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Larry Dickinson


 Larry Dickinson

Dr. Larry Dickinson is your classic nerdy entrepreneur and engineer on a personal Faith journey. Educated in Engineering and Applied Science, he has spent over 30 years researching, developing, and commercializing new plastic materials. After working at multiple large organizations (e.g. NASA, Lockheed) and small startups, he fessed up to being an entrepreneur and started a company to commercialize something. While having the worst boss he’s ever had (himself), he finally co-invented a new polymer alloy that enables desktop 3D printers to make plastic parts as strong as metal. He now seems to be conflating two separate concepts: “Living a vow of poverty” and “Running a start-up company.” He grew up in a small church in rural NC and has facilitated numerous classes in various congregations where he’s lived. His ongoing Faith Journey began in a conservative congregation of a progressive Christian denomination (UCC), and is now exploring broader perspectives with an interest in Mysticism.  



EXPERIENCES
    Activity Time Information
    Show Date
    Fri 4 Sep 2026 3:00 PM to 3:50 PM
    Title ShortThe Tension Between “Me” and “We” A Scientific/Mystical Framework
    Venue Convo Table 02
    Experience DescriptionEver since the Big Bang exploded the Universe into an existence of separateness (different particles, different energies, different wavelengths, different …), the Arrow of Time can be defined by an ever-increasing connectedness. From waves to matter, particles to planets, families to tribes, scattered hunters to gathered farmers, city-states to multi-nation organizations, spoken words to written speeches to algorithmic driven social-media; the trend is an ever-increasing inter-connectedness. Nearly 100 years ago the Christian mystic Pierre Teilhard de Chardin described this evolving union of billions of individuals to form a common shared oneness with God, while simultaneously maintaining the sense of self. Many other mystics (Buddhist, Christian, and others) have tried to teach Oneness with the Universe, or Oneness with God, but it is difficult to fully realize. But if one day we will all be one, or realize that one we already are, then what happens to the “me” in the “we”? There is intrinsic tension between the perceived loss of self and gain of else. This big picture evolution (mosaic to hologram), with its inherent tension, offers a framework from which to interpret human civilization’s perpetual inclination to blow itself apart. Let’s discuss how to use this big picture framing to understand, engage and ease that tension.
    Show Date
    Fri 4 Sep 2026 5:00 PM to 5:50 PM
    Title ShortLET’S TALK ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
    Venue Science Tent
    Experience DescriptionArtificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. The pursuit of AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is propping up our economy. The use of AI is pervading work and personal life. AI is both scary and awe-inspiring, with predictions from “curing all disease” to “ending humanity,” AI has incredible potential for both good and evil. Come share your thoughts and questions, your hopes and anxieties. This group discussion will address a range of questions and topics related to AI, and how it interacts with everything from our job to our religion. Examples may include: Just what is AI? How does it work? How is it different from just another bigger/better computer program? Is, or can it become conscious? What are some implications for Faith/God? Optionally: Do you use AI? How to best use AI? A brief How-To guide will be shared, with common tips and guidelines on how to use for more than just web searching. We’ll go through a group exercise using AI on our phones.