Jefferson Humanists

Join FROG, the Free thinkers Reading Opportunity Group, for the Saturday February 14 book group meeting from 2-3:30 PM.

In February we'll be discussing Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy by Katherine Stewart.

Adapted from Goodreads:
Why have so many Americans turned against democracy? In this deeply reported book, Katherine Stewart takes us to conferences of conspiracy-mongers, back-room strategy gatherings, and services at extremist churches, and profiles the people who want to tear it all down. She introduces us to reactionary Catholic activists, atheist billionaires, pseudo-Platonist intellectuals, self-appointed apostles of Jesus, disciples of Ayn Rand, women-hating opponents of “the gynocracy,” pro-natalists preoccupied with the dearth of white babies, Covid truthers, militia members masquerading as "concerned moms," and battalions of spirit warriors who appear to be inventing a new religion even as they set about attacking democracy and its foundations.

Stewart provides a compelling analysis of the authoritarian reaction in the United States. Stewart's reporting and comprehensive political analysis helps reframe the conversation about the moral collapse of conservatism in America and points the way forward toward a democratic future.

This book group is sponsored by the Jefferson Humanists (Find Friends. Share Ideas. Do Good.) To learn more about us, see jeffersonhumanists.org. You can find our reading list for the entire year there.

The Humanists provide snacks, bring your own beverage of choice. Please RSVP to this Meetup so I know how many chairs to set out!

Upcoming Book Group Meetings:

Saturday March 14 - The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America by Jeffrey Rosen
Saturday April 11 - This Other Eden by Paul Harding

Jefferson Humanists is reviving Movie Time! Prior to Covid, we used to get together and watch movies together every month. We are bringing this event back and will be meeting on a Saturday afternoon. That will allow us extra time so we can discuss the movie afterwards.
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For our February movie, we will be watching, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany and directed by Peter Weir.

Prepare for an epic on the high seas that goes far beyond cannon fire and sails! In 1805, during the Napoleonic Wars, Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his crew aboard the HMS Surprise encounter a formidable French warship intent on keeping the British out of the sea lanes.

This isn't just an action film....it's a look into the lives of the average seaman of the 19th century. Feel the grit and fierce loyalty of the crew as they confront punishing storms, and the constant threat of death. As they round the horn and head into the Pacific against orders tensions rise. As the follow the French ship that bedeviled them and left them for dead, activities on the ship and the ship’s doctor land them on the Galapagos Islands for rest and to further scientific knowledge, …or will they?

Based on books by Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander is a rousing adventure and moving story that earned Weir a 2003 BAFTA award for Best Director.

We'll watch the movie together and then spend some time afterwards discussing it.

We will provide popcorn, movie candy and drinks. Please RSVP to this Meetup or email Movies@jeffersonhumanists.org so we are sure to set up enough seats. Due to space constraints, attendance is limited to the first 16 people who RSVP.

This event is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists.