Astronism & The Future of Religion Lecture Event

Cometan invites you to hear him speak publicly about Astronism for the first time. He will also explore the deep history between astronomy and religion and he will propose what the future of religion may look like.

The lecture will explore three key areas:

- Firstly, Cometan will explain the historical relationship between astronomy and religion in an effort to demonstrate the existence of a long undermined and under-researched religious tradition that he has named the Astronic tradition.

- Secondly, Cometan will introduce Astronism, a new religious movement and philosophy that he dedicated himself to the founding of from the age of 15. Cometan will explain the main beliefs of Astronism, how it relates to prehistoric astronomical religions, and how it interacts with the movement to space exploration.

- Finally, Cometan will explore the question of what religion may look like in the future, drawing from ideas such as religious commercialisation and the rise of atheism and irreligiosity concurrent to the growth of the group describing themselves as 'spiritual but not religious'.

Where: Penwortham Arts Centre, Liverpool Rd, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9XE

When: Thursday 30th April from 7pm to ~9pm (doors open from 6:30pm - meet Cometan before the lecture and enjoy the refreshments on offer)

How much: Adult Ticket = £10, Concession (age 65+) = £8, Concession (age 15-21) = £8

Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) are included in the ticket price. Additionally, The Venue's bar will be open all evening for you to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact us at the following email: [email protected]

Event Structure:

- 1 hour lecture beginning at 7pm

- 5 minute comfort break

- 25 minute conclusion to the lecture

- 15 minutes of questions and answers

- 15 minute audience discussion on a chosen theme (Theme will be: Do we need to move away from Earth-centric religious beliefs?)

Other information:

- Due to the length and topic of the lecture, we wouldn't recommend this event for any person under the age of 15 unless the person has a significant interest in the subject area.

- The lecture and debate will be recorded throughout.

- Some parking is available in the lay-by right outside the Arts Centre. Alternatively, attendees are advised to park down Hill Road or behind the shops on Liverpool Road down Kew Gardens or on The Fleece pub car park.

About The Lecturer:

Cometan is a 21 year old University of Central Lancashire graduate who achieved a 1st Class Degree in Business and Marketing. He has set his sights on becoming a lecturer and public speaker on religion, philosophy, business and theology. He has spent years studying religion autodidactically, but has recently embarked on a Masters Degree course at UCLan followed by a full-time P.h.D. Programme. Other key points of interest for Cometan are writing (he has published books across fiction and non-fiction), music (he has played the piano since he was 11), and travelling the world interacting with different cultures (Cometan went to China in 2018 and more recently visited Hong Kong).

Terms & Conditions:

The topics of religion and philosophy are understandably sensitive areas for some individuals whom have strong opinions and beliefs. Of course, those individuals are welcome to share their views so long as they do not insult another person and their beliefs. To ensure that every person attending the event comes with the right mindset, we ask that each person's views are respected so that a civilised debate can comfortably take place. The point of a lecture event is to educate and the debate section can be used as a teachable moment for all whom attend so that those with differing opinions and beliefs can interact with one another. Any person that does not follow these rules will be politely asked to the leave the event.