What we’re about
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 Page
- 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?
Upcoming events
2
Humanism and politics: Humanist marriages
Quakers Friends Meeting House, 2 Church Street,, Reading RG1 2SB, GBKaren Wright is Humanists UK's Public Affairs Manager and has held this post since 2018. Karen is responsible for managing political stakeholders and is Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group and leads on a range of the organisation's campaigns including abortion rights. Outside of work, Karen is a volunteer researcher to Humanists UK patron Lord Dubs.
Finally, after more than a decade of tireless campaigning, the UK Government has officially committed to granting legal recognition to humanist marriages in England and Wales. In Scotland, where they’ve been legally recognised for 20 years, they account for 29% of all marriages, outnumbering all religious marriages combined. And in Northern Ireland, just six years since recognition, they already account for one in seven marriages.
Karen offers behind the scenes insight into the progress that's been made, what more is left to do and how you can support Humanists UK in achieving in making humanist marriages a choice for everyone in England and Wales.
Everyone is welcome at our events. To find out more about us:
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Check out our website
- Follow us on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Join our community on WhatsApp
We ask non-members, who can afford it, for a donation of £3 as a contribution to our running costs. You can pay via BOPP here or on the night. Alternatively to become a member you can sign up here.
Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash10 attendees
Lunchtime Discussion Group - How Did Human Culture Evolve?
Old Bell Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Burghfield Common, GBDine and Discuss in a friendly environment!
Join our popular Lunchtime Discussion Group for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant.
This month we'll be considering the question of How Did Human Culture Evolve?
It is generally accepted that culture is central to human social life, and that cumulative human culture forms the bedrock of human social development. Over the years there have been many theories of how human culture developed, including historical, sociological, complex systems, symbolic and structural.
In recent years, evolutionary biologists have proposed theories that explain human culture as an essentially evolutionary adaption. This is a departure from the past that emphasises the natural and evolutionary origins of human culture.
We'll be discussing the implications of the idea that human culture evolved along with our other capabilities, and what this means for our understanding of society today.
There will be a briefing paper available before the meeting at Reading Humanists: How Did Culture Evolve?
About Discussion Group
Our discussions can cover any socially relevant issue. Participants decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology, from economics to psychology, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest.
If you want to contribute, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal.
On the day, the group will question, discuss and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas.2 attendees
Past events
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