November 27 to 29, 2009

FIRST ANNUAL Southwest Bahá'i Studies Conference

“EXPLORING OUR INNATE CREATIVITY”

Artists and Scholars of all persuasions are strongly encouraged to participate in this mind and spirit expanding experience.  Share in the educational visions of Hand of the Cause of God Shu'á'u'lláh Alá'í, Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, and his beloved wife, Marguerite, as Desert Rose Bahá'í School helps us prepare for the needs of the future society.  Uplift your spirit with dawn and evening prayers at the William Sears Pavilion, visit Marguerite Sears resting place, and explore the Alá'í Library.

Program Information:

• Keynote Speaker - John Medina will argue for the harmony of science and religion from a fresh perspective. He is the author of Faith, Physics, and Psychology: Rethinking Society and the Human Spirit, in which he critiques the Cartesian-Newtonian worldview because of its failure to address the needs of the human spirit. John is a former Arizonan who now lives in San Diego with his wife and child.  He is a schoolteacher and holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Education.
• Duanne Herrmann will explore the meditative reading of devotional poetry. Poetry can transcend our daily concerns and help us reach that place inside where our innermost feelings reside.  Much of the Baha'i Sacred Texts was revealed in poetic form.  Duanne will conduct an interactive meditative workshop using consultation and creativity.
• Serge van Neck - "Commonalities: A Positive Look at Latter-day Saints from a Baha'i Perspective."  Based on his recently published book of the same name, the presenter argues for closer association between Baha'is and Mormons as a way to advance the cause of religious tolerance, understanding and unity.  There will be a brief description of Revelation as understood by Latter-day Saints, followed by some prophesies that appear to correspond with significant events in the development of the Baha'i Faith.
• Brian Guequierre will explore the metaphysical ramifications of  one's physical immersion in water including a contextual overview of the universality and centrality of the role of water in all religions.  A consumer-protection attorney living in Austin , TX , with his wife and children, Brian is an avid surfer, waterman and naturalist who has traveled widely for the Faith

Click Here for Regristration Form:

Desert Rose Bahá’í Institute * 1950 W. William Sears Dr. * Eloy-AZ 85131 * 520 466 7961