African Methodist Episcopal Worship
Ora Gladstone
| Jan/29 | Sun | 09:00AM-12:00PM | Lobby W11 - RAC, No jeans please |
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/27
Prereq: RSVP ora@mit.edu 617-610-1060
Join the Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue on our visit to St. Paul's AME.
Meet 9:00am Lobby - W11. RSVP - ora@mit.edu, 617-610-1060
Sponsor(s): Chaplain to the Institute, Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue
Contact: Ora Gladstone, W11-035, 617-610-1060, ora@mit.edu
BON VOYAGE: Leaving Faith on Good Terms
Sebastian Garza, Secular Society of MIT, President, Sohan Dsouza, Secular Society of MIT, Editor of The Reason Review, Adam Reynolds, Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
| Feb/01 | Wed | 07:00PM-09:00PM | TBD |
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/30
MIT is a place of discovery; sometimes we discover that that our beliefs and values have shifted. Maybe we even find ourselves shedding one identity and embracing another. A significant chunk of people at MIT are leaving or have left Christianity to explore and embrace a more secular approach to life. For some this transition may happen naturally and smoothly; for others it may be significantly difficult and painful.
The exit process is often made worse by things like preachy, dogmatic threats of eternal punishment, social ostracism, severed friendships and lots of attempts to persuade and argue instead of sincere listening. Arrogance, self-righteousness and certitude leave little room for honest doubt, healthy skepticism and true exploration of what’s compelling and meaningful.
In this special IAP event, the Secular Society of MIT will offer a warm welcome into community to those exploring secularism while one of MIT’s Christian chaplains will offer parting words of blessing and affirmation to those whose authentic journey is leading them out of Christianity. There will also be a time for sharing stories of leaving faith and offering support for those who are in a spiritual transition or contemplating one.
Plus FREE DINNER and DESSERT!
You can register for this event here.
Sponsor(s): Secular Society of MIT, Blue Ocean Faith
Contact: Adam Reynolds, ADAM1@MIT.EDU
Defense R&D and the Military-Industrial Complex: Science and National Priorities
Subrata Ghoshroy, Research Affiliate
Enrollment: Limited: First come, first served (no advance sign-up)
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: No pre-requisites, only an interest in defense policy
After the end of World War II, the U.S. embarked upon a policy to spend large sums of money for defense and created a "black budget" for nuclear weapons. The rationale was two-fold. One was to fight the growing threat of communism and the other was to spur the post-war economy. A big part of the defense budget was for R&D to develop science and technology for weapons, in order to have a technology edge over the USSR. The dual Cold War rationale - prosperity at home and fighting wars abroad - to contain "communist aggression" continues 25 years after the collapse of the USSR. Today, the U.S. military spends about $600 billion including between $70 billion and $80 billion for R&D. 1 trillion-dollar will be spent on nuclear weapons over the next 30 years, shortchanging the research on climate change, e.g. From the early days of the second world war, academics participated in the Manhattan project to develop the atomic bomb, the radar, missile guidance systems, etc. Today's subjects are artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber defense, for example. The Pentagon also funds research in social sciences like political science, anthropology and psychology. Eisenhower's warning of the danger of a "military-industrial complex" (MIC) has come true.
There will be four sessions as follows:
Sponsor(s): Science, Technology, and Society
Contact: Subrata Ghoshroy, E51-296, 617 253-3846, GHOSHROY@MIT.EDU
| Jan/11 | Wed | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 4-163, CANCELLED DUE TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY. |
| Jan/18 | Wed | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 4-163, CANCELLED DUE TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY. |
| Jan/25 | Wed | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 4-163, CANCELLED DUE TO CONTINUED MEDICAL ISSUE |
| Feb/01 | Wed | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 4-163, CANCELLED DUE TO CONTINUED MEDICAL ISSUE. |
Our apologies for having to cancel this activity entirely, due to a prolonged medical issue. We were hoping to have the last day of the original session run as a condensed version, but unfortunately this is not possible.
Subrata Ghoshroy - Research Affiliate
Experiencing How Jews Worship
Ora Gladstone
| Feb/03 | Fri | 04:00PM-08:00PM | Meet in Lobby W11 |
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 02/01
Prereq: RSVP and cell #-need to know who's coming
Join the Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue as we visit 2 very different Friday night/welcoming-the-Sabbath services: 1) 4:40pm Young Israel of Brookline (Orthodox/Traditional - ID required, cell phones off, no electronics/photos, women-no slacks). 2) 6:15pm Temple Beth Zion (Spiritual, New Age, song-filled) followed by a kiddush/light meal. Call Ora 617-610-1060 to participate and for meeting instructions.
Sponsor(s): Chaplain to the Institute, Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue
Contact: Ora Gladstone, W11-035, 617-610-1060, ora@mit.edu
Experiencing How Muslims Worship
Ora Gladstone
| Jan/27 | Fri | 11:45AM-03:00PM | Meet in Lobby W11 |
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/25
Join the Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue on our trip to the I.S.B.C.C. (Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center) for the weekly sermon, Jum'ah/Friday prayer, and a tour of this beautiful center. Women head scarf and no bare arms please. So we know you are coming - ora@mit.edu at 617-610-1060 by 1/27/16
Sponsor(s): Chaplain to the Institute, Addir Fellows Interfaith Dialogue
Contact: Ora Gladstone, W11-035, 617-610-1060, ora@mit.edu
Jewish Wisdom for Political Activism
Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder, Rabbi, MIT Chaplain
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/09
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions
Prereq: Filling out the linked form
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
― Anne Frank,
With the benefits of the internet, citizens are more alert, informed, and communicative than ever. And for many, the timing could not be better, as many of the core principles that ensure our safety and well-being are being debated and decided.
Now, more than ever, is the time learn the values, principles, and skills of activism.
Activism takes many forms that share common foundations of attitude, persistence, clarity and communication. Study and practice concerning these foundations will have a lasting effect on individuals’ ability and willingness to be involved.The tradition of Jewish activism provides clarity and guidance around the core attitudes of activism, offering practical as well as timeless wisdom that can be focus on all manner of causes, not just “Jewish” ones.
In this short course, we will read selections from two books on the topic of Jewish Activism and will take time to practice - through letter-writing, phone calls, and attendance at events, as appropriate.
This course will not take place without sufficient interest and participation. Please fill out this form if you are interested.
Sponsor(s): Hillel
Contact: Gavriel Goldfeder, W-11, (617) 324-5882, HEYRABBI@MIT.EDU
| Jan/11 | Wed | 12:30PM-01:30PM | W-11, Lunch will be served |
| Jan/18 | Wed | 12:30PM-01:30PM | W-11, Lunch will be served |
| Jan/25 | Wed | 12:30PM-01:30PM | W-11, Lunch will be served |
During these sessions, we will read passages from two books on the topic, and will take time to make phone calls, write letters, and send emails. Other sessions may be added that will require travel to sites of rallies and protests.
Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder - Rabbi, MIT Chaplain
Planners Read Plato's "Gorgias"
Ezra Glenn
| Jan/10 | Tue | 10:00AM-01:00PM | 9-217, books provided |
Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/05
What is the role of oratory and power in a democratic society? Is it worse to do wrong or to be wronged? What is the difference between knowledge and true belief? Why is it important for both the accused and their judges to meet naked in court? (And what do all of these questions have to do with becoming an urban planner?) Come explore these themes with us in a participatory -- possibly dramatic -- reading of Plato's "Gorgias," a Socratic dialog written in 380 BC that is as relevant today as when it was written. Books provided; Greek food included; togas optional.
Note: this is mostly an opportunity to actually read this wonderful and thought-provoking book with others, not a lecture; come prepared to read and take part, and we'll see how far we get.
Sponsor(s): Urban Studies and Planning
Contact: Ezra Glenn, 7-337, x3-2024, eglenn@mit.edu
Practicing an Etiquette of Disagreement
Brian Aull, Baha'i Chaplain
| Jan/23 | Mon | 12:00PM-01:00PM | W11 Main Dining Room, Bring your lunch, drinks provided |
Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
YOU’VE INVITED THE PRESIDENT OUT TO DINNER.
HE ACCEPTS!
IT’S JUST THE TWO OF YOU.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Join the MIT Chaplains as we explore
Tweeting, Treating, Toasting, and Roasting
Practicing an Etiquette of Disagreement
A Buddhist, a Christian, a Muslim, and a Jew walk into a Tavern...
“What would Buddha say to Donald Trump?”
“What would Jesus say to Donald Trump?”
“What would Mohammad say to Donald Trump?"
“What would Moses say to Donald Trump?”
“What would YOU say to Donald Trump?”
Contact: Brian Aull, 781-981-4676, aull@ll.mit.edu
STAR WARS: A Spiritual Journey
Karl LaClair, Protestant Chaplain, Adam Reynolds, Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
Enrollment: Advanced sign-up appreciated (but not required)
Limited to 20 participants
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Have you ever found yourself swept up in a galaxy far, far away with a sense of wonder and amazement at the possibility of living a truly heroic life? Have you ever wondered if our fascination with heroic journeys might mean we are destined to someday embark on our own epic life journey?
In this series we will be examine the quintessential mythology of our generation to see what we can learn about living a life of heroic purpose. We’ll focus on the hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars and how his story is one of personal and spiritual growth. We will look at clips from Star Wars Episodes IV, V, and VI and key scenes where we see Luke struggle and grow in his own epic spiritual journey. We’ll explore how the archetypal spiritual journey of Luke Skywalker can inspire our own personal and spiritual growth.
Whether you’ve seen Star Wars a million times or zero times, anyone is welcome at this series, which will explore the impact of a hero’s spiritual journey and how it can speak to us in our own lives.
Plus FREE FOOD - A feast fit for a Wookie! (or an Ewok)
Hosted by Karl and Adam (<--- These ARE the droids you're looking for.)
Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/1BIADygnp6VvP6162
Sponsor(s): Blue Ocean Faith
Contact: Karl LaClair, W11-011, 617-252-1780, klaclair@mit.edu
| Jan/16 | Mon | 07:00PM-08:30PM | 4-153 |
Karl LaClair - Protestant Chaplain, Adam Reynolds - Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
| Jan/23 | Mon | 07:00PM-08:30PM | 4-153 |
Karl LaClair - Protestant Chaplain, Adam Reynolds - Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
| Jan/30 | Mon | 07:00PM-08:30PM | 4-153 |
Karl LaClair - Protestant Chaplain, Adam Reynolds - Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
Stirred into flame: finding joy and meaning by integrating our technical and spiritual lives
Dan Burns, Research Scientist
| Jan/25 | Wed | 11:30AM-12:30PM | 54-209 |
Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
The scientific enterprise is rooted in wonder and amazement, and that is what captured our imaginations and brought us to MIT. But the daily grind and pressures of life, along with the incremental nature of progress on difficult scientific and engineering problems, can sometimes drain us of energy. Our culture also encourages us to compartmentalize our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual selves into different boxes, imposing barriers that constrain us and keep us fragmented. Many of the most exciting areas in science and engineering in recent years are at the interface of different fields, often involving the breaking down of false barriers between fields. The same is true in our own lives – we need to breakdown barriers and false compartments in order to live as whole human beings in mind and spirit. This is how we find the most happiness and fulfillment in life, the most meaning and balance.
Beginning with a summary of some points of commonality between spirituality and science, we will then move deeper in seeking ways to view our work in science and technology as a spiritual practice in order to rekindle the deep wonder and excitement that led us to this type of work in the first place. We will draw on wisdom from various faith traditions, poets, and scientists to illuminate our own experiences and longings and provide some framework and direction to our quest to become more fully alive, joyful, and free.
Sponsor(s): Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
Contact: Dan Burns, 54-223, 617.253.7206, burns@mit.edu
The Heretic's Club: Jesus-"The Way" OR "in the way"? (Dinner)
Adam Reynolds, Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
| Jan/25 | Wed | 07:00PM-08:30PM | 5-231 |
Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/23
Limited to 20 participants
The Heretic's Club is a new IAP series combining good food and good conversation on spirituality, religion and the big questions of life. As the name would imply, diverse viewpoints and backgrounds are welcome and the doors are wide open to non-traditional and outside-the-box ways of thinking.
Jesus: “The Way” OR “in the way”? (Dinner)
A large percentage of people lean toward believing in some kind of “God”. In the U.S. and elsewhere, many people have also been exposed to various expressions of Christianity where belief in God is equated with belief in Jesus as “God’s Son,” “the savior of the world,” “fully God and fully man,” etc. While Jesus as either myth or historical figure has much to recommend him, many people take issue with the idea that those who have faith in Jesus are “saved” while all others are damned for all eternity. This is sometimes called “the problem of exclusivity” and it is, understandably, a dealbreaker for many people. Are there other paradigms that might disrupt this impasse? What about other world religions? How do they and how can they relate to faith in Jesus?
While not claiming to have any definitive answers, this Heretic’s Club conversation will hazard directly into this tension with hopes of promoting more inclusivity and less divisiveness.
Includes free dinner!
Please register here.
Other Heretic's Club Sessions:
Sponsor(s): Blue Ocean Faith
Contact: Adam Reynolds, W11-011, ADAM1@MIT.EDU
The Heretic's Club: Science and Spirituality (Lunch)
Adam Reynolds, Blue Ocean Faith
| Jan/24 | Tue | 01:00PM-02:30PM | 5-231 |
Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/23
Limited to 20 participants
The Heretic's Club is a new IAP series combining good food and good conversation on spirituality, religion and the big questions of life. As the name would imply, diverse viewpoints and backgrounds are welcome and the doors are wide open to non-traditional and outside-the-box ways of thinking.
Science and Spirituality (Lunch)
Have you ever had your breath taken away by a mountain-top view or an incredible piece of music? Have you ever felt goosebumps from an equation that captures a physical observation or from the biochemistry of DNA? Science is alive with the sacred and our lives are pregnant with purpose and meaning. Yet we often compartmentalize our intellectual and spiritual selves into different boxes, imposing barriers that limit and constrain us. How can we move towards integration of our scientific and spiritual selves and gravitate towards being whole, authentic people?
In this Heretic’s Club discussion, we’ll explore potential points of harmony between science and spirituality such as wonder, beauty, creativity and awareness. We’ll also brainstorm and compare notes on various spiritual practices that actually fit into the MIT lifestyle and promote spiritual thriving.
Includes free lunch!
Please register here.
Other Heretic's Club Sessions:
Sponsor(s): Blue Ocean Faith
Contact: Adam Reynolds, W11-011, ADAM1@MIT.EDU
The Heretic's Club: Somewhere between Faith and Atheism (Dinner)
Adam Reynolds, Blue Ocean Faith Chaplain
| Jan/18 | Wed | 07:00PM-08:30PM | 5-231 |
Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/16
Limited to 20 participants
The Heretic's Club is a new IAP series combining good food and good conversation on spirituality, religion and the big questions of life. As the name would imply, diverse viewpoints and backgrounds are welcome and the doors are wide open to non-traditional and outside-the-box ways of thinking.
Somewhere between Faith and Atheism (Dinner)
These days many people find themselves somewhere in the gray area between having faith in a divine being and being convinced that there is no God. The religious side of things may feel too rigid, dogmatic, intolerant and exclusive while the secular side may feel too closed-off to wonder and spiritual experience and/or perhaps too isolated from positive and supporting community. Not fitting into either category can leave some people feeling “spiritually homeless”—especially those who appreciate having active spiritual engagement and community as a part of their life. What sort of opportunities and possibilities are there for those of us who live in this kind of ambiguity and yet still crave spiritual engagement?
This Heretic’s Club session will provide no definitive answers! Yet we think there will be a lot of value in exploring this topic together and sharing our own stories of embarking on an unscripted spiritual journey.
Includes free dinner!
Please register here.
Other Heretic's Club Sessions:
Sponsor(s): Blue Ocean Faith
Contact: Adam Reynolds, W11-011, ADAM1@MIT.EDU
Understanding Islam
Hoda Elsharkawi, Muslim Chaplain at MIT
| Jan/09 | Mon | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 5-234 |
| Jan/16 | Mon | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 5-134 |
| Jan/23 | Mon | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 5-234 |
| Jan/30 | Mon | 04:00PM-05:30PM | 5-234 |
Enrollment: Would be nice if you can let me know you are coming.
Attendance: Repeating event, participants welcome at any session
Prereq: NA
What is the Muslim's concept of God? The afterlife? Who was prophet Muhammed? What do Muslims say about Moses, Jesus? What are the core beliefs and practices of Islam? Come for an opportunity to see beyond common misconceptions, and learn from Muslims about their fourteen century old faith, professed by 1.7 billion people worldwide. A Q&A session is included.
Sponsor(s): Muslim Chaplaincy
Contact: Hoda Elsharkawi and Samer Nasredden, W11, 617-240-2580, SHARKAWI@MIT.EDU
Contact Information
COPYRIGHT 2017