasy series). The group will then look for parallels to the Christian story in the narriative. Please bring the texts, and a Bible if you have one.
Tue Jan 24, 07-08:30pm, 4-257
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Hymn Sing
Johanna Kiefner
Wed Jan 11, 05:15-06:15pm, MIT Chapel
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Do you like to sing? Do you have favorite hymns that you just love and don't often have opportunity to sing? Do you want to know what different Christian communities have in their song books? Want to try some new tunes? If so, this Third Annual LEM Hymn Sing is the place to be. There will be a number of songbooks available for you to choose what you know or want to try for your singing pleasure.
Contact: Johanna Kiefner, W11-035, 253.2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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Islamic Doctrine
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
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/mitmsa/www/resources/IAPclass.htm
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
Lecture 1
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
Overview of Islam, The Purpose of Life, Sources of Doctrine, Reason and its Place, Existence of Allah, Belief in Allah
Wed Jan 11, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
Lecture 2
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
Attributes of Allah. Belief in Qadar ("Destiny")
Thu Jan 12, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
Lecture 3
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
Unseen Worlds: Angels and Jinn
Wed Jan 18, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
Lecture 4
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
Divine Communication: Scripture and Prophets
Thu Jan 19, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
Lecture 5
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
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.
Wed Jan 25, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
Lecture 6
Suheil Laher, Aaron Spevack
The Hereafter: Resurrection, Intercession, Questioning and Accounting, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Relationship between Faith and Deeds.
Thu Jan 26, 06-07:30pm, 1-134
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Jesus, Prophet of Islam
Suheil Laher
Thu Feb 2, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
How do Muslims view Jesus? What Islamic sacred 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
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Mormonism 101: An Introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Carri Hulet, Amy Williams, Aaron Mazzeo
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Mormonism 101 is a class for people interested in learning about the basic beliefs and practices of the LDS (or Mormon) faith. The class is ideal for friends and family of people who are LDS or for those who simply want to learn more about the LDS faith. The class is free, discussion-oriented, and open to people of all faiths, religious or otherwise.
Contact: Amy Williams, 32-G728, x3-7710, amy@mit.edu
Sponsor: Latter-Day Saints Student Association
Basic LDS Beliefs in God and His Relationship to Humankind
Carri Hulet, Amy Williams, Aaron Mazzeo
Wed Jan 11, 07-08:30pm, 4-261
LDS Culture and History
Carri Hulet, Amy Williams, Aaron Mazzeo
Wed Jan 18, 07-08:30pm, 4-261
Why Proselyte? A Day in the Life of a Mormon Missionary
Carri Hulet, Amy Williams, Aaron Mazzeo
Wed Jan 25, 07-08:30pm, 4-261
LDS Teachings on the Importance of Family
Carri Hulet, Amy Williams, Aaron Mazzeo
Wed Feb 1, 07-08:30pm, 4-261
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Queer and Christian
J. Gary Brinn
Mon Jan 23, 12-02:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Single session event
Prereq: none
The issue of same-sex relationships has become a source of division both within society and within Christianity. Claims have been made by both sides of this debate about the meaning and interpretation of scripture and about the role of tradition in determining standards for Christian conduct. This panel discussion will focus on the experiences of Christians who have integrated their queer identity into their faith. Panelists will address their own approach to scripture and tradtion, the challenges of being queer in a Christian context and of being Christian in a queer context. There will be a moderated opportunity to pose questions to the panelists. Co-sponsor - LBGT@MIT
Contact: J. Gary Brinn, W11-035, x3-2325, jbrinn@hds.harvard.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Brian Aull
Tue Jan 10, 07-09:00pm, Sidney Pacific, Seminar room
Thu Jan 12, 07-09:00pm, Sidney Pacific, Seminar Room
Tue Jan 17, Thu Jan 19, Tue Jan 24, 07-09:00pm, Sidney Pacific, Seminar room
Thu Jan 26, 07-09:00pm, Sidney Pacific, Seminar Room
Tue, Thu, Jan 31, 2, 07-09:00pm, Sidney Pacific, Seminar room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
This course is the first of a series developed for small-group "study circles" to study and discuss insights from the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith. The course covers spiritual and ethical teachings, prayer, and the life after death.
Sidney Pacific Seminar Room
Web: http://web.mit.edu/mitba/www
Contact: Brian Aull, LIN LI-127C, (781) 981-4676, aull@ll.mit.edu
Sponsor: Bahai Association
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Scrumptious Scruples
Leader: TBD
Tue Jan 24, 02-04:00pm, 20 Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Prereq: None
Join us for a fun game of Scruples and a discussion on your decision-making process. The role of ethics and integrity will play a key part in the discussion.
Contact: Camilla Shannon, 7-133, x8-0872, camilla@mit.edu
Sponsor: Student Life Programs
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Shabbat 101: Learning About The Jewish Sabbath
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Fri Jan 27, 06-09:30pm, W11 - Religious Acti
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Prereq: All texts will be available in Hebrew and in English.
Fee: 10.00 for Shabbat Dinner - with reservation by Jan 25th
“More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.” This statement by Ahad Ha’am, summarizes the power and potential of this most frequent and important Jewish holiday. Focusing on the Friday night experience, this event will explore the themes of work and rest, holy time, giving thanks and taking time for weekly reflection.
Come learn about the many Jewish rituals and customs of the weekly holiday. RSVP is necessary and dinner is included.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/hillel/www
Contact: Rabbi Ben Lanckton, W11-040, (617) 253-2982, rabbiben@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Sweet Learning: Lessons for a Jewish Sweet New Year
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Rabbi Ben Lanckton will be facilitating discussions on topics timely to each week. Participants are invited to bring their dairy (not meat) meals to the discussion (during lunch or dinner); drinks and dessert will be provided. All texts will be provided in translation, as well as some in the original Hebrew. All are welcome, for one, two, three, or all four of the sessions. If you wish to get a copy of the texts in advance, or have any other questions, email Rabbi Lanckton at rabbiben@mit.edu.
Contact: Rabbi Ben Lanckton, W11, x3-2982, rabbiben@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
“Sweet Ending of Fasting: Eating as Celebration in Judaism”
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 / 11th of Tevet, 5766, 6 – 7 PM
End of the Jewish Fast Day, Tenth of Tevet
“Sweet Ending of Fasting: Eating as Celebration in Judaism”
Text: Blessings Before and After Eating
Tue Jan 10, 06-07:00pm, W11 Boardroom
“Sweet Ways to Live: How to Hold on to Your Dreams in Judaism”
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
January 17, 2006 / 18th of Tevet, 5766, 6 – 7 PM
Day after Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“Sweet Ways to Live: How to Hold on to Your Dreams in Judaism”
Text: The Joseph Cycle and Theodor Herzl
Tue Jan 17, 06-07:00pm, W11 Boardroom
“Sweet Ways to Give: How Righteous Giving Gives Your Life Meaning”
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 / 24th of Tevet, 5766, 12 – 1 PM
Second Day of the MIT Hillel Phonathon
“Sweet Ways to Give: How Righteous Giving Gives Your Life Meaning”
Text: Maimonides’ Eight Levels of Tzedakah (Righteous Giving)
Tue Jan 24, 12-01:00pm, W11 Boardroom
“Sweet Beginnings of a Month: Rosh Chodesh Practices and Beliefs”
Rabbi Ben Lanckton
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 / 2nd of Shvat, 5766, 12 – 1 PM
Day after Rosh Chodesh Shvat, the New Month of Shvat
“Sweet Beginnings of a Month: Rosh Chodesh Practices and Beliefs”
Text: Prayers for the New Month and the Midrash (story) of the Moon
Tue Jan 31, 12-01:00pm, W11 Boardroom
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The Faith of Great Scientists
Ian Hutchinson
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
How did the Christian faith, which so many great scientists of history professed, affect their science, and how did their science affect their faith?
Seminar and discussion exploring the biographies of individual great scientists. Bring your own lunch, soft drinks provided.
Web: http://silas.psfc.mit.edu/great_sci.html
Contact: Ian Hutchinson, 24-107, x3-8760, ihutch@mit.edu
Sponsor: Nuclear Science and Engineering
Johannes Kepler: Cosmology as a Christian Calling
Prof Owen Gingerich
Thu Jan 12, 12-01:30pm, 3-442
Sir John Carew Eccles: The Conscious Soul
Rev Kevin Ford
Thu Jan 19, 12-01:30pm, 3-442
Robert Boyle: Christian Virtuoso
Prof Edward Davis
Thu Jan 26, 12-01:30pm, 3-442
James Clerk Maxwell and the Christian Proposition
Prof Ian Hutchinson
Thu Feb 2, 12-01:30pm, 3-442
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What Is Islam?
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain, Taha Basser
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, Taha Basser
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 9, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
Muhammad the Prophet
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain, Taha Basser
Who was Muhammad, and what was his message? Learn about his life through listening to an audio biography narrated by Cat Stevens.
Wed Jan 11, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
The Shari`ah
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain, Taha Basser
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.
Thu Jan 12, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
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Why Me? Why Anyone?
Johanna Kiefner, Rabbi Ben Lankton
Wed Feb 1, 06:30-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Why is there suffering? Why do good people suffer? Why does anyone suffer? This interfaith panel and dinner discussion explores these questions through the spirituality and wisdom of differing faith tradtions. Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist and Hindu traditions will be represented. Dinner provided for first 45 participants. GSC co-sponsor
Contact: Johanna Kiefner, W11-035, 253-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Sponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
Cosponsor: Hillel
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