グループの特徴
This is a group for anyone who is, or thinks they might be, a Humanist, or who simply wants to find out more about Humanism in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
We have a lively programme of free events including talks by external speakers, courses, discussions on topical issues, a book group, and other social activities. We are also active in the community promoting humanism in schools and at public events. All our events are open to both members and non-members. Come along and meet us, we’re a friendly and engaging bunch. All are welcome!
Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now because we believe it's the only life we have. We treat others with compassion, warmth, understanding and respect. We understand the amazing world we live in through reason and science. We recognise the moral responsibility to protect the environment and to make the world a better place for the sake of current and future generations.
Reading Humanists welcome all who share these views, and those who are curious about humanism.
You can find out more by:
- browsing the Reading Humanists website
- looking on Meetup: Reading Humanists
- following us on Facebook: Reading Humanists Group
- signing up for our Email Newsletter
Please consider supporting Reading Humanists by Joining Reading Humanists helping us to provide a stronger voice for the non-religious in Reading.
For more about Humanism in the UK check out the Humanists UK website and the Humanists UK YouTube channel.
If you’re curious about how your views compare to humanism, why not try the quiz: How humanist are you?
今後のイベント (4+)件
すべて見る- Book Club: African HistoryThe Turks Head, Reading
For our next meeting we have decided to read books on African History. Suggested reading:
- An African History of Africa by Zainab Badawi
- Blood River by Tim Butcher
- Or choose your own book on the subject
- If you are too busy to read a book, read articles, listen to a podcast or watch a documentary on the subject
Whatever you read, join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.
For too long, Africa’s history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism or simply ignored. Now, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight in An African History of Africa, From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence.
Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. Visiting more than thirty African countries to interview countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, Badawi weaves together a gripping new history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.
You can find reviews Blood River on Goodreads: An African History of Africa
Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart is a 2007 book by British journalist and writer Tim Butcher.
A compulsively readable account of a journey to the Congo — a country virtually inaccessible to the outside world — vividly told by a daring and adventurous journalist.
Ever since Stanley first charted its mighty river in the 1870s, the Congo has epitomized the dark and turbulent history of a failed continent. However, its troubles only served to increase the interest of Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher, who was sent to cover Africa in 2000. Before long he became obsessed with the idea of recreating Stanley’s original expedition — but travelling alone.
Despite warnings Butcher spent years poring over colonial-era maps and wooing rebel leaders before making his will and venturing to the Congo’s eastern border. He passed through once thriving cities of this country and saw the marks left behind by years of abuse and misrule. Almost, 2,500 harrowing miles later, he reached the Atlantic Ocean, a thinner and a wiser man.
Butcher’s journey was a remarkable feat. But the story of the Congo, vividly told in Blood River, is more remarkable still.
You can find reviews Blood River on Goodreads: Blood River by Tim Butcher
We have a group on Goodreads from which you can see all the books we're discussing and make comments and recommendations to other members of the group. Goodreads: Reading Humanists group.
For those wishing to participate in our discussion, we have a WhatsApp group which you can join at Reading Humanists Book Club WhatsApp Group.
- The BIG ZOOM Discussion - Is Social Media Damaging Teenage Mental Health?参加者に表示されるリンク
The BIG ZOOM Discussion
Building on the success of the One Life Course last year and the regular monthly Lunchtime Discussion Group, Humanists in Berkshire will hold our next Zoom event on the topic Is Social Media Damaging to Mental Health?All are welcome to attend. Humanists in Berkshire is a collaboration between Reading and Windsor Humanists.
Is Social Media Damaging Mental Health?
We will be discussing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health. Roger Heppleston will be opening the discussion by outlining the work of Harvard social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on this subject. Roger will base this on Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Haidt's research suggests that social media are seriously damaging the health of teenagers, particularly girls. This is leading to serious mental health issues including a dramatic increase in rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide.We will also discuss the wider impact of social media and the internet on mental health and social life in general.
A briefing paper for the session is available at Is Social Media Damaging Teenage Mental Health?
About The BIG ZOOM
BIG ZOOM sessions will start with a short presentation setting out the issue. This will then be followed by a breakout into smaller groups to allow everyone the opportunity to participant. The session will end with an open plenary session for the groups to feedback the results of their deliberations and discussions. The intent of this initiative is to give those who cannot attend the regular lunchtime sessions or our evening events the opportunity to participate online and also provide an open forum for everyone to have the opportunity to converse and make friends with fellow humanists online.Zoom details:
Zoom: The BIG ZOOM - Are Social Media Damaging to Mental Health?
Meeting ID: 867 3231 3173
Passcode: 110345
