Shepherd University’s Nexus of Science and Spirit combines two disciplines often separated in society. One of more than 300 local societies worldwide, Shepherd’s Nexus explores the intersection of science, religion, philosophy, music, art, and technology in the present, past and future. The group hosts events and lectures by national speakers, civil servants and other public figures.
In April and May, Nexus of Science and Spirit presents a series of events to engage the audience’s head, heart and hands. On April 9 it’s “Global Warming, Science, and Spirit: Questions, Answers, and Dialogue.” Shepherdstown resident and philosopher, Dr. Farzad Mahootian, who organizes the local Nexus activities, will present a slideshow and facilitate this evening’s discussion.
The event is scheduled as a preliminary to Earth Day, April 22. “We will start a few weeks early to express appreciation of our dynamic, beautiful and terrifying planet, the alpha and omega that supports and surrounds our every step and holds our every breath,” said Mahootian. “The International Panel on Climate Change has declared that global warming is unequivocal, which is to say, it is a fact. After briefly surveying a slideshow of some of the evidence, we will discuss the significance of global warming. In our discussion we will consider the personal, social, and political impacts, as well as the psychological and spiritual impacts of global warming.”
On April 26, the focus turns to the connections between mathematics and art from ancient Greece to the modern era, in a presentation called “The Sky Within: Mathematics and Art of Persian Dome Interiors.” This lecture presents examples from the art and architecture of Iran.  In Persian architecture, geometry provided diverse stylistic developments for construction and design, as well to evoke an emotional response by harmonization of the constructional elements. Through complex geometric designs involving repetition, rhythm, pacing, scale, and color combination, Persian artists and architects transformed geometry into the art of harmonization of feeling, faith and philosophy.
Reza Sarhangi will present a slideshow, and a variety of geometrical sculptures and artwork during his lecture. Dr. Sarhangi is the director of Bridges: Mathematical Connections in Art, Music, and Science, an international conference that he founded in 1995. For information, see pages.towson.edu/gsarhang.
The May 8 event is titled “A Taste of Rumi and Sufism,” a celebration of the 800th anniversary of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi’s birth and UNESCO’s International Year of Rumi. The program includes Rumi’s  poetry and a brief introduction to Sufism and the  Mevlevi (whirling) dervishes. The Mevlevi sufis are his spiritual heirs, and have influenced many modern philosophers. All events will be held at Shepherd University Byrd Center at 7:00 pm and are free to the public. For information see: webpages.shepherd.edu/fmahooti/Metanexus.