Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

What is Metanexus?

The Metanexus Institute is an international network of scientists, theologians, philosophers, historians, scholars in the humanities, educators, artists, and religious leaders, advocating interdisciplinary, intercultural, and inter-religious collaboration in pursuit of new insights and a better future. Metanexus is also the name given to a global movement that is arising out of the activities of Metanexus Institute. We strongly welcome and encourage participation from interested members of the general public.

Metanexus promotes transdisciplinary exploration of profound questions of human meaning and purpose, as well as the transformation of our educational, religious, and civic institutions to bring new significance to the quest for wholeness. Throughout these activities, we advocate for the constructive engagement of religion and science. We believe that these endeavors, when pursued with passionate commitment, intellectual rigor, and a spirit of openness, collaboration, and humility, offer extraordinary opportunities to secure a just and sustainable future.

To achieve our mission, we:develop and foster international, interfaith, and interdisciplinary networks

• host the leading religion and science web publication and resource center
• conduct interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research
• provide education and outreach across the sciences, religions, arts, and humanities
• organize visionary international conferences and symposia
• promote projects and policies that are enhanced by engaging both science and religion
• engage the various segments of society in constructive moral dialogue

Is Metanexus a mystical or New Age movement?

No. Even while human spirituality is a key topic of many of our research projects and formal and informal discussions, Metanexus is primarily an intellectual movement.

What kind of religion is Metanexus promoting?

Metanexus promotes no specific religion or spiritual practice. Metanexus welcomes people of all faiths as well as people who would describe themselves as having none.

What kinds of people are involved with Metanexus?

Scholars, scientists, clergy from all faiths, and concerned citizens from almost 60 countries are represented in the Metanexus network.

What is the relationship between the Metanexus Institute and the Templeton Foundation?

The Templeton Foundation funds a number of the major grants programs administered by Metanexus Institute. Metanexus Institute shares the Templeton Foundation's focus on science and religion and continues to administer grant programs for the Foundation. However, Metanexus Institute and the Templeton Foundation are distinct entities, each having their own separate leadership and goals. Beyond support from the Templeton Foundation, Metanexus relies on the support of its members and donors, other private foundations, and corporate sponsors to finance its ambitious projects.

Where does Metanexus stand on evolution/Intelligent Design/creationism?

The members of the Metanexus network have much to say on the on-going debate over evolution. While Metanexus has no formal position paper on the topic, our leadership supports the following generalizations:

1. Evolutionary biology is a well established science. Overwhelming evidence indicates that the Earth has a very long natural history in which more complex species evolved from less complex species (and sometimes also the reverse).


2. There are legitimate debates within contemporary evolutionary biology about whether random genetic variations and natural selection alone are able to account for the florescence of life found on the planet. These debates in no way challenge our understanding of a long Earth history and the evolution of species.


3. Many confuse the boundaries between science and scientism. It is important that the scientific community, educators, and the public better distinguish between science and the philosophical (or theological) interpretations of science.


4. The interpretation of nature is an important component of human culture and best occurs in a rigorous, respectful, constructive and on-going engagement between the sciences and religious traditions.


5. Contemporary scientific insights may be intuited or inferred in limited ways from sacred scriptures, but it is a misreading of sacred scriptures to expect scientific details. It is not possible to scientifically prove the existence of God, nor does one need to do so in order to believe.


6. Our students, their parents, their teachers, and citizens in general would benefit from studying not only the narrowly construed sciences, but also the broader religious and philosophical issues involved in science. New educational models need to be developed.

That said, we understand that many would continue to edit these statements according to particular beliefs, knowledge, and semantic understandings. We do not presume to end the debate here, but offer opportunities to continue a thoughtful and respectful dialogue.

How did Metanexus get started? When was Metanexus founded?

William Grassie, Ph.D., began the organization in 1997 with the creation of the “Meta-List,” a small-moderated listserv providing scholarly articles and dialogue on religion and science. With the rapid growth and success of the Meta-List, Grassie and four professors at the University of Pennsylvania incorporated in 1998 as the Philadelphia Center on Religion and Science (PCRS). In 2000, the Meta-List became a website, www.metanexus.net . In 2001, PCRS changed its name to the Metanexus Institute on Religion and Science to reflect the organization's growing international profile and to capitalize on the successful website publication.

Who are the leaders of Metanexus Institute?

In September 2006, founder William Grassie stepped aside as executive director to spend more time speaking, writing, and developing the organization. The board named Eric Weislogel , Ph.D., the new executive director. Weislogel initiated and developed Metanexus' growing network of Local Societies from its inception in 2001. Metanexus Institute is guided by a small governing board and a large board of academic advisors.

What does Metanexus mean?

Metanexus is a neologism drawing from the Greek prefix meta- , meaning “transcending or transforming,” and the Latin noun, nexus , meaning “connection or core.” The term “metanexus" means “transcending and transformational networks.”

What does Metanexus do?

Metanexus projects generally fall into the areas of research, dialogue groups, conferences and lectures, and communications, including print and online publications. The organization has developed and administered several hundred projects promoting the science and religion dialogue through strategic alliances, including many university-based projects funded by the Templeton Foundation. The organization has grown into a worldwide network of some 300 partners in 43 countries. The Metanexus online forum has grown from its initial 600 subscribers to over 9,000. It has evolved into a rich collection of thousands of essays from many of the leading scholars of our time. It receives hundreds of thousands of page views every month and has become a primary resource in the science and religion dialogue. The Institute sponsors lecture series and an annual conference, which has become an important convergence of influential academic and community leaders from diverse cultural traditions. Many of the attendees come as representatives of the nearly 250 interdisciplinary dialogue groups that Metanexus sponsors worldwide that are working to develop scholarly, transdisciplinary programs that explore foundational questions.

Does Metanexus give out grants?

Metanexus Institute only gives out grants that are part of specific programs that we administer. To be considered, applicants must meet specific criteria and adhere to the application guidelines found on the website of the grant program to which they are applying.  Currently, all of our grant programs are in the research phase and are not accepting proposals.

Where is Metanexus located?

Metanexus Institute is headquartered in Philadelphia, but our projects constitute a worldwide network of some 300 projects in about 43 countries. Our annual conference is held at the University of Pennsylvania.

What are some examples of Metanexus projects?

• The Global Spiral—This extensive communications venue includes the Global Spiral Monthly online magazine, the Global Spiral print newsletter, the Global Spiral News Wire bi-weekly news bulletin, an archive of thousands of scholarly essays, multimedia and more. New features under development include forums and interactive opportunities. Please check out our Global Spiral Magazine.


• Local Societies Initiative —A grant program that provides seed money to establish and nurture the development of local groups around the world dedicated to exploring the interface between science and religion. With 240 groups in 42 countries, the LSI program has become a potent international dialogue sustained through the internet, publications, community outreach, and conference participation. No new grant opportunities are available at the present time; For information about the 240 grantees and their work, please go to our Local Societies website.


• Spiritual Capital Research Program —This interdisciplinary social-scientific research initiative has explored the global and local economic and social impacts of religion and spirituality. For information about the grantees and their research, please go to our Spiritual Capital website.


• Spiritual Transformation Scientific Research Program — This research program pursued rigorous, scientific investigation on various aspects of the sociocultural, psychological, and neurological factors that underlie the experiences of spiritual transformation of individuals or groups. For information about the grantees and their research, please go to our Spiritual Transformation Scientific Research Program website.


• Templeton Advanced Research Program ­—A research program that fosters innovation in research design as well as the scientific scope and impact of religion and spirituality through projects in three areas: Religion, Spirituality, Healing and Health Outcomes; Religion, Spirituality, and Human Flourishing; and Competitive Dynamics and Cultural Evolution of Religions and God Concepts. For information about the grantees and their research, please go to our Templeton Advanced Research Program website.


• Templeton Research Lectures —A current program that provides start-up funding for scholars who want to develop on-going, interdisciplinary programs in science and religion within their universities. This three-year project is designed as a catalyst for original research and progress. The program seeks to create long-term networks for vibrant and broadly significant scholarly exchange and continuing interdisciplinary endeavors. For guidelines, go to our Templeton Research Lectures website.

How can I become involved?

1. Become a Member

The best way to get involved with Metanexus and the dialogue between science and religion is by becoming a Metanexus member. An Associate membership (our basic level) entitles you to receive: the Global Spiral; monthly Best of Metanexus article; discounts on conference and event registration; and invitations to special members appreciation and networking receptions.
For more information or to sign up today visit our membership page or write to membership @ metanexus.net.

2. Attend our Annual Conference and Other Events

Metanexus holds its annual conference each June at the University of Pennsylvania, and also hosts a variety of lectures and events in the Philadelphia region throughout the year. Our conference draws a large international audience and is open to the public. If you are in the area, an excellent way to become acquainted with the Institute and its work is by attending our conference or one of our other events throughout the year.

Visit our 2007 Conference website

3. Register your email address to receive our free monthly online magazine and bi-weekly news bulletin. The Global Spiral Monthly delivers featured articles and research in the science and religion dialogue to your email each month. The Global Spiral News Wire keeps you abreast of what's happening in the world of science and religion including conferences, lectures, career opportunities, and more.