With All Your Mind: SCM Annual Conference

The Student Christian Movement annual conference takes place from 10 - 12 February 2012, at York St John University.

Issues covered will include: What is Higher Education for? What does my degree have to do with my faith? Does wisdom only come with age? Can knowledge be dangerous? Where does theology meet everyday life? Is education a human right? Can science and religion coexist? What does it mean to live mindfully? How can I make a difference in the world?

In the midst of education cuts and tuition fee hikes, SCM invites you to join the conversation about wisdom, education and knowledge. Book your place now!

Kester Brewin is the confirmed speaker. He is a mathematician, author and founder member of the London based collective Vaux. In 2004 he wrote the highly acclaimed book The Complex Christ, which was described as 'perhaps the best book yet on the emerging church' and has become a set text on many ministry training courses.

In June 2010 his second book 'Other: Loving Self, God and Neighbour in a World of Fractures' was published by Hodder and Stoughton. It has been described by leading US theologian Phyllis Tickle as "a brilliant work," highly praised by Peter Rollins, Shane Claiborne and Maggi Dawn, and led to Brian McLaren hailing Kester as "one of the leading public theologians for a new generation of thoughtful Christians."

He is currently working on a book exploring piracy which asks why, while people are being kidnapped off the Somali coast, are we happy for our children to dress as a pirates? Drawing on sources from Peter Pan to Star Wars, the book will attempt to explain our continued fascination with piracy, and explore why, in an age of ‘Occupy Wall Street’ and computer hacking pirates may be important signifiers of cultures and economies that have become ‘blocked.’

Kester writes regularly for the national education press, and is a consultant for BBC education. He hopes to have his first novel, Nothing, published shortly.

Workshops include: Should a Christian be a scientist? Facilitated by Dr Ruth Bancewicz from The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. How do science and faith fit together? Why do some historians think science has Christian roots? And why should a Christian be a scientist today? Can science enhance our worship of God? Will include video clips & stories of scientists who see science as their vocation. Be prepared to think!

An Introduction to Practical Theology, facilitated by Rev Prof Paul Ballard, Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University and Co-author, with John Pritchard, Practical Theology in Action (SPCK) and Lesley Husselbee, Community and Ministry (SPCK).

The cost of the conference is £45 for the weekend, which includes crash-pad accommodation and all meals. There is a discounted rate available for people attending conference for the first time, SCM members and those on a low income. We don't want anyone to be put off by the cost of the event, or the type of accommodation on offer, so please do contact the office to discuss your requirements.

For more information contact: scm@movement.org.uk
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or visit: www.movement.org.uk/