Providing an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a human being in the 21st Century, the seminars draw on the expertise of academics and professionals working in a variety of disciplines in Ireland and the UK. The series is entitled ‘On being human’ and will explore the essence and uniqueness of human life.
Organised by the Church’s Union Theological College and Council for Public Affairs, College principal, Professor Stafford Carson, welcomed the opportunity to explore such a diverse range of subjects. “Many of the moral and ethical issues we encounter today have a theological dimension, none more so than what it means for us to be human. This series of seminars is designed for people who are interested in thinking more deeply about a range of issues that are all connected with ‘being human’.”
Open to people of faith and no faith at all, the first seminar will set the scene for the series by looking at what the Book of Genesis says about human identity. The seminars will take place on Monday evenings throughout October and November, with speakers from Union College, Dublin City University, Belfast Bible College, Queen’s University and University College London.
“Debates surrounding abortion and assisted dying are based on our understanding of the essence of human life. Today advances in technology, for example, mean that we may soon be capable of so modifying and enhancing human capabilities that we have to re-define what we mean by ‘being human’. Should we embrace these developments? Added to these are all the questions surrounding human sexuality, gender identity, and human rights, areas that this series of seminars will discuss,” Professor Carson said.
"As a Church we are very much a part of society and very conscious of the need to engage fully around the pressing social, moral and ethical issues of the day. I hope that this series of seminars contributes to this ongoing public discussion,” he said.
Seminars cost £5. You can book individual seminars, here.