Paradoxology: Spirituality in a Quantum Universe

COURSE DESCRIPTION

We live in a quantum universe
where chaos and unpredictability
call for a new way of being in the world.
The understanding we have inherited regarding the nature of reality
and of life here and in the hereafter no longer satisfies.
It is at the threshold where science and spirituality meet
that we take our quantum leap.
The purpose of this course is to effect a change of consciousness.
When we unite with the energy of the universe,
cosmic rhythms resonate within us
to shape who we are and are becoming,
 revealing often, in multiple ways,
the presence of God-with-us and within us
in our everyday lives.

GOALS AND OUTCOMES

The primary goals of this course are:

• to present areas of convergence between science and spirituality from the perspectives of quantum physics and the new cosmology

• to introduce a framework for a spirituality synchronous with the new physics

• to provide opportunities to discover how aspects of a spirituality rooted in a quantum  universe can become or already are part of our own spiritual lives

The primary outcomes of this course are:

• an understanding of how science and spirituality can and often do intersect in quantum universe, thereby challenging established frameworks

• the ability to communicate how science and spirituality participate in shaping reality

• tangible experiences of course content applied to our everyday lives

So why is understanding the quantum universe important?
Because life takes on a new vision.
Quantum physics offers new ways of thinking and new ways of being in the world,
which I think improve the various things you do,
whether it’s taking a walk, talking to somebody, or driving your car.
It brings in a breath of fresh air.
It makes life more joyful.
The real trick to life is not to be in the know, but to be in the mystery.

Fred Alan Wolf, Dr. Quantum’s Little Book of Big Ideas: Where Science Meets Spirit

The class meets Mondays from 5:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. for eleven weeks
This 45-hour course builds on the previous 30-hour course but will be substantially different.

EXPECTATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

If you are taking the course for credit, you are expected to:

• read all the books on the course reading list
• participate fully in class discussions and activities
• submit a paper (no more than seven pages) reflecting on how you have achieved course outcomes, including:

• what you will take with you from the course, and why
• the relevance of the course, and what you have learned, to your personal/professional life

• complete and submit the self-assessment Grade Sheet with your reflection paper

Credit student assignments are due January 5, 2012

Either a paper with grade sheet or an incomplete form must be submitted by this date.
______________________

If you are auditing the course, you are invited to:

• read as much as you can from books on the course reading list
• participate in class discussions and activities

September 12 Quantum World Around and BeyondUs

Origins and evolutionary paths
The physical and metaphysicalbsp

September 19  Quantum World Within Us

Who are we really?

An array of quantumstuff
                                                           
September 26  Quantum Reality / Quantum Leap
Transcending religious and cultural frameworks
Paradox / Paradoxology

October 3 Divine Milieu
Who. What. Where. When. Why. How.

October 10 New Pentecost
Quantum soul, living Spirit
Quanta, agents of change

October 17  Sacred Story
Multicultural, multifaith, multifaceted
As it was … is … may be

October 24  Chaos  
Inner authority, implicate order
Mess and messiah

October 31    Consciousness
Being and becoming
What you see is ….

November 7 Connection
Weaving it all together
The web of life

November 14 Spirituality in a Quantum Universe
Nurture of nature, nature of nurture
Spirituality in practice

November 21  Paradoxology
Redefining prayer and praise
Reimagining and celebrating the sacred