How Religion Learned to Justify Violence part 1

We’re hosting a two-part educational and social series designed for atheists, secular humanists, and critical thinkers interested in history through a non-religious lens.

Why These Events Go Together?
While separated by geography and time, these histories share striking parallels. In both cases, minorities were labeled as “other,” stripped of rights, and targeted through narratives rooted in religious supremacy and nationalist identity. This series invites participants to critically examine those parallels, understand the dangers of faith-based authoritarianism, and reflect on how similar forces still operate today.

Each event combines learning, discussion, and community, because understanding history is more powerful when we process it together.

Content / Trigger Advisory: These events include historical material related to:

• Racism and racial violence
• Antisemitism and religious persecution
• Slavery, segregation, genocide, and mass death
• Dehumanization justified by religious and nationalist ideology

February
We’ll begin with a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, followed by brunch and conversation at Detroit Shipping Company. Together, we’ll explore the history of Black Americans in the United States—examining how power, religion, and nationalism were used to justify slavery, segregation, and systemic oppression.

March
Our second event takes us to the Zekelman Holocaust Center, followed by brunch at Stage Deli. This visit focuses on the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews and other minorities in Eastern Europe, with particular attention to how Christian nationalism, state religion, and authoritarian ideology fueled dehumanization and mass violence.

Content may be emotionally challenging. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace and step away if needed.

No sermons. No mythology. Just evidence, empathy, and human solidarity…followed by good food with good people.