About us
This is a community-led group that fosters stimulating conversations between people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Events in this group will range between cross-posted events with other philosophy/conversation groups, or volunteer-hosted events on Sundays.
If you have a topic suggestion for a event or if you are interested in hosting an event of your own, please reach out and we'll make it happen! Hope to chat with you soon.
Upcoming events
279
DHS Shutdown and Other Current Events
·OnlineOnlineThis is a cross-post from the Straight Talk About Politics Group. Original group can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/straight-talk-about-politics-and-more/events/313987169Please sign up for the event in the original group, linked just above. The Zoom link will only be posted there to help guard against Zoom bombers. Thank you for understanding.
The Department of Homeland Security has now been shut down for more than six weeks, after Congress failed to agree on a budget. At the center of the dispute is immigration policy, with Democrats pushing to “rein in ICE.” Multiple attempts to pass funding legislation have failed, and even a Senate-approved compromise is now stalled in the House. The consequences are significant: tens of thousands of workers are unpaid, airport security operations are under strain due to staffing shortages, security screening wait times are hours long at some major airports, and smaller airports may even be temporarily closed.
Closely tied to this is the broader issue of political gridlock in Congress, which reflects a deeper and more troubling trend: growing political division across the country. What used to be differences of opinion are increasingly viewed as a battle of good vs. evil, hyperbole has become the rule, dialogue an exception, and political rallies, such as No Kings, have become a purpose in themselves, rather than a means to demand change.
At the same time, the military action of the United States in Iran is continuing, with no end in site yet. Besides the obvious geopolitical and economic implications, the situation is also influencing domestic politics, as lawmakers debate war powers, funding, and national security priorities. The DHS shutdown has intensified these concerns, with experts warning that reduced staffing could weaken preparedness during a time of heightened risk.
On a somewhat different note, recent landmark lawsuits against Meta and Google have dramatically increased scrutiny of the tech industry. Juries have found both companies liable in cases alleging that their platforms were designed in ways that harmed young users’ mental health, awarding damages and opening the door to thousands of similar lawsuits.
And the International Olympic Committee has decided that, starting with the LA 2028 Olympics, "Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females determined on the basis of a one‑time SRY gene screening."
So, what is your opinion on any of these issues? Or do you have your own pet topic? Come and share your take in a passionate, but respectful discussion. Or just bring your popcorn, sit back, and listen to the others talk it over.
Zoom credentials will be provided on the day of the event.
5 attendees
Theology & Apologetics - Weekly Thursday Discussion
·OnlineOnline**This is a cross-post from ONLINE Theology & Apologetics Discussion**
https://www.meetup.com/theology-1/ONLINE MEETING INFORMATION
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87017563332
Password = 123456A Discussion Group (Not a Bible Study)
Although we do discuss the Bible, this group is not a Bible study; it is a discussion group.
We discuss topics regarding religious faith, practice and experience including the following: Christian theology; the Bible; Atheism and other Skeptics; Islam; Mormonism; Charismatic theology; Calvinism and Reformed theology; Dispensationalism; End-Times Eschatology; King James Onlyism; Mysticism; Universalism; Separation of Church and State; ethics; etc. Topics are decided by those attending so bring a list of your favorites.
Everyone is welcome to join the group. Many perspectives are represented ranging from born-again Christians to Atheists and other skeptics and non-believers. We have spirited discussions and debates but we do so in a friendly and respectful manner.
You are welcome to participate in the discussions or just listen. Be prepared to be challenged (so come with a thick skin). And feel free to challenge the beliefs, assumptions and thoughts of others in a respectful way.
A Note about Attendance
Many new people ask, "Will you and I be the only ones there? Nobody else has RSVP'd." Most of the attendees of this group have been coming for a long time and do not bother to RSVP. There are typically about 6 to 12 people who show up each week.A Note to Christians
This is your opportunity to meet actual unbelievers who are asking you to explain the Gospel and your beliefs to them. This is a great forum to practice witnessing and putting forth a defense of your faith. You may find that defending your faith and presenting the Gospel to real live unbelievers is a bit different from reading books on witnessing or just talking about witnessing with other Christians at church. As the New Testament indicates, the Gospel is an offense to unbelievers so we should not be surprised when the unbeliever reacts out of that offense. Set your expectations accordingly. It may be difficult at first but this group will give you excellent preparation for sharing the Gospel and defending your faith. This group is not for the fainthearted (but neither is biblical Christianity).Being prepared to defend our faith is the duty of the Christian according to the Apostle Peter:
1 Peter 3:14-17 - 14b Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
6 attendees
Past events
272
