23 May 2002
Dear Oxford Participants
The time for our gathering in Oxford is approaching and I guess in your minds are many questions, including what you need to do to prepare. This is what I am writing to you about.
I want you to read four things in preparation:
1. A book by Ian G. Barbour that covers the history and themes in the science-religion discipline. For example, When Science Meets Religion (New York: HarperCollins, 2000).
2. Arthur Peacocke wants you to have read his book, Paths from Science towards God: The End of all our Exploring (Oxford: OneWorld, 2001), in preparation for our time with him.
3. My book, Sleuthing the Divine: The Nexus of Science and Spirit (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000).
If you’ve read any of these works, find a similar book to replace it and read that.
4. Find a book that relates directly to your (or one of your) interests in science and spirituality, that you haven’t read, and read that.
I also want you to send me by email (best is a MS Word attachment) two things:
1. A five page paper that initially explores a theme in science and spirituality that particularly interests you. The paper should reflect each of the readings but should not be a summary of them. You will continue developing the paper during the two weeks in Oxford, making a presentation on your ideas to us all, discussing it with me, and finally developing a concluding paper after our gathering. (Auditors may choose not to do this final paper.)
2. A one page description of what you want to get out of the two weeks.
These two works need to be with me at least a week before our two weeks begins.
I have lined up for you visits by a number of prominent people in the subject so we should have a very interesting time together.
I look forward to seeing you.
Best wishes
Kevin
_____________________________________________
NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
Kevin Sharpe
10 Shirelake Close
Oxford, OX1 1SN
United Kingdom
Cellphone +44-(0)7711-519-243
US Fax and Voicemail +1-810-277-4039
UK Fax and Voicemail +44-(0)870-130-6900
kevin.sharpe@tui.edu
www.ksharpe.com