Spiritual Development Month (November, 2009)

Spiritual Development Month is a Carnegie Mellon initiative to focus attention on the importance and significance of engaging in knowing yourself. Throughout the month of November there are various programs and events highlighted by a campus-wide Thanksgiving celebration (scheduled for the Monday before Thanksgiving break.) Also of note are trips to various houses of worship, a special art gallery show, and various lectures.

2009 Spiritual Developoment Month Calendar [pdf]

Week 1

Hosted by ALLIES, Student Development and Student Life Join Reverend Dr. Renee Waun for a conversation about homosexuality and religion. All are encouraged to participate, regardless of spiritual or sexual orientation. This discussion is part of both Pride Month and Spiritual Development Month.

Each week during the fall semester, Carnegie Mellon’s first year students gather in their   residence halls to discuss life’s big questions with faculty.  Groups will be exploring the topic:  Walking the Talk: How do you resolve conflict between your beliefs and your actions?
 
University Lecture Series – Edward G. Tufte
Tuesday, November 3rd 
7pm in Rashid Auditorium (Gates Center)

Dr. Edward Tufte talks about the importance of presenting and consuming information – not only as important in learning and decision-making, but as a moral enterprise.  Tufte aims “to try to help people see better and more intensely. Seeing intensely”—investigating the intersections between art, science, and philosophy.
           
Samhain
Friday, November 6th
6pm in UC Chapel

This Pagan holiday celebrates the end of the harvest time and the beginning of a new year.  Closely connected with the concept of Halloween, this is a time to recognize and celebrate the  past year (what is dying) and to welcome the future (what will be born). 

Week 2

Baha’i Devotional Gathering
Tuesday, November 10th
7pm in the UC Chapel

Baha’i Faith of Pittsburgh will introduce the Baha’i faith, with a devotional gathering to follow.  Devotional gatherings include readings from a wide variety of faith traditions.  Attendees are encouraged to bring texts of their own, as they feel moved to do so.
 
Do You, or Don’t You, Believe in God?
Thursday, November 12th
6pm in UC Dowd

Come share your personal reasons, rationales, and experiences with belief or non-belief in an open sharing environment.  You’ll be surprised what you hear!

Jumah Prayer Service
Friday, November 13th
Meet at 12:45pm at UC Turnaround
Services begin at 1:10pm

Experience a Muslim prayer service, Jumah, at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh in Oakland. 

Week 3

Spirituality and Service
Sunday, November 15th
5pm in the UC Chapel

Carnegie Mellon Alumna Diana Pascoe explores what drives service as a part of spiritual belief. Beginning in a more global way and then narrowing to her own Lutheran faith tradition, Diana discusses the connection between the two concepts. Donations, in form of non-perishable goods (except mouthwash) are encouraged.

University Lecture Series – “Milking the Rhino”
Monday, November 16
4:30pm, Panel Discussion in McConomy Auditorium
7pm, Film/Lecture in McConomy Auditorium

Milking the Rhino examines the deepening  conflict between humans and animals in an ever- shrinking world. It is the first major documentary to explore wildlife conservation from the  perspective of people who live with wild animals. Shot in some of the world's most magnificent locales, Rhino offers complex, intimate portraits of rural Africans at the forefront of community based conservation: a revolution that is turning poachers into preservationists and local people into the stewards of their land.

Unity of Faiths: We Believe
Wednesday, November 18th
4:30pm, Exhibit in Wean Commons
6:30pm, Discussion in Wean Commons

Various student organizations on campus will create posters representing their beliefs and values.  Simply visit the exhibit, or stay for a conversation on what makes each group different, and what makes the groups the same.

Matt Forrest: Art and Faith
Thursday, November 19th
1:30pm, Exhibit Opens in UC Connan Room
3:30pm, Discussion in UC Connan Room

Local artist and CMU faculty member Matt Forrest exhibits his art, much of which is inspired by religious art in Pittsburgh’s south side churches.  Matt will also give a short presentation on some of the locations which have inspired him how his art has affected his faith experience.

Shabbat Dinner
Friday, November 20th
Meet at 6:45pm at UC Turnaround
Begins 7pm at Chabad of CMU

In Judaism, the Shabbat is honored as a day of rest, separate from the rest of the week as a time for contemplating family, community, and spirituality.  Chabad of CMU hosts a Shabbat Dinner of Challah, Kugel, and other traditional dishes.  This is also a special Chabad meal, joining together in unity with people from around the world to remember the wonderful work of the Holtzbergs and Chabad of Mumbai a year after tragedy struck.

Week 4

Thanksgiving Dinner
Monday, November 23rd
4pm-8pm, Doors Open at Rangos
5:30pm, Program for First-Year Students

Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner – turkey, yams, corn, and more!  Gather with other CMU students and discuss the things you value and what you’re thankful for.  The program at 5:30 will highlight the wider campus’ responses to these questions.  Relax as we wrap up classes and Spiritual Development Month, and ease into Thanksgiving Break.