Engaging Creationists: Should You?

Presentation by Dr. Jon Peters:

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"Unlike my other lectures, this one will not present much science but rather look into motivation and psychology of why we believe what we believe. I hope to do some audience interaction also. Those who know me may be somewhat surprised by what I have to say."

It often happens that we hear or read something about scientific origins that is so erroneous that it takes us by surprise. Do we remain silent or do we speak up?

If we decide to challenge a statement from a creationist, we should ask ourselves certain questions first. What are our goals? Are they different from the other side? How effective will we be? Are there any dangers?

We will discuss motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, and how presenting evidence can backfire against you.

Dr. Peters has been active promoting secular humanism and rational thought with the Center For Inquiry (Portland). In 2008 he founded Secular Humanists of East Portland.

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We make it worth your while to get up early on Sunday morning. =-)

Programs are presented in four broad areas relevant to Humanism:

Human Well Being

Science/Reason

Secularism

Humanities, Culture, and Morality

Sun @ HGP program details -- for this week's speaker follow this link and read the "Next Speaker" announcement on the HGP website home page, left side; for future speakers and activities, click on the "Calendar" button, upper left:

http://www.portlandhumanists.org/

Sunday Morning Schedule:

8:45 Early Bird discussion, choose topic by consensus (Garden Room)

9:45 Children join parents in East Room for simulcast

9:45 Coffee, juice and cookies (Arts and Crafts Room)

10:00 Main program, weekly speakers on topics of interest to Humanists (Keeston Room)

10:05 Humanist discussion, each week a different theme (Garden Room)

11:30 AfterThoughts: engage the speaker over light snacks (Arts and Crafts Room)

11:45 Classes, discussions, musicians, committees meet until 1:00 PM

12:15 Lunch at nearby eatery, all are welcome!

Be sure to peruse our humanist library while you're here -- books available to lend upon HGP membership.

Find more information about the Humanists of Greater Portland by clicking on the sponsor link at the left side of the webpage, then check out the full calendar of activities on HGP's main website.

All Meetup fees are paid by our sponsor through your memberships; donations toward the work of HGP are gratefully accepted.

Join us -- and bring a friend!