What we’re about
We are a place to meet other atheists, humanists, skeptics, non-theists, post-theists and "not-so-sure's" in the Bible Belt! We launched our group in 2008 as an experiment to see if there were any other like-minded folks "OTP" (Outside the Perimeter) in the more conservative suburbs. Lo and behold, there ARE!
We hold two in-person gatherings every month: the 2nd Tuesday is at Glover Park Brewery off the Marietta Square and the 4th Tuesday is at the Wing Café and Taphouse just on the east side of the interstate. Both of these are social gatherings to simply chat and let off some steam. The first Tuesday is our Deep Dive conversation via Zoom where we have a topic to discuss. We found Zoom to be a great format, and have had people joining from across the country and even Canada! We also will have parties on Saturdays or meet at a winery, brewery or cidery - be sure to watch for those!
We have a "secret" Facebook group, which is great for sharing thoughts. Message me with the email you use to login to FB and I will send an invitation.
We look forward to meeting you and hearing your story! Thanks for joining us!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Deep Dive Zoom: The Theory of StupidityLink visible for attendees
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young Lutheran pastor who was imprisoned and executed at age 39 by the Nazis for his participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler. While in prison, he wrote a collection of letters which were published as "Letters and Papers from Prison". One paper was on his theory of stupidity. It was to help explain how ordinary, intelligent Germans could go along with - and participate in - the atrocities Hitler and his Nazi Party waged.
It is entirely relevant to today in what we are seeing with Trump and his party's authoritarian MAGA movement.# “Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.”
―Dietrich Bonhoeffer,Letters and Papers from Prison
There is a distinct difference between ignorance and stupidity. Ignorance is simply a matter of not having enough facts, which can cause mistakes. Stupidity isn't a lack of knowledge, it's a failure to use good judgment with the given facts. It's making mistakes but not caring about the outcome.
Join us for this important conversation.
