What we’re about
This Meetup is a coalition of most of the Bay Area Freethought groups. We post our various meetings, hoping that people will find groups that suit their outlook. A number of Skeptical meetings are also posted here. We're an "umbrella" for a few locations at once: SF, North, East, and South Bays, and the Peninsula.
Some groups post their meetings as recurring, meaning you will see several meetings listed as upcoming. But most post their meetings a couple of weeks before the event. This can give the appearance that meetings are dominated by the groups with recurring events.
For science events, check out http://wonderfest.org
Upcoming events (3)
See all- The Humanist Bible: Secular Scripture for FreethinkersLink visible for attendees
Last October, White Christian Nationalists took control of the U.S. House of Representatives when Mike Johnson was elected as the new Speaker. Johnson supports a nationwide ban on abortion, among other extremist positions. Speaker Johnson has said: “Any issue under the sun. . .pick up a Bible. . .that’s my worldview.”
What "secular scripture" does a Humanist pick up? Is there a “Humanist Bible”? If so, what is in its pages? Are we writing that bible for ourselves and our world today? (hint: both Jefferson and Emerson owned secular scriptures). Could a Humanist Bible be a powerful resource to push back the tide of superstitious religion and Christian Nationalism that threaten our secular democracy? What is in your Humanist Bible?
About Chris Highland
Chris Highland is a freethinking humanist teacher and writer in North Carolina. He was a progressive minister and interfaith chaplain in the Bay Area for many years. Author of over 25 books, including Humanist Meditations, Chris writes a weekly "Highland Views" column for the Asheville Citizen-Times (in the USA Today network). He teaches courses on Freethought and Humanism at the Reuter Center (on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Asheville). He has given lectures on the dangers of Christian Nationalism at a synagogue and a liberal church, teaching on the subject in two college programs.He is a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Humanist Association. Chris is also a Humanist Celebrant. He and his wife, Carol Hovis, a Presbyterian minister, counselor, and former director of the Marin Interfaith Council, moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2016.
For more information on Chris' books and blogs:
“Friendly Freethinker" (www.chighland.com). - Society Without God: What the Least Religious Societies Can Tell Us...Link visible for attendees
This is a Book Group. Reading the book is useful for participation but not mandatory.
Join us on video chat as we discuss this month's book, details below. Newcomers are always welcome, as are new book suggestions. A Zoom link will be visible to those who RSVP.
PLEASE NOTE that no one will be admitted after the first 30 minutes of the meeting in order to avoid disrupting the discussion.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure to add any +1s, and to change your RSVP early if you can't make it.
ABOUT Society Without God: What the Least Religious Societies Can Tell Us About Contentment by Phil Zuckerman
Zuckerman formally interviewed nearly 150 Danes and Swedes of all ages and educational backgrounds over the course of fourteen months, beginning in 2005. He was particularly interested in the worldviews of people who live their lives without religious orientation. How do they think about and cope with death? Are they worried about an afterlife? What he found is that nearly all of his interviewees live their lives without much fear of the Grim Reaper or worries about the hereafter. This led him to wonder how and why it is that certain societies are nonreligious in a world that seems to be marked by increasing religiosity. Drawing on prominent sociological theories and his own extensive research, Zuckerman ventures some interesting answers.
See past Book Group Selections at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rOYjJXpE_ixZg6F9YezAFSQrWBQxMR251tNrkARVJVw/edit# - Secular Advocacy Day 2024Link visible for attendees
✊🏻 Be Heard!
Secular Advocacy Day is about connecting our community with California's lawmakers. Establishing a dialogue with those who write and vote on legislation is the most effective way to be heard.
Our event starts with information and training on several important bills that we believe are vital to reproductive rights, social justice, and the quality of life in California.
We'll then split you into groups (with others in your district) to join online meetings with your elected officials later that morning.
📃 Bills We're Supporting
Each year we select pending legislation to support that is important to the secular community.
This year's bills are:
- AB-2924 (Prohibits Underage Marriage)
- AB-798 (Prevents Female Genital Mutilation)
- AB-2339 (Improves Telehealth Access)
Learn more about these bills at our website.
🎫 Registration
Registration is $10, free for students.
To attend, you must register at least one week in advance through Eventbrite: https://freethoughtday2024a.eventbrite.com