What we’re about
Welcome to the Freethought Society (FS)!
The Freethought Society (FS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization advocating the separation of church & state, freedom of religion for all, freedom from religious intrusion, freedom of expression and freedom of choice. As freethinkers, our minds are not constrained by superstitions or prescribed dogmas that tell us what we may or may not think. We are a group of atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics, et al. who are interested in preserving the wall of separation between religion and government. We value critical thinking, the power of reason, we reject superstition/religious dogma.
FS advocates nontheist thinking because we have looked at the many theological systems that have been around since the beginning of time, and we have found them lacking. The goals of the Freethought Society are to raise awareness and acceptance of the non-theist community and provide fellowship and unique services to non-theists throughout the US and Canada.
Through a variety of events and activities, as well as monthly program meetings, FS serves as a forum in which freethinkers can learn, socialize and exchange ideas.
Our services include:
- Meetings - free & open to public (Social and Educational)
A quarterly newsletter, available for free by pdf to supporters and all interested. Just send an email to [newsletter@FtSociety.org](mailto:freethought@ftsociety.org) to add your name to the distribution list.
You can learn more about the Freethought Society’s many services and programs by visiting our website at www.ftsociety.org.
Would you like to volunteer and work with us? Email [volunteers@ftsociety.org](mailto:volunteers@ftsociety.org) for more information or to sign up.
Please visit our website at http://www.ftsociety.... for information, events, photos, services and newsletters.
This FtS meetup: https://www.meetup.com...
Our online discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.c...
Email: [freethought@ftsociety.org](mailto:freethought@ftsociety.org)
Phone 610-793-2737
As a non-profit educational and service organization, we can exist only with your generous support. You can donate online at http://www.ftsociety....
This meetup group will include all FS events. You do not have to be a member of FS to attend events or be a member of this meetup.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Building A GodLink visible for attendees
On Saturday, September 20, 2025 the Freethought Society and the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara will cohost presenter Dr. Christopher DiCarlo.
DiCarlo’s 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT presentation is entitled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.” It will be on Zoom allowing for participation from all over the world. Join us at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88193881833
In this lecture DiCarlo will talk about three things. First, he will review the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) so that everyone is roughly on the same page in reference to key terms, concepts, and issues. Second, he will explain some of the promising benefits and potential harms that such new technologies will bring to humanity. And finally, he will talk about what you, member of the public, can do to help mitigate the risks of AI. His recently published book, Building A God, will be discussed during his presentation.
DiCarlo is a philosopher, educator, and author. He is the Principal and Founder of Critical Thinking Solutions, a consulting business for individuals, corporations, and not-for-profits in both the private and public sectors. DiCarlo is also the host for All Thinks Considered, a podcast in which he engages in free and open discussion about current and important issues through the lens of critical thinking.
- The Misinformation Trap and Changing MindsLink visible for attendees
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT, the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara and the Freethought Society will cohost Melanie Trecek-King. Her presentation “The Misinformation Trap and Changing Minds: My Journey from Creationist to Biologist” will be a Zoom allowing for worldwide participation.Join us at the following at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89788090863?pwd=ZmwGUWW46fjHTnOFS8H53BPs06ITj6.1
The presentation will examine why intelligent people fall for science denial, pseudoscience, or conspiracy theories. Trecek-King will explore how cognitive biases, social influ-ences, and deeply-held beliefs can trap us in misinformation. Drawing on her own experience as a former young Earth creationist, she will explain why facts alone often fail to change minds, and how curiosity, skepticism, and empathy can help us navigate today’s complex information landscape and connect with those who disagree with us.
- The 2025 International Secular Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos SecularLink visible for attendees
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the traditional Secular Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Secular International Online Event will take place at Noon PDT/3:00 PM EDT. Please register for this event at the following Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hGs5BhhVQEOm8Y2nLodUNg
This event is hosted by David Tamayo, Margaret Downey, and Memo Benumea.
Actor, producer, and director Jon Huertas will deliver an inspiring welcome.
Tamayo will present his recorded farewell visit with the late Hector Avalos, who was a professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University, a cultural anthropologist, and the author of several books on religion. Avalos was an atheist and advocate of secular humanist ethics.
Dan Barker, the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, will honor the life and work of political cartoonist Steve Benson.
Actor, monologist, and author Julia Sweeney will deliver an appreciation of the life of singer, songwriter, and social activist Jill Sobule.
Podcaster, author, and public speaker Seth Andrews will honor the life of scientist and professor Abby Hafer.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
Best Female Hair Adornment
Best Male Hair Adornment
Best Female Face Makeup
Best Male Face Makeup
Best Zoom Box
Best OverallSponsors of the event include the Freethought Society, Hispanic American Freethinkers, American Humanist Association, the Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, Black Nonbelievers, Secular Coalition for America, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
- The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: TP's Service During the Revolutionary WarLink visible for attendees
Please plan to join us for the yearly celebration of the official birthdate of one of the most important Founder of the United States of America, Thomas Paine. The online event, entitled “The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During the Revolutionary War,” will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM PDT/7:00 PM EDT.
The logo for this event is a photo of a memorial to Thomas Paine. The memorial depicts Paine writing The American Crisis papers during the Revolutionary War. It was sculpted by Georg Lober. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey.
The January 2026 event is sponsored by the Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA), Black Nonbelievers, Thomas Paine Historical Association, Freethought Society, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Thomas Paine Society, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, American Atheists, Secular Coalition for America, American Humanist Association, and Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation for Science and Reason.
TPMA president Margaret Downey and TPMA board member Christopher Cameron will host the live online event.
Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD District 8) and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) will deliver opening words.
Little known facts about Paine’s military service will be disclosed and Jack Kelly, author of Tom Paine’s War will be the keynote speaker.
Actor Ian Ruskin will read excerpts from Paine’s The American Crisispapers, which were often written in battleground locations.
Gene Jones from Florida Veterans for Common Sense will talk about Paine’s heroism and how the government repaid his service.
A video created by caretakers of the Thomas Paine Cottage, Suzanne Tanswell and Gary Bush, will be shown. The cottage is located in New Rochelle, New York.
The Question and Answer segment will feature Thomas Paine expert Gary Berton along with TPMA Board Members Downey, Frances Chiu and Joy Masoff.
The event will end with a casual social hour and toasts to Paine’s legacy are welcomed. The first toast will come from sculptor Zenos Frudakis as he shows us the progress he has made creating a statue of Paine.
Pre-registration is required at the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw
