The Future of Religions/Religions of the Future is a two-day conference examining how two of the 21st Century’s driving forces, religion and technology, will continue to re-shape each other and, in the process, re-cast our understanding of “humanity” in the Third Millennium. Centered on, but not limited to, virtual worlds and social networking technologies, speakers and panelists will also examine changes precipitated by the biotechnology revolution, cognitive science, information technologies and robotics.

The first day’s session will focus on changes within the major world religions, with a particular focus on Islam. It will be held in Extropia, a community within Second Life dedicated to fostering a creative, collaborative community around a positive vision of the future brought about by human ingenuity, and will be moderated by Michel Manen, founder of The Al-Andalus Caliphate Project, a Second Life attempt to reconstruct 13th Century Moor Alhambra and build around this virtual space a diverse, multicultural community shaped by authentic Islamic principles which include universal ideals of democracy and human rights. The day’s session will conclude with a dance party hosted by DJ Nicki Petrichor, playing the finest in world electronica, techno and electro body music.

The second session will survey new religious movements, from the indigenous religions of game worlds to Second Life spiritual communities, and potential religions of a transhumanist future. This session will be hosted by Sophrosyne Stenvaag, Director of Marketing & External Relations for Extropia, and held in Al-Andalus. The conference will conclude with a Middle Eastern dance party hosted by DJ Cynthia Wilder [subject to confirmation].

For more information, please see http://core.extropiacore.net/?q=node/112

• Where: Extropia Core and Al Andalus Generalife, Second Life
• When: 04 June 2008 - 05 June 2008
• Add to your events: Login or register to Attend It
• Link: http://core.extropiacore.net/?q=node/112
• Submitted by: Sophrosyne Stenvaag
• Submitted: 01 May 08