Wilmette Institute

by Stephen Friberg

For more than a decade, the Science, Religion, and the Bahá’í Faith course has been a regular offering of the Wilmette Institute. With deliberations on the Bahá’í principle of the harmony of science and religion and discussions of how religion relates to technology, the hard sciences, the social sciences, and prominent issues in the philosophy of science, the course has been characterized by engagement with texts and energetic Zoom discussions with participants from across the planet. The 2023 update of the course starts on August 16th.

This year, we were joined by Melanie Craig, a graduate student taking the course for credit. Melanie is currently completing a double major in Bahá’í Studies and Religion and Theology at the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. After completing her Masters, Melanie plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Science and Religion, integrating science with Bahá’í and Christian theology to yield insights into overcoming and preventing trauma. We had the wonderful privilege of her giving a talk for her final essay of the Masters-level course, entitled A Lamp in the Darkness: How Bahá’í Communities Can Uplift Individuals Lost in the Darkness of Trauma. You can watch her 33-minute presentation below.

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Contributors

Melanie Craig

Melanie Craig has previous degrees in Chiropractic, Nutrition and Biochemistry. For six years, she managed a clinic that specialized in patients with a history of trauma and at least one chronic condition which had not previously responded to medical treatment. She and her staff helped patients process their trauma so that their bodies could function properly again and medicine could work for them. She is currently double majoring in Bahá’í Studies and Religion and Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. After completing her Masters in May, Melanie plans to pursue a PhD in Science and Religion starting in the fall of 2023. Her research integrates science with Bahá’í and Christian theology to yield insights into overcoming and preventing trauma.

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