For more details, visit: https://iarf.net/events/event/free-religion-history-and-evolution-to-the-present-day-between-science-and-spirituality-free-religion-in-the-age-of-modernity/



This lecture explores how Free Religion navigated the tensions of modernity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as scientific discoveries, industrialization, and social change reshaped the world. Free Religion sought to reconcile reason with spirituality, creating a faith that embraced both scientific progress and ethical living.

Key themes include:



The impact of Darwinism, secularization, and urbanization on Free Religious thought and practice.



The evolution of Free Religion’s core principles, including its emphasis on personal conscience, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.



The role of women and feminist movements in shaping Free Religion, as they challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for equality.



The emergence of global connections, including early collaborations with liberal religious movements abroad, foreshadowing Free Religion’s later involvement in the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF).



By the end of this lecture, you will understand how Free Religion adapted to the challenges of modernity while remaining true to its founding ideals of reason, freedom, and tolerance. You will also see how its values laid the groundwork for its continued relevance in the 20th century and beyond.

For more details, visit: https://iarf.net/events/event/buddhism-and-free-religion-the-six-paramitas-1/



Six perfections of the Mahayana path: practices to cultivate wisdom and compassion, leading beings from suffering to awakening.The first three paramitas—Generosity, Ethical Conduct, and Patience—focus on transforming our relationship with the world and others. Dāna (Generosity) breaks our attachment and builds connection through giving. Śīla (Ethical Conduct) provides the stable foundation by disciplining harmful actions and living harmoniously. Kṣānti (Patience) is the armor against anger, teaching us to endure hardship, accept truth, and forgive others. Together, they cultivate the virtuous, resilient, and open-hearted character essential for spiritual progress, turning our outward conduct into a vehicle for compassion.

For more details, visit: https://iarf.net/events/event/free-religion-history-and-evolution-to-the-present-day-surviving-the-storm-free-religion-in-the-20th-century/



This lecture examines the challenges and transformations of Free Religion during the turbulent 20th century, a period marked by war, persecution, and societal upheaval. Despite these obstacles, Free Religion demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting its principles to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Key themes include:





The impact of World War I and the Weimar Republic on Free Religious communities, including their struggle to maintain relevance in an era of political and social instability.





The persecution of Free Religion under the Nazi regime, as its emphasis on reason, tolerance, and individual freedom clashed with the totalitarian ideology of the Third Reich.





The post-war renewal of Free Religion, as communities sought to rebuild and redefine their mission in a divided Germany.





The role of Free Religion in the global liberal religious movement, including its growing involvement in the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and its contributions to interfaith dialogue and human rights.





By the end of this lecture, you will understand how Free Religion survived and adapted to the challenges of the 20th century, emerging as a vibrant and relevant force in the modern world. You will also gain insights into the resilience of liberal religious movements in the face of adversity.