Discussion Series 2009. Preston, Lancashire.
Ashton Methodist Church
Evening Discussion Series
Wednesdays at 7.00pm
Wellington Road
Ashton - on - Ribble
Preston
Lancashire
PR2 1BU
01772 723579
Informal meeting beginning with coffee & chat. Then a 30 - 45 minute presentation by a speaker, followed by related discussion & debate!
Topics
Darwin or Design?
Homelessness and Social Exclusion Issues
The Problem of Evil
The Atonement Debate
What Does 'Islam' Mean? Who is Muhammad?
Overseas Development
January 28th
Darwin or Design?
Prof Malcolm Edmunds (UCLAN)
An illustrated presentation of the evidence for evolution by means of natural selection, including examples of where man-made changes in the environment have brought about changes in appearance of species
March 18th
Homelessness and Social Exclusion Issues
Greg Smith (Salvation Army) + Tim Keightley (Foxton Centre)
Greg and Tim will consider the issue of homelessness in Preston and offer some perspectives from Christian theology. As followers of Jesus who "had nowhere to lay his head" how should we relate to homeless people in a society where those "on the streets" are stigmatised, have few rights and are often assumed to be to blame for their own situation?
May 20th
The Problem of Evil
James Watterson (Carey Baptist)
A brief discussion of the origin, nature and forms (metaphysical, moral and passive) of evil, followed by an even briefer attempt to outline some possible answers to the question of how we can believe in a God of ultimate power and goodness in the face of a world marred by evil and suffering.
July 22nd
The Atonement Debate
David Wood (Ashton Methodist)
We will consider whether atonement as an idea still has relevance in the modern world, what that relevance might be and how this squares with traditional Christian teaching on Jesus dying for our sins.
September 30th
What Does 'Islam' Mean? Who is Muhammad?
Nadeem Ashfaq (Unity Foundation)
There are many and varied views and interpretations of Islam. Nadeem will look at what Islam has to offer today’s world, presented from the perspective of its Pure and Traditional Teaching
November 25th
Overseas Development
Patrick Gardner (CAFOD Diocesan Officer - Lancaster)
A number of Christian agencies are working overseas, with a vision of transforming the world to reflect the Kingdom of God, through solidarity with theand action for justice. Patrick Gardner will outline the work of CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), and the discussion may consider the wider question of aid to the third world.
ALL ARE WELCOME
Contact Peter Lumsden
(peterlumsden@tiscali.co.uk; 07929270753)
for more information