Asking (al)mighty big questions

If you’re of an age or temperament where you find yourself wondering about the ultimate questions of life and death, an upcoming presentation in Newport might be a place to sort a few things out for yourself.

Author Frank Geltner, former director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, will return to Newport this Sunday, Oct. 4, to host a discussion of his new book, “Godscience: The Conscience and Science of God,” at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. There is no charge for the presentation.

In an interview from his new home in Florida, Geltner said that the Oregon Coast “attracts a lot of retirees looking for stimulating conversation.” He thinks his book is “for everyone,” but might be especially attractive to “those who find themselves seeking out information about the more than 400 theories of consciousness” known to humankind.

In preparation for writing, Geltner took an online course through Harvard Divinity School in order to cement his “spiritual literacy,” he said. He was reminded of what he calls “the so-called proverbial gap between science and religion.”

Geltner took that dichotomy as a challenge and tried through his book to show there might really be no gap at all. He said those who are atheistic in their thinking can be as engaged as those with a theistic bent in pursuing questions of “why are we here; what’s it all about.”

Geltner has sweetened his invitation with a free offer. The first three people to accept a copy of the book are encouraged to give a five-minute reflection for the group on October 4. As of mid-September, one Oregon Coast TODAY reader had taken Geltner up on his offer. Two free copies were still waiting to be claimed at the maritime center’s front desk.

Sunday’s presentation begins at 10:30 am at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. For more information, go to www.godscience.net.