Putting it All Together: The Primal Will - with Dr. Steven Phelps

Putting it All Together: The Primal Will

Dr. Steven Phelps

Fri Jan 23 rd 4:00 p.m. – Sun 25 th 4:00 p.m., 2026

How did the universe come into being? This course considers a profound and often overlooked concept in the Bahá’í Writings known as “The Primal Will.”

Far from being an abstract concept, it is the cause of existence and the “inner reality of all things.” It relates to the laws of nature; the attraction and repulsion of atoms; and to the unfolding of life itself.

It is a concept that has appeared in ancient Greek philosophy, medieval Christian theology, and modern cosmology – and that bridges ancient and modern, sacred and secular, consciousness and unconscious matter. In this course, we will learn about:

* what the “Primal Will” is;

* ways it appears in the Bahá’í writings;

* its fascinating history;

* how it relates to both the Creative Word of God and the Manifestations of God;

and

* how this concept can help us make sense of our place in the universe.

Steven received dual bachelors’ degrees in physics and philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University, where he studied under the Nobel-prize-winning cosmologist Jim Peebles.  He subsequently volunteered for 13 years at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel in its Research Department, where he coordinated the indexing and collation of the Bahá’í Sacred Writings and their translation from Persian and Arabic into English.  During that period, he concurrently held an academic appointment in the Physics Department at the Technion University in Haifa and published original research on the masses of nearby galaxies.  He currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his wife and three daughters.

Event Schedule:

Friday

- 4:00-6:00 PM - Registration

- 6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00-8:00 PM - Orientation and Introduction

Saturday

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

Sunday

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 AM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Final session & farewell

Introduction to Desert Rose Winter and Spring Programs:

Our winter and spring retreats at Desert Rose focus on the in-depth study of core spiritual literature and historical texts. Set in the serene desert environment of Arizona, we enjoy a perfect winter retreat environment. These programs provide ain ideal opportunity for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Fees, Prerequisites, and Materials:

Attendees are required to register in advance, with fees covering all sessions, meals, and materials. Specific prerequisites for participation and a list of materials to be studied will be provided upon registration.

Registration:

Registration includes 6 meals, materials and accommodations in our dormitory. If you would prefer to rent a private apartment, these can be booked separately using the link bit.ly/drbi-rentals. Apartments fill up quickly and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so book quickly.

If apartments are full and you prefer not to stay in the dormitory, here is a list of nearby hotels.

Alternatively, we have boondocking-style RV parking for guests and volunteers at no additional cost. These have no power or hookups, just a water and dump station.

Transportation:

DRBI does not yet own a shuttle van but numerous shuttle and Uber options exist from the Phoenix airport only 45 minutes away.

Donations:

Support for our programs is greatly appreciated, and additional donations can be made to help us continue offering these enriching experiences. https://givebutter.com/drbiffa