All Church Book Read

In September, Andrew Newberg, M.D., will be leading a two-day workshop at First United, exploring the fascinating link between religious experience and the biology of the brain. He will be using the latest advances in neuroscience to help us understand what is happening in our brains when we experience the transcendent as tangibly real. This is not a reductionist exercise designed to discredit religious faith. Newberg does not believe that neuroscience can say whether God exists or not, but he does believe that God seems to be hard-wired into the human brain, finding "echoes of the infinite buried within its convoluted folds."

To help us prepare for this stimulating workshop, all members of the church are invited to participate in reading and discussing two books by Andrew Newberg that explore in depth his neurological studies of religious experience and his ideas concerning the biological importance of religious belief in healing our bodies and minds. There will be two sets of discussions in June and August. Books can be purchased online or in bookstores. Contact the church office by June 3 if you want the church to order a copy for you.

Why God Won't Go Away

Wednesday, June 15, 10:00am (led by Pastor Greta McDonald)
Wednesday, June 15, 6:30pm (led by Pastor Jim McDonald)
Sunday, June 26, 9:00am (led by Carol Lysne)

Why We Believe What We Believe

Sunday, August 28, 9:00am (led by Carol Lysne)
Wednesday, August 31, 10:00am (led by Pastor Greta McDonald)
Wednesday, August 31, 6:30pm (led by Pastor Jim McDonald)