Conversations Among Humanists, Atheists and Religious Believers

On our first gathering of 2015 we will be participating in the United Nation's annual program, Interfaith Harmony Week (http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/). For this special occasion we will be looking at an interesting talk given by Alain de Botton (http://alaindebotton.com/) for TED ( TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world) (http://www.ted.com/) entitled Atheism 2.0. In it de Botton ponders: " What aspects of religion should atheists (respectfully) adopt? Alain de Botton suggests a "religion for atheists" — call it Atheism 2.0 — that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence." As he explores what he thinks atheists can learn from religion, it also begs the question of what can religious believers learn from humanism and atheism. It should prove to be a stimulating exchange. Hope you can make it.

You can preview the talk here. (http://www.ted.com/talks/alain_de_botton_atheism_2_0)

Have a wonderful new year and lets make 2015 better together.

Carl