Freedom, Fear, and the Future
When freedom of speech turns into an excuse for harassing or attacking others, how do we respond? What does it take for us to live as good neighbors, whether religious or nonreligious? Where should we draw the boundaries for mutual respect? What works? What needs to change?
These questions and more will be explored at the next Freethinkers Forum. It has been said that we have nothing to fear but fear itself, so how do we take practical action to reduce tensions, increase understanding, build trust, and create strong community connections?
Seating is limited, so advance reservations will be required.
This event is not open to proselytizing; however, the discussion will naturally touch on the beliefs and practices of others, and should be done only in ways that are considerate of our guests.
As a reminder, atheists are no strangers to open hostility, negative stereotypes, and disrespectful behavior from religious zealots. Some zealots are trained to intrude on others because they believe unwanted prayers and preaching are helpful. Many fear us due to prejudice, misunderstanding, and outright bigotry that can grow into distrust, hatred, and loathing. We tend to manage this in various personal ways and this practice can promote self-awareness of our own biases and misunderstandings. Members are encouraged to demonstrate such self-awareness.
This monthly Freethinkers Forum is hosted by St Pete Atheists. Members, friends, and guests alike are invited to participate in thoughtful discussions touching on topics of interest that will vary each month. From life events to current issues, questions of morality and ethics to intellectual explorations, the subject matter will be guided by imagination, passion, and practical value.
SPECIAL NOTE: The topic for December is motivated by a recent criminal act by three men who entered the University of South Florida's Tampa campus with the goal of harassing Muslim students engaged in communal prayer. Their unprovoked plan was to disrupt a student assembly with malicious, vile behavior that the perpetrators assert as a Christian duty (this assertion is hotly disputed by Christian leaders in the community). As a matter of policy, St Pete Atheists does not involve itself in purely religious disputes; nevertheless, we strongly condemn criminal attacks inspired by religious beliefs or difference of opinion.
St. Pete Atheists is organized to promote the following three goals:
- CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY
Our community provides a welcoming space for atheists. We take action to support one another in times of need, meet to discuss important topics, encourage one another to have fun, and seize every opportunity to keep learning and exploring life to the fullest.
- HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS
We volunteer on projects of interest to us and to act as good neighbors. We're also involved with helping others who face discrimination in our society. St. Pete Atheists helps coordinate secular volunteers in a way that respects the lived experiences and voices of others.
- PROMOTING PERSONAL AND SOCIAL GROWTH
Atheism is freedom from belief in any gods outside of myth, metaphor, and make believe. Atheists are much more. Our lives include friends, family, careers, personal values, exciting hobbies, vital activism, and the full range of human experience. Let's share our knowledge and passions as we explore the world together!
