The Heart in a Heartless World:
Religion, Suffering, and the Problem of Evil

June 22-26, 2009

Program

The world, it would appear, is broken. To even the most casual observer, not a day goes by without some new disaster or crisis making its way onto the nightly news. From the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the economic meltdown of the world’s financial institutions, from the ethnic cleansing and genocide in places like Rwanda and Darfur to the rising unemployment and mortgage concerns facing those closer to home, no corner of the globe has been spared. In a world that is filled with violence and fear, where does one turn for answers? Where, one might ask, is the heart in a heartless world?

As we struggle to cope with the economic, humanitarian, and environmental crises that are facing our planet, individuals are turning to the world’s religious traditions in hopes of shedding light on the ethical, moral, and theological questions that are foremost on their minds. For the past twenty-six years, the Spiritual Life Institute at Saint Martin’s University has explored a wide range of topics meant to inspire awareness, challenge preconceived notions, and shed light upon the spiritual journey. In this, the twenty-seventh meeting of the Spiritual Life Institute, our faculty members will discuss the fears and concerns facing our planet and consider the responses put forth by the world’s religious traditions.

Fees

Academic Credit
Religious Studies 494 (3 Semester Credits) Fee: $1500

Saint Martin’s University undergraduates receive three semester credits for the successful completion of this five-day course. The requirements for those wishing to receive credit include: attending all lectures and presentations, reading the required texts, submitting a critical journal, and composing a 4,000-word research paper.

Audit
Religious Studies 094 (non-credit) Fee: $700

For a reduced fee, students may attend the Institute without receiving academic credit.

Continuing Education Certificate
CEC 080 (30 clock hour credits) Fee: $200

Saint Martin’s University invites those who are seeking continuing education credit to attend the Spiritual Life Institute for their own personal enrichment and spiritual growth. Participants are required to attend all lectures and presentations in order to receive their certificate of continuing education.

Daily Attendance Fee
Spiritual Life Institute Daily Attendance Fee (non-credit) Fee: $40

For those members of the community who are unable to attend the Institute in its entirety, Saint Martin’s University now offers a daily attendance fee. This non-credit attendance option enables those individuals with a busy schedule or prior commitments to participate on a level that works for them. Simply select the number of days that you would like to attend the Institute, submit your payment in advance, and participate on the days that suit you best.

Evening Public Presentations
Fee: Free

Housing
On-campus living is encouraged as an important part of the Spiritual Life Institute. Residence halls are located in a peaceful, forested setting. Please contact the University director of residence life at (360) 438-4299/4546 in order to make reservations for University housing. Note: Housing fees are billed separately from the Spiritual Life Institute program tuition.

To register for academic credit or to audit this course, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/summer_session/registration.htm.

To register for continuing education credit or for the daily attendance option, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/spiritual_life/SLIRegistration.pdf.

(Please note that fees and tuition are subject to change)