COURSE DESCRIPTION
When we are attuned to the song of the universe,
when cosmic rhythms resonate within us,
shaping who we are and are becoming,
we are saint in the making, mystic on the move,
experiencing more often and in many more ways
the synchronous presence of God-with-us in our everyday lives.
GOALS AND OUTCOMES
The primary goals of this course are:
- to present an overview of the new physics (quantum mechanics and the new cosmology) in a way that invites those of us who are not scientists to enter into the conversation
- 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:
- a functional understanding of what is meant by the new physics and how it affects us all
- a sense of how science and spirituality participate in shaping reality
- tangible experiences of course content applied to our everyday lives
EXPECTATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
If you are taking the course for credit, you are expected to:
- read the books as indicated on the course reading list
- participate fully in class discussions and activities
- contribute creatively to the final class session
- submit a brief reflection (within three pages) on what you will take with you from the course, and why, noting the relevance of this learning to your own personal life
- complete and submit the self-assessment Grade Sheet with your reflection paper
If you are auditing the course, you are expected to:
- read whatever you choose from the course reading list, or simply attend class sessions
- participate in class discussions and activities
On the day that grades are due, students taking the course for credit must submit to the instructor either a Grade Sheet or a signed Incomplete Form (available online or from the seminary).
Grades are due September 10, 2009
READING LIST
Text for the Course
Winter, Miriam Therese. Paradoxology. Spirituality in a Quantum Universe.
Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009.
Additional Reading
Capra, Fritjof. The Tao of Physics. An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism. Boston: Shambhala, 2000.
Chopra, Deepak. The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire. New York: Harmony Books, 2003.
Emmons, Robert. Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.
New York: Houghton-Mifflin, 2007.
O’Murchu, Diarmuid. Ancestral Grace. Meeting God in Our Human Story, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2008.
Rimm, Ruth. The Lost Spiritual World. New York: The Global Renaissance Society, 2007.
Steinhardt, Paul J. and Turok, Neil. Endless Universe. Beyond the Big Bang. New York: Doubleday, 2007.
Tolle, Eckhart. A New Earth. Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. A Plume Book, 2006.
Winter, Miriam Therese. eucharist with a small e. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2005.
Wolf, Fred Alan. Dr. Quantum’s Little Book of Big Ideas. Where Science Meets Spirit. Needham, MA: Moment Point Press, 2005.
COURSE SYLLABUS
(There are no pre-assigned readings.)
THE NEW PHYSICS
| Day One |
June 22 |
Quantum Stuff
= the new science
= introducing quantum
= science and spirituality
|
| Day Two |
June 23 |
Quantum Reality
= the new cosmology
= the divine milieu
= paradigm, paradox |
| Day Three |
June 24 |
Quantum Leap
= sacred story
= resurrecting Jesus
= the many and the one
|
| Day Four |
June 25 |
Quantum Spirit
= a new Pentecost
= modes and manifestations
= incarnation, inspiration, transformation
|
| Day Five |
June 26 |
Quantum Spirituality
= cultivating a quantum spirit
= inhabiting a quantum universe
= embracing paradoxology |
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 daily from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Hartford Seminary.
