May 19-22, 2027
The Futureof MeaningConference
Join us in the beautiful and historic city of Savannah, Georgia, for three days of inspiring spiritual philosophy, memorable fellowship, and uplifting music. This unique conference promises to be a sacred and transformative event.
Conference Description
The Future of Meaning
The Philosophical Renewal of
Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
Inspiring new forms of philosophy are appearing in our time, philosophies that offer renewed hope for our search for meaning in the modern world. A common theme of these emerging philosophies is the crucial role of values in the ongoing evolution of our universe.
By showing how truth, beauty, and goodness are cosmic realities that are essential to a truly scientific worldview, these fresh forms of philosophy can help us transcend both materialistic thinking and the retreat into various forms of fundamentalism.
This intellectually rich conference is being held entirely within the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, May 19-22, 2027. Our gathering of scholars and enthusiasts of spiritual philosophy promises to be a sacred and transformative event. The conference's holistic focus on truth, beauty, and goodness will integrate philosophy with music, contemplation, fellowship, and group activities.
Why attend?Confirmed Speakers
In Person
Iain McGilchrist
Psychiatrist, philosopher, and author exploring attention, imagination, and the divided brain's role in culture.
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Ilia Delio
Theologian and Franciscan scholar working at the intersection of evolution, consciousness, technology, and Christian renewal.
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John Haught
Theologian and author known for work on science, cosmology, evolution, and the philosophical depth of religious hope.
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Stephen Blackwood
Founding president of Ralston College, devoted to liberal education, classical learning, and freedom of thought.
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Steve McIntosh
Developmental philosopher and author focused on cultural evolution, values, consciousness, and spiritual philosophy.
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Andrew M. Davis
Philosopher and theologian whose work draws on process thought, metaphysics, and constructive approaches to meaning.
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Robert Nicastro
Philosopher and writer contributing to conversations on spiritual philosophy, culture, and the renewal of meaning.
Read bioAnd more to come...
Live Virtual
Robert Lawrence Kuhn will join us at the beginning, and on Friday we will be treated to a dialogue between the two great scholars David Bentley Hart and Sarah Coakley.
Robert Lawrence Kuhn
Creator and host of Closer To Truth, engaging leading thinkers on consciousness, cosmology, philosophy, and ultimate questions.
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Sarah Coakley
Theologian, philosopher of religion, and Anglican priest whose work explores desire, contemplation, science, and Christian thought.
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David Bentley Hart
Philosopher, theologian, translator, and essayist writing across metaphysics, beauty, consciousness, and Christian thought.
Read bioHistoric United Methodist Church
The conference will be held at Savannah's historic Trinity Church on Telfair Square, built in 1848. Trinity Church is a prime architectural example of the Victorian Greek Revival style. It is similar to the design of Wesley Chapel in London. And what better place for a philosophy conference than an American-style Greek temple?
Ralston College
The conference is being convened in association with Savannah's Ralston College, a private liberal arts institution founded by Stephen Blackwood in 2010. The college positions itself as an alternative to traditional higher education, emphasizing an absolute commitment to freedom of thought, speech, and the pursuit of truth within the Western intellectual tradition. Dr. Iain McGilchrist serves as Ralston's Chancellor.
Historic Savannah Georgia
The conference will take place in Savannah's famous Historic District, a 2.5-square-mile living museum in Georgia featuring 22 scenic squares, cobblestone streets, and massive oaks with Spanish moss. Established in 1733, it is a National Historic Landmark filled with colonial, Victorian, and Georgian architecture, renowned for its museums and turbulent history.
Convening Organizations
The conference is being co-organized by three nonprofit organizations: The Institute for Developmental Philosophy, The Center for Process Studies, and The Center for Christogenesis. We are also convening the conference in association with Savannah's Ralston College.
Why You Should Attend The Future of Meaning Conference
In an age marked by fragmentation, cynicism, and spiritual exhaustion, our Future of Meaning Conference offers something increasingly rare: a gathering of thoughtful people committed to the serious pursuit of wisdom. This is not merely an academic conference, but a living encounter with ideas that can create direct spiritual experience. Surrounded by the exquisite beauty of Savannah and joined by fellow scholars, seekers, and thought leaders, attendees will participate in conversations that illuminate truth, awaken moral imagination, and build lasting friendships. If you yearn to engage profound ideas in the company of intellectually rigorous and spiritually alive people like yourself, we invite you to join this emerging community devoted to the future of meaning.
Reserve your place in Savannah.
Space is expected to be limited to approximately 250 participants.
The conference will begin on the evening of May 19th at 7:00 PM and will finish on the fourth day, May 22nd around 12:30 PM.
Conference registration is $290, which includes the full program, Wednesday night through Saturday morning, an opening reception with a hosted bar, and a musical concert and evening reception at Ralston College. Accommodations and meals in Savannah are not included.
Participation is intentionally limited to foster meaningful dialogue and conversation. We encourage early registration.