Alfred North Whitehead's Lowell Lectures of 1926, published as Religion in the Making, offer a concise, accessible, and profound exploration of the origins and development of religion, including its historical, cosmological, and metaphysical import for his prismatic universe. As Whitehead describes it:

“The aim of the lectures was to give a concise analysis of the various factors in human nature which go to form a religion, to exhibit the inevitable transformation of religion with the transformation of knowledge, and more especially to direct attention to the foundation of religion on our apprehension of those permanent elements by reason of which there is a stable order in the world, permanent elements apart from which there could be no changing world” (preface).

Over the course of five weeks, we will engage in a relaxed and communal reading of Religion in the Making, focusing on thoughtful discussion. Each week, we will explore key chapter themes, anthem to religious history, human experience, and Whitehead’s philosophy. Students are encouraged to take notes while reading and come to each session ready to share comments, questions, and quotes from the text.

WHICH VERSION ARE WE READING?

Students are required to purchase a specific version of Religion in the Making published by ‎Fordham University Press, 1996, with introduction by Jude Jones and glossary by Randall E. Auxier. This version is available here.

WHAT’S THE READING SCHEDULE?

• Week 1: Introduction by Jude Jones (4/18)

• Week 2: Ch. 1, “Religion in History” (4/25)

• Week 3: Ch. 2, “Religion and Dogma” (5/2)

• Week 4: Ch. 3, “Body and Spirit” (5/9)

• Week 5: Ch. 4, “Truth and Criticism” (5/16)

WHAT DO STUDENTS GET?

All students will receive copies of the recorded discussions for review.

Note: Reading group limited to 15 students.