- "Heresies" within Early ChristianityLink visible for attendees
EXISTENTIALIST MEETUP - Melbourne, Australia.
Our monthly online series on the History of Religion.
The presentations are followed by questions, comments and discussion.
All viewpoints welcome.Early Religion: An Alternative History
What do the historians and archaeologists think of the veracity of religious legends? Legends are an amalgamation of history and mythology. But how much of each?"HERESIES" WITHIN EARLY CHRISTIANITY
The "Heresies" were those losing varieties within early Christianity which were labelled as such by the 'victors'. The victors were the one particular variety who sold out to the Roman Emperors.
The Heresies were eventually suppressed, along with the Pagan religions.David Miller will present the topic and lead the discussion.
He will look at the categories into which the varieties have been placed.Wikipedia's entry on Diversity in early Christian theology
Gnosticism - YouTube: Prof. Garry Trompf (Sydney University) addressing the Existentialist Society, online, in December 2021.
Texts which may be of interest: Early Christian Writings.
The Zoom Link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 832 5046 0115 - - Passcode: 019049 - En Route toward a Cosmological TheologyLink visible for attendees
SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA) - Melbourne.
Some of us are participating in SoFiA's online event.
Dr. Peter Stork will present the topic and lead the discussion.
This presentation urges the Christian community to take steps toward constructing a “cosmological theology.” I will present my thoughts in four parts, beginning with a big question mark: “Are we at home in the cosmos?”
This opening question draws attention to our conceptual, cultural, and spiritual disconnect between our created connectedness with the universe we inhabit and our tradition-bound, pre-scientific perceptions.
To emphasise cosmic homelessness, I present briefly in the second part a new birth narrative of the creation based on what we know today.
The third part introduces us to the most astounding cosmic phenomenon: the human creation's awakening to self-consciousness, altruism, and love.
The final part takes some initial steps toward developing a cosmic-theological frame for situating the pattern of Jesus's human life in the New Universe story. It emphasises the need for Christianity to engage seriously with the sciences' writing, and outlines some aims and limitations and underscores the urgency of addressing the disconnect between traditional Christian conceptions and the cosmos as it is.
Adopting the proposed path would lead to renewed collaborative awareness between the faith community and the scientific disciplines, a moral commitment to the creation we are part of, and a challenge to individuals and the church to abandon outdated views and embrace the 21st century.
The ZOOM link will appear on this page for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 872 2718 0021 - - Passcode: 237416SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.
Facebook: 'Sofiatalk' - Please join their ongoing discussions.
- How We Became Post-Liberal: The Rise and Fall of TolerationLink visible for attendees
EXISTENTIALIST SOCIETY - Melbourne, Australia.
An online presentation, followed by discussion. All viewpoints welcome.
Dr. Russell Blackford will present the topic and lead the discussion.
Liberalism is in trouble. As a set of ideas, it has lost much of its historical authority in guiding public policy and personal behaviour. In this post-liberal climate, Russell Blackford asks whether liberalism is truly over.
Blackford will examine how Western liberal democracies became nations where traditional liberal principles of toleration (religious and otherwise), individual liberty and freedom of speech are frequently dismissed as outdated or twisted to support conservative policies.
Blackford will trace the lineage of liberalism from problems of toleration that emerged when Christianity triumphed in the late centuries of classical antiquity, with comparison to non-Western civilizations. The political and philosophical story culminates in the recent development - over the past 30 to 50 years - of post-liberal ideologies in the West.
Blackford will discuss arguments for and against liberal principles, identifying why no argument to date has been totally successful in convincing opponents, while maintaining that liberalism's ideas and language are still worth saving.
From campus wars over academic freedom to the Charlie Hebdo attack and the murder of Samuel Paty, Blackford presents an indispensable guide for anyone wanting to understand the why, what and how of the post-liberal world.
The Zoom Link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 876 8546 9556 - - Passcode: 993614 - The Politics of Hate: Hegel's Science of LogicLink visible for attendees
AGNOSTICS GROUP - Melbourne, Australia.
Some of us are participating in their online event.
Prof. George Gonzalez will present the topic and lead the discussion.
Abstract Hate dominates politics. Hate is the opposite of reason.
Georg Hegel counters abstract hate with reason in the world.George A. Gonzalez is Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami. His publications focus on political theory and popular culture, as well as on U.S. environmental, energy, and global warming policies.
George Gonzalez: ResearchGate
Wikipedia's entry on Georg Hegel
The Agnostics Group discusses the pros and cons of Agnosticism.
They welcome ALL viewpoints, including criticism of Agnosticism.Agnostics Group Facebook
The ZOOM Link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 849 3945 7872 - - Passcode: 284497 - The Ancient "Heretical" Church of Marcion, 144 ADLink visible for attendees
EXISTENTIALIST MEETUP - Melbourne, Australia.
Our monthly online series on the History of Religion.
The presentations are followed by questions, comments and discussion.
All viewpoints welcome.Early Religion: An Alternative History
What do the historians and archaeologists think of the veracity of religious legends? Legends are an amalgamation of history and mythology. But how much of each?THE ANCIENT "HERETICAL" CHURCH OF MARCION, 144 AD
The Marcionites believed that a God of Love had got horrified by what the Biblical Creator God was doing to the humans (sending them to eternal torture in Hell), so the God of Love sent HIS son, Jesus Christ, to rescue the humans from their Creator.David Miller will present the topic and lead the discussion.
Wikipedia on Marcion
YouTube: David Miller on the Church of Marcion (Soapbox Oratory).
The Gnostic Religion by Prof. Hans Jonas.The Zoom Link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 864 3033 7368 - - Passcode: 866098