IRISCInternational Research Institute into Spirituality and Change |
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Minutes of Meeting on Friday 29th October at BangorPresent: Dr Simon Robinson (chair), Dr Ian Carter (minutes), John Reader (speaker), Malcolm Brown (speaker), Dr John Fazey (Bangor), Phillip Jones, Andrew Smith, Mihalache Adrian Sorin, Ostap Taras Paparega, Ian Ball, Simon Parker. Apologies: Dr John Atherton, Dr Clare Palmer, Dr Leslie Francis, Jeff Leonardi, Margaret Goodall, Simon Barrow, Richard Beaumond, Liz Tustain, James Dawson, Stephen Winter, Stephen Kendal. Welcome: Dr John Fazey welcomed the group in both Welsh and English. An especial welcome to our visitors from Romania. Members of the group introduced themselves at this first official seminar of I.R.I.S.C. I.R.I.S.C: John Reader outlined the purpose of the Institute i.e. to research future directions of religious belief and practice in the light of social and personal change. A broad approach seeking to relate theology to other disciplines and to explore a critical relationship to traditional foundations will shape the future programme. 1st Paper: John Reader read his paper "Democratising Religion: an agenda for I.R.I.S.C.". A copy of this is attached to the minutes. Summary of Responses: comments ranged from discussion on the nature of anarchy as employed in the paper to the issue of categories and their restrictions as encountered in other disciplines. A convergence was noted with debates in education where learning and change are now seen as building upon difference. It was felt that the general area of peoples' experience of difference should form part of future research. 2nd Paper: Malcolm Brown read his paper "Fallible Foundations: The Theology of the Interim". A copy of this is attached to the minutes. Summary of Responses: Questions raised included that of the nature of change of traditions. Was the Christian tradition welcoming to the challenge of external stimuli? The subject of rationality appeared to be central in understanding how the Christian tradition might respond to contemporary challenges without retreating into its own safe territory. Once again an area for future research. The role of empathy in human communication was raised - in his absence - by Jeff Leonardi, and a concern was shared that an overly-rationalistic approach to religion excluded the affective and intuitive dimensions. There was a discussion as to whether the Enlightenment could accurately be described as a project or whether it was a way of registering a growing self awareness of how we work. The essentially dualistic nature of the language we use and its implications for theology was also mentioned. A general agreement was reached that attention needed to be given to the questions people were now asking, rather than answers that might be given, in the varying areas of practice members are engaged in. Future Plans for I.R.I.S.C: The Institute would aim to hold a termly meeting in Bangor following this pattern of papers and responses.
It was noted that the subject of Spirituality and Health Care was shared by a number of members and would form an obvious area for future debate. Thanks: Bangor were thanked for their welcome and hospitality as were Simon Robinson and Ian Carter for the smooth running of the meeting and also Malcolm Brown and John Reader for their contributions to the ensuing discussion. Directory of Members: This will be circulated with these minutes.
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