The Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER) is a research division of the Center for Inquiry. Since its 1983 founding in Washington, DC, the Committee has worked to encourage humanistic, critical and non-parochial approaches to the study of religious traditions and institutions and to develop programs that promote the public understanding of religion in an international context.
CSER is an international research and educational consultation comprising members (appointed fellows) of the Committee who are nominated by an executive board. The current Chair of CSER is Dr. R. Joseph Hoffmann, who succeeded Dr. Gerald Larue in January 2004.
CSER examines the claims of Eastern and Western religions and of well-established and newer sects and denominations in the light of scientific inquiry. The committee is interdisciplinary, and includes specialists in Biblical and Quranic studies, the history of religion, archaeology, linguistics, anthropology, the social sciences, and philosophy. Its fellows and consultants represent a variety of secular and religious traditions. While its perspective is broadly humanistic, the Committee values the academic contributions of critical scholarship regardless of orientation. Its motto, from Seneca, "Ignis aurum probat" ("Fire proves gold") suggests the importance assigned to critical method and scholarly debate in its activities.
CSER activities include the following:
- The sponsorship of conferences and seminars at university sites in the United States and abroad.
- Short courses and seminars held in conjunction with the Center for Inquiry or its affiliated organizations.
- In cooperation with Prometheus Books the publication of classic works of religious studies scholarship and newer titles in the critical study of religion.
- Beginning fall 2006, the publication of a Quarterly Review in print and web formats,CSER.
The mission statement of CSER provides information about its guiding principles and commitments and a summary of its history.
While membership of CSER is reserved to those having the status of fellow of the Committee, it is possible to become an Associate of the Committee. Associates receive the publications of the Committee, including the CSER Review, at a discounted rate and receive regular updates concerning activities. The annual membership fee for Associate status is $40, and includes subscription to CSER and 15% discount to all CSER-sponsored events.
Information about the publications listed above and discounted rates for libraries and professional societies is available from the CSER membership secretary at the following address:
CSER
Gwyn MacRae
Center for Inquiry International P.O. Box 741
Amherst, NY 14226
(716) 636-4869 ext. 407
gmacrae@centerforinquiry.net
