Set in the creative hub of the historic city that is Belfast, the Idolatry of God event has been carefully curated to provide a stage upon which the most innovative and paradigm shifting evolution in Christian thought and practice can be presented. Calling into question the most basic assumptions concerning faith that are shared by theists and atheists alike a radical form of faith collective will be explored that has the potential of usurping the dying church in its currently existing form. This four day mini-festival of ideas represents the culmination of my work to date and will provide a forum to explore its future development.
Blending incendiary ideas with music, art, reflections and conversation we will create a hot-house designed to feed the intellect as well as speak to the soul. Award winning musician Duke Special, internationally acclaimed peace activist Jay Bakker, BBC TV and Radio journalist William Crawley and the academic Katherine Moody are among the participants, as well a some surprise guests yet to be announced.
I appreciate that flights to Ireland aren’t cheap and that your time is valuable. Indeed many people have wondered why I didn’t do this event in the US were we could have had a much bigger and more profitable event. But it is important for me to do this in the land where my work was forged and in the very site where we experimented with the development of ikon.
We often expect the new paths to snake out from the cultural centres of power. But the practice of pyrotheology, while deeply influenced by streams of thought coming from elsewhere, was born in Belfast. It didn’t arise in a cultural capitol, but in a land ravaged by a conflict that destroyed countless lives. A land that once seemed hopeless but that has recently experienced an unexpected renaissance. Because of this the city provides a perfect backdrop to explore the death of church and its potential resurrection. The story of death, decay and rebirth that we will be exploring in the sessions is one that mimics what we see in the very streets of Belfast.
I believe that this is an important event for everyone interested in Future Church. So if you can’t afford the cost, but are part of a community that might be interested in the ideas, then you might consider asking if they could help you finance the trip. Or, if you know someone who should be here and would like to help them please let them, and us, know. Alternatively, if you are an organisation that would like to sponsor this event, please let me know and we can use any money to help provide subsidies.
Click here to buy a ticket or click here to follow the Facebook event page (where you can get more information)
And the US version of this is happening when?!?
Pete- Your book is starting a fire here in SLC. If the planets line up right, I’m going to make it to the IOGE. Thanks again for what you are doing!
There definitely seems to be much more going on with your work, truly wish you all the best at this event, even though I have given slight pushback or reaction. Thank you for sharing with the states and “blessings” to you with the continuing of it back home. Grace.peace.cheers.
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