Learning Circles
A Book Group Exploring the Diversity of Religion
Readings on Faiths Around the World is a book group that reads and discusses books covering the vast diversity of world faiths. Of course, the standard seven world religions will be included but we will also explore less well-known religious/spiritual groups including Afro-Caribbean, Bahá’í, Humanist, Jain, Pagan, Zoroastrian, and more. The only prerequisite needed for this group is a desire to learn more about the world’s religious traditions.
Reading and Reflecting on Anne Fairchild Pomeroy's Integrative Perspective on Marx and Whitehead
This 9-week learning circle provides a discussion-based study of Anne Fairchild Pomeroy’s text Marx and Whitehead, which systematically links Whitehead’s process-relational philosophy to Marx’s dialectical critique of political economy, identifying deep resonances between the two in order to develop a pathway for the vital integration of these two great thinkers into a more comprehensive perspective.
A Discussion Group About the Exploring, Sharing, and Practice of Buddhist Process-Relational Thought
In this learning circle we will compare, contrast, explore, and play out resonances between Buddhism and process thought, with a special focus on Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka and Whitehead’s philosophy of organism.
A Discussion Group Contemplating the Vision of Teilhard de Chardin
Facilitated by Dr. Ernie Tamminga, this discussion group will carefully consider the vision of the human evolutionary future as seen by the French Jesuit and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
A Discussion Group About Books That Foster An Integral Spirituality
Process & Coffee is about spiritual integration and exploration. We meet weekly to dive into books by mystics and sages. The discussion that follows helps to deepen our own spiritual lives.
Past Learning Circles (No Longer Active)
Probing Process-Relational Worldviews For Newcomers
Want to learn more about process thought? Join our learning circle, as we read and discuss together various essays on important themes to process thought. The topics will include the interconnectedness and relational nature of the universe, the idea that nature is alive and has value for itself, and process and beauty.
Exploring the Connections Between Philosophical and Musical Modes of Becoming
This three-session conversation explores connections between process philosophy and music, focusing on the nature of music, different genres of music, music and community, music and therapy, music and ecology, music and cultural identity, music and technology, and music and spirituality. Facilitated by Jay McDaniel, it is open-ended and conversational in spirit, its purpose is to explore.
Probing Process-Relational Worldviews For Newcomers
Want to learn more about process thought? Join our learning circle, as we read and discuss together various essays on important themes to process thought. The topics will include the interconnectedness and relational nature of the universe, the idea that nature is alive and has value for itself, and process and beauty.
A Learning Circle Exploring Nature Authors Guided by Process Thought
In this four-session learning circle we will read and discuss the writings of various nature authors, such as Loren Eiseley, Mary Oliver, John Muir, and others as a means to learn more about nature and process thought.
A Discussion Group Exploring Buddhism Through the Lens of Process Thought
This 3-week learning circle, facilitated by Jay McDaniel and Kazi Adi Shakti, explores how people might learn from Buddhism with help from process philosophy and theology. The focus is on Mayanana Buddhism in the Zen tradition. The circle is open to anyone who has an interest in Buddhism and process thought; no prior knowledge of either is required. Themes to be explored are momentariness, inter-becoming, mindfulness, breathing meditation, the Bodhisattva vow, the Buddha nature in all things, compassionate living, emptiness, God, ecological civilization, and service to the world.
A Learning Circle Exploring a Process Worldview For Newcomers
Want to learn more about process thought? Join our learning circle, as we read and discuss together various essays on important themes to process thought. The topics will include the interconnectedness and relational nature of the universe, the idea that nature is alive and has value for itself, and process and beauty.
A Collective Processing of Gilles Deleuze’s Masterpiece
This group will be dedicated to exploring process philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s seminal work, Difference and Repetition (1968). Our goal is to collectively process the rich themes within the book, occasionally identify resonances with the larger process tradition, and foster insightful discussions along the way. Participants need no previous experience with Deleuze or the text. A PDF of the main text, as well as a number of supplemental secondary materials will be provided.
Encountering Whitehead’s Magnum Opus for First-Timers
Designed for beginners, this learning circle will involve a close reading of Whitehead’s seminal work, discussing passages together in-depth as we work our way through the text.
A Discussion Group Considering the Connections Between Islam and the Core Values of Process & Faith
Facilitated by Jared Morningstar, and co-sponsored by the Cobb Institute and Process & Faith, this six-session learning circle will examine the religion of Islam and its resonance with the core values of Process & Faith: Whole Persons, Whole Communities, Whole Planet, and Holistic Thinking.
Exploring the Possibilities of Psychedelics From Multiple Approaches
In this discussion group, we explore psychedelics from a variety of vantage points. We will have guest speakers on the political, philosophical, spiritual, clinical, medicinal, experiential, and sociological uses of psychedelics. Meets on the second Thursday of each month.
Four Sessions Exploring Whitehead's Concepts of Peace & God, and the Creative Possibilities They Offer For Faith Leaders
Join a group of pastors and faith leaders as we explore how Whitehead’s ideas can meet us in our own religious traditions and become fertile ground for theological reflection and pastoral ministry. Led by Dr. Jay McDaniel, this four-week learning circle will focus on Whitehead’s concepts of Peace and God as found in Adventures of Ideas and Process & Reality. True to the nature of Open and Relational Theologies, we respect and welcome diversity in faith tradition, personal experience, and theological perspective.
A Discussion Group Pursuing the Possibility of an Ecological Civilization
In this book and discussion group, we meet monthly to read, discuss, and learn together about what needs to be done and what we can do for our common home.
Four Sessions Exploring John O'Donohue's Concept of Beauty, and the Novel Insights It Offers to Faith Leaders
The experience of Beauty includes and transcends organized religion, serving as a portal to the Spirit. In our sessions we will read selected passages from Donahue’s Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, and discuss their meaning for everyday life.
Four Sessions Introducing Basic Concepts and Practices in Zen Buddhism
Dr. Jay McDaniel introduced participants to some basic concepts and practices in Buddhism as approached in a Zen way: the primary of the present moment, the problem of cloning, the value of letting go; the limitations of verbal discourse; spontaneity of the here-and-now; the wisdom of no-self, the universality of impermanence, the illusion of isolated existence; the ultimacy of inter-becoming; mindfulness, reincarnation, and in Mahayana Buddhism, the promise to be reborn again and again until all living beings can be saved. Along the way, Dr. McDaniel discussed connections between those ideas and ideas in process philosophy, thus introducing a Buddhist process philosophy.
Exploring Process Philosophy From a Feminine Perspective
Women in process provides a space for women who want to explore their “becomings” and “possibilities.” The group meets on the third Thursday of each month.