Author and social researcher Dr Hugh Mackay AO will examine the thorny issue of how we find meaning and purpose in our lives when he delivers public lectures in Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga this month.The latest in the CSU Explorations Series, Dr Mackay's lectures will discuss the themes from his new book, Beyond Belief: How we find meaning, with or without religion.  He'll explore the changing role of religion in Australia and the ways we search for spiritual direction in a society where traditional religious faith and practice are in sharp decline."While our attachment to a traditional idea of God may be waning, our desire for a sense of meaning remains as strong as ever," Dr Mackay said.In the lectures, he'll identify some of the factors that have driven people away from organised religion, and examine the rise of the "spiritual but not religious" movement.Dr Mackay is an honorary Professor at CSU and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University in 1995 recognising his contribution to our understanding of Australian society during his long career as a psychologist and social researcher.Beyond Belief is his seventeenth book. The lecture at CSU in Albury-Wodonga will be held from 6 pm on Monday 15 August at the CD Blake Auditorium, building 751, room 104, near car park 2, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive in Thurgoona.The lecture in Wagga Wagga will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday 16 August at the CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross Street in Wagga Wagga.