It may be hard to imagine a group of scientists, religious professors and philosophers sitting down and having a meaningful discussion about the environment and how they feel about it. Often, when these three departments get together there is more debate than positive discussions. However, this is not the case for the Terra Nova Community at Elon. While the three perspectives are very different, those who are within the community find that it is refreshing and insightful to talk about the other views.

The Terra Nova Community began at Elon two years ago by professors in the science, religious and philosophy departments. The community belongs to the Local Society Initiative, which is a worldwide organization. The main focus of the community is to draw ideas and discussions from each of the departments to gain more knowledge from the other, especially concerning the environment.

For the first time, the three disciplines gathered together and held a conference, including nine speakers from the different departments. On March 5 and 6, Elon welcomed both local and global speakers to a conference titled Scientific and Spiritual Collaboration for the Sake of the Environment: Scientific, Religious, and Philosophical Perspectives. Most of the speeches were concerning biology, evolution and different religions.

The conference was more focused on spirituality, Dr. Martin Fowler, lecturer of philosophy said. I would like to see more science to add a different balance.

Fowler, who is also one of the founders of the community, said that the conference had a good turnout that included many students, faculty and staff members. While all the speakers were quite opposite, they have found a way to appreciate what the others are saying and to see their side of things.

We need to find ways to talk to each other and not against, Fowler said. As a philosopher, Fowler sees himself as the middleman between science and spirituality, because his discipline draws ideas from each.

Most departments are so concerned with their own agendas, but the Terra Nova Community tries to draw connections from each to find an equal balance of ideas. He also believes that through their discussions, the community is performing a service to others, based on the different traditions each discipline represents.

We have new ideas for the upcoming year, and would like to see more student research as well Fowler said. Aside from their monthly meetings they have a book discussion planned for April 4.

Fowler and the other members of the community believe they can enrich each other, disagree and agree and in the end, learn from one another to make the environment a better place.

Reporter: Laurie Craft - 03/15/07