Columbus Rationality

"Religious and Rational"

Description: It often seems that Religion and Rational thinking are at odds with each other. This presentation will seek to examine the place of Reason and Rationality in Religion. This is a controversial topic with a wide range of views and opinions. On one hand there are religious groups that are proudly anti-rational. So part of the season will revolve around these fundamentalist strains in religion. There are other religious groups that believe very strongly in reason, rationality, and the place of the human intellect. So another part of the session will focus on an examination of the use of reason and rationality in frame work of religious faith. The main discussion time though will likely focus on several large questions. Can any religious believer be truly rational? Deep down is all religion equally opposed to reason and rationality? There will also be time given to questions from the group to be proposed and discussed. The main focus will be on the Christian religion.

Bio: Caleb Pitkin has recently completed a Masters of Divinity Degree at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Currently he is pursing Ordination in the United Methodist Church and serves as Pastor to Long Run and Pleasant View United Methodist Church. He has also been active in the Columbus Rationality group for some time. Caleb has presented in front of the group once before on the topic of Deonotological (Rules Based) Ethics.

Rationality is about the science of reasoning, and acting effectively to meet your goals.

We generally begin with introductions and socializing at 7:30 and the program starts at 7:45.

Parental Warning: We are a very casual group. There is some swearing and discussion of mature issues.

Resources:

Intentional Insights, http://www.intentionalinsights.org

• This nonprofit, based right here in Columbus and run by members of Columbus Rationality, promotes rationality by providing easy-to-use and engaging strategies that empower people to reach their goals through rational thinking and emotional intelligence.

Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality: http://www.hpmor.com

-This fanfic is a great story-based way to learn what "rationality" is all about

LessWrong: http://www.lesswrong.com

-A community blog on rationality.

Center for Applied Rationality: http://rationality.org/

-An organization dedicated to applying research findings about our thinking.