Moderated by Ebby Elahi, MD, FACS Prof. James W. Morris Dept. of Theology, Boston College Prof. Jawid Mojaddedi Dept. of Religion, Rutgers University Prof. Simon Weightman Dept. of the Study of Religions, Univeristy of London Musical Performance by Emmanuel During & Ensemble The history of humanity is deeply intertwined with a search for transcendence and existential meaning. Yet, the increased modernization of societies has resulted in the distancing of spiritual thought from mainstream pragmatism. Within this secular environment, individual spiritual experience is repeatedly challenged by society and science alike. Modern neuropsychology attributes the mystical experience to biological phenomena, but fails to address the existential angst of genuine seekers. Both scientists and philosophers have long attempted to reconcile these seemingly disparate realms without abandoning rationality or devaluing the significance of subjective experience. The panel will examine the scholarly body of mystical literature, contemporary and ancient, and its relationship to culture and society throughout time. Location: University Club of New York, One West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 More PREVIOUS EVENTTimeless Beauty NEXT EVENTThe Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Case for the Existence of the Soul