The goal of Unity Institute® and Seminary's annual Lyceum series of lectures is "To set before the world an academically grounded, high-quality presentation of topics in theology and religious studies compatible with a Unity point of view." Lyceum 2011, held April 13–16, did this and more.
Open to teachers, writers, scholars, students of spiritual and theological studies and the general public, this annual educational symposium attracts scholars and others from around the country. Presentations relate to global spirituality, theology, pastoral studies, theological ethics, world religions, history and metaphysical Christianity.
“This year's Lyceum surpassed all expectations,” says Rev. Dr. Thomas Shepherd, a Unity Institute faculty member and founder of Unity's Lyceum. “We attracted scholars from across a broad spectrum—Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Muslims and others. The exchange of ideas was exhilarating.”
A Family Gathering of World Religions
Among the featured presenters at Lyceum 2011 were Dr. Donald Rothberg and Rev. Dr. Paul Laughlin, noted scholars in East-West religious studies, and Bhante Wimala, a renowned Buddhist spiritual teacher. The Lyceum also featured workshops and academic papers presented by selected Unity Institute students.
Barbara Hadley, a Unity Institute ministerial student, attends Lyceum every year. “I love it because it is intellectual and presents me with new ideas and ways to think about academic subjects that go beyond my [ministerial] classes,” she says. Hadley also enjoyed the peer camaraderie. “Lyceum is a fantastic opportunity to converse and commune with scholars who come from around the country to present as well as participate in the theological dialogue.”
Panel discussions, papers and presentations included “New Perspectives on Jesus,” “Metaphysical Spirituality,” “The Universal Use of Symbols for Teaching,” and “Four Global Perspectives of God or Ultimate Reality,” among many others.
Key to Global Dialogue: Learning to Think Theologically
According to Shepherd, it is this diversity of history and beliefs that makes Unity’s Lyceum so important to those interested in spiritual and theological studies. “The world of religious thought has much to gain from these types of discussions when explored and critiqued with the tools of theological inquiry,” he says. “The goal is to raise consciousness by demonstrating how to think theologically, making it possible for future generations of Unity thinkers to contribute their creative energies to the ongoing dialogue, both in scholarly and popular publications."
Ted Collins, dean of Unity Institute, was equally pleased with this year’s presenters, topics and attendance. “It's exciting to have a program that puts Unity on the leading edge of theological discussion with top scholars from around the globe,” he says. “Our annual Lyceum is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about Unity and New Thought and to interact with established scholars on current topics that affect how we view the world.”
The theme for Lyceum 2012, to be held April 11–14, 2012, is “The Church in the Future: Teaching, Praying and Serving the House of Tomorrow.” The keynote speaker will be Matthew Fox, a spiritual theologian, activist and former Episcopal priest. Fox has written 30 books that have been translated into 43 languages. Among them are Original Blessing, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, A Spirituality Named Compassion, The Reinvention of Work and Christian Mystics.
Register for Lyceum 2012, April 11–14, 2012.
Learn more about Unity Institute® and Seminary.
View the Lyceum 2011 Working Paper Collection.
