Salatiga Circle for In-depth Study of Science and Religion Relations (SCISOSARR)

Salatiga Circle for In-depth Study of Science and Religion Relations (SCISOSARR)

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Yasa Luhur Foundation
Salatiga

Located in the province of Central Java, this group brings together a variety of local scholarly, academic, and professional communities, NGOs, religious and socio-political institutions to join in dialogue about the relationship of science and faith. Intentionally designed as a non-religiously affiliated institution, SCIOSARR combines a founding group of scientists and scholars to explore science and faith in a “community that has a peaceful but dynamic interfaith and multicultural life.” The core group meets monthly and represents perspectives in Christianity, economics, engineering, theology, sociology, mathematics, development studies, Buddhism, biology, chemistry, Islam, religious studies, and physics. Members are actively engaged in a series of discussions focused on the socio-economic implications of the open exploration science and faith to Indonesian society. Discussions encourage a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and common interest in seeking insight into the positive possibilities of interfaith/interdisciplinary dialogue and free exchange. Topics for consideration include origins research and religious perspectives, environmental concerns in relation to faith and science, nuclear energy, right to life, eugenics, GMOs and agriculture in the developing world, the political science of gender, psychoanalysis and religion, economics and faith perspectives, and models of consciousness. Core members design public programs, including programs for senior high and college students, to combine entertaining and engaging content with the presentation of alternate points of view.