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Welcome

Common Ground is a center for inquiry, study, and dialogue. Our primary concern is the human quest for understanding and the human pursuit of significance. While our endeavor began with the study of world religions and the commitment to inter-faith dialogue, our range of program offerings has been greatly expanded over the past several years.

Today, our primary focus is on the world's great cultural, philosophical, religious, and spiritual traditions and their implications for every dimension of human experience. Our course offerings include a tremendous variety of topics, including, but not limited to: history, literature, art, science, psychology, business, relationship, health, and personal growth. Our programs are shaped to meet the needs of all who are excited by ideas and serious about the quest.

Common Ground is for those who are already deeply grounded in their own traditions and for those who are still searching. It is a place for all who are fascinated by the convergence of the ancient with the modern, of East with West, and of spirituality with planetary reality. Common Ground brings together a knowledge of the past and a vision of the future for a better understanding of the present.

Common Ground is a fully registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

WELCOME

Welcome to Common Ground web site.

We hope you'll take the time to explore a bit and to discover the many features that will enhance your browsing experience.

We look forward to your comments and suggestions. Just click "Contact" and send us your responses, questions, or ideas.

And please note the Common Ground Annual Campaign is ongoing. We need your help to try to balance our budget as we begin a new fiscal year and a new season of programs! We work hard to keep tuition low. Your generosity makes that possible.

Peace,

Jim Kenney and Ron Miller

Recent news

8/27/2008      THE NEW COMMON GROUND CHAIR

CG is delighted to announce an exciting new programming dimension. Each year, we will select a distinguished area scholar to fill the Common Ground Chair. Each year, the Chair will address a different topic area and be held by a different scholar.

The Chair holder will be responsible for read more »

8/27/2008      Fall Meditation Retreat (Note)

The Fall Meditation Retreat will be held at Techny Center from Friday evening, 10/17, through Sunday afternoon, 10/19. Please note correct prices. The printed bulletin was in error. Single room: $225; Double room: $200; Day registration: $125. A non-refundable deposit of $75 must be received by Friday, October 3. Final read more »

8/27/2008      NEW at CG: Programs in Spiritual Practice

CG now offers three different programs focused on spiritual practice.

Inward Journeys
Saturday mornings, call CG for dates
Jai Luster
No charge; free-will offering goes to group leader and Common Ground.
Practice: 1. Thirty minutes of ecumenical teaching stories and group discussion. 2. Thirty Minutes of breathing, gentle chair
read more »

8/25/2008      NEW: Morning Workshop at the Theosophical Society

Jim Kenney will conduct a 3-week workshop on "The Religion-Science Wars". Dates: October 15-29, 10:00 am – noon. Check the calendar listing for the course description.

Enrollment is only for the complete series. Preregister by phone (630-668-1571, ext. 300) or mail. $40 guests (vegetarian lunch available for $6 if notified read more »

8/24/2008      Sponsorships, Honors, and Memorials

CG is grateful for the generous support of these contributors over the past several months.

The family of Donald B. Cohen—Supporting the Donald B. Cohen Memorial Lecture

Lydia and Marvin Marder—In honor of Betty and Reinald Werrenrath on their wedding anniversary

Jim and Cetta Kenney—in honor of Kay Dodd’s read more »

Read all news articles »

Upcoming Events

9/10/2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM FLOSSMOOR: Decision 2008—Election PreviewCommon Ground Flossmoor
9/12/2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CG CHICAGO: Torah for Today—Aviva ZornbergCommon Ground Chicago
9/16/2008 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Divine Politics (4 weeks; no class 9/30)Common Ground Deerfield
9/17/2008 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Spiritual Giants in Tandem (6 wks)Common Ground Deerfield
9/17/2008 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CG LECTURE • Torah for Today: Aviva ZornbergCommon Ground Deerfield
View all events »