Debate

Socrates Cafés are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the Socratic Method; the idea that we learn more when we question, and question with others. Although this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Those attending decide upon the questions of the night. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, moral issues, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

This will be our second (and possibly last) meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read chapters 4 and 6. (You can skim chapter 5, which is particularly confusing). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) This book is not always an easy read. You may want to make use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. You can ask it questions like: "What does Matthew Stewart say about happiness in his book Nature's God?" OR: What does Matthew Stewart say about Spinoza? This may be our last meeting on this book. If you want to have a third meeting later, on the last two chapters, let me know. I hope to see you there! Fred

What if the way we speak—to our families, colleagues, and communities—could actively bring out the best in others? Join us for an elevated conversation on how to incorporate the language of virtues into our daily interactions, inspired by the work of The Virtues Project. This approach centers on recognizing and naming the positive qualities—such as courage, kindness, integrity, and perseverance—that exist within each person and moment. Together, we’ll explore how using the language of virtues can: * Strengthen relationships and build trust * Shift conversations from reactive to intentional * Encourage growth, accountability, and mutual respect * Create more positive, purpose-driven environments at home and at work Through discussion, examples, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical ways to integrate this language into everyday moments—from giving feedback to navigating conflict. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on what we can do through our use of words to contribute to a better world. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

Inspired by the song "Good Job" by Alicia Keys, this gathering invites us to pause and reflect on the quiet strength, resilience, and everyday efforts that often go unseen. How often do we acknowledge the people who keep things moving—at work, at home, in our communities? And how often do we recognize that same perseverance in ourselves? In this conversation, we’ll explore: * The power of simple recognition and encouragement * How affirmation can strengthen resilience and connection * Ways to create environments where people feel seen and valued * The impact of gratitude on culture, leadership, and well-being Through reflection and shared dialogue, we’ll consider how a simple phrase—*“good job”*—can carry deeper meaning when it’s grounded in sincerity and awareness. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on seeing, valuing, and uplighting one another. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

This month at **Taproom Theology**, we’re handing the mic to the people everyone talks *about* but rarely talks *with*: **Gen Z students**. Join us for a candid, eye‑opening panel where local teens and young adults share the real challenges their generation is navigating — from mental health and identity to faith, friendships, pressure, and the future they’re inheriting. But this isn’t just a conversation about struggles. It’s a chance to hear **what they wish parents, churches, and schools understood**, the questions they *want* adults to ask, and the support they’re actually looking for. Expect honesty. Expect surprises. Expect wisdom that doesn’t sound like a lecture — because it’s coming straight from the voices living it every day. Whether you’re a parent, educator, ministry leader, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this is a rare opportunity to listen, learn, and build bridges across the generational gap. **Come ready to hear. Come ready to rethink. Come ready to understand Gen Z on their own terms.**

### 🌑 *** 🌸✨ **Pink New Moon Soundscape: Recharge, Renew, Reborn** ✨🌑 📍 **Location:** Mind Body Paloma – Oakton, VA (full address shown after registration) 🗓️ **Date:** Thursday, April 16th ⏰ **Time:** 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM The Pink New Moon invites us into a beautiful space of **new beginnings, renewal, and reflection**. If you’ve been craving a moment to slow down, reconnect, and reset your energy, this evening is for you. Join me for a 90-minute experience designed to help you **calm your nervous system, release what feels heavy, and align with the fresh energy of spring.** ✨ **What the evening will include:** • Intention setting • Gentle, grounding yoga • A deeply soothing soundscape This is a space to soften, breathe, and reconnect with yourself—while exploring the balance of **feminine softness and grounded masculine energy**. Come as you are and leave feeling more **recharged, renewed, and centered** 🌿✨ 💫 **Sliding Scale Pricing:** $65 Abundance $55 Balance (code: **BALANCE**) $50 Accessibility (code: **ACCESSIBLE**) Space is limited to keep the experience intimate 💛 🎟 Register here → https://events.humanitix.com/pink-new-moon-soundscape If you’d like to book a **private or small-group soundscape experience**, reach out — I’d love to create something special for you. 🌿

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.