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
3
•OnlineThe 2025 International Secular Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Secular
OnlineOn 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.
14 attendees
•OnlineThe Times That Tried Men’s Souls: TP's Service During the Revolutionary War
OnlinePlease plan to join us for the yearly celebration of the official birthdate of one of the most important founders 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 PST/7:00 PM EST. Here is the registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw
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
14 attendees
Past events
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