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'The Tradition of Enquiry': Oxford education weekend Day Two recap
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During the second day of Oxfords education weekend, scholars again brought their various expertise to fulfill the vision of what the tradition of enquiry has been at Oxford. - photo by Erika Mahterian
Saturday was the second day of Oxfords education weekend, and scholars again brought their various expertise to fulfill the vision of what the tradition of enquiry has been at Oxford.

Presentations on science and faith, Christianity, Islam, Buddhist ethics and morality provoked thoughtful discussion on the harmonies and dissonance between honest seekers of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Conference director Dr. Kate Worlton Pulham expressed, It was important to us to bring together many faith traditions to discuss our similarities and differences.

Attendees had the privilege of hearing from moving religious leaders and professors that created an atmosphere for open discussion about a range of faiths. Dr. David Bowman stated, I was impressed by how forthright and comfortable people felt with expressing views of their faith. They werent apologetic; they were very direct and that was appreciated. I think everybody appreciated that. Islamic leader Dr. Mohammed Amadu focused on how women and men can resolve conflict through the power of reconciliation and mercy. He emphasized their belief that Allah is the one true God and that every Islamic belief comes from the Quran. In the question and answer panel after his presentation, he repeatedly focused on the importance of freedom to practice religion wherever you are. Additionally, Buddhist leader Satyadasa David Waterston shared that obtaining peace is the core part of their Buddhist beliefs. He described many experiences he has had on Buddhist meditation retreats where he finds confirmation and inner solace. He shared that the meaning of Karma are the positive and negative consequences that come from an intentional action. As well, Professor James Holt, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught about Christianity and Islamic beliefs. He finished by talking about the interfaith dialogue and the need for and importance of real interaction among faiths. He said, We need to learn how we can help and strengthen each other. Although many represented different ways of worship, those present felt love, respect and harmony amongst each other today. To continue the inquiries on religious thought, tomorrow Jewish Rabbi Norman Solomon and Christian thought leaders will speak. Other fascinating topics taught by highly educated and passionate leaders were the compatibility between science and God, modern physics and christian cosmologies, self-deception, medicine and ending maternal mortality on a global scale, what neuroimaging tells us about the mind and memory, innovation and business, science and literature, progress through media, polities and the media, and crowdfunding. The second day of Oxford's education weekend was both academically fulfilling and spiritually enriching. Attendee Ellen Lewis noted, In my opinion, the theme today has been to work together in business, religious, and personal platforms to discover truth and help each other live our individual beliefs.
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