Michigan Humanists

Café Inquiry (Online) - Gambling Addiction
2025-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Gambling has been called a hidden addiction because it can go on for years without showing any visible signs. Yet millions of Americans develop serious gambling disorders. Fortunately, awareness of the problem is growing. March is “Problem Gambling Awareness Month”. In honor of this, we will discuss Gambling Addiction at our next Café Inquiry. For background, this article from USA Today discusses gambling and public health. The American Psychological Association examines concerns about the risks of developing gambling disorders, particularly in young people. This half hour podcast from the Naked Scientists discusses problem gambling in England and approaches to prevention and treatment. You can listen to the entire podcast or individual sections. The section from 13:20 to 19:47 about the gambling industry is particularly interesting. If you prefer to read, there is also a transcript on the page. Finally, this 25 minute podcast tells the story of a woman who developed a severe gambling addiction and the challenges she faces recovering from it. Hope to see your virtual selves there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits, Kentwood, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Kentwood, 49512
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits.

Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2025-03-15 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-02-15 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-18 14:00 - 16:00 | HopCat, 4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar – 221 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc. This month we’ll be meeting at a new venue – Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar at Core Plaza, inside the historic Lumberman’s Bank building. Three of the five planned restaurants are currently open and there is a wide selection of drinks available. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Darwin Day Lecture: Twists and Turns in Teaching Evolution over the Years (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Calkins Science Center Auditorium #348, 226 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
NOTE: Due to the weather, this event has been rescheduled to March 12th at 7:00-8:30 PM!
Join us for our Darwin Day lecture. This year’s talk is titled “Twists and Turns in Teaching Evolution over the Years” by Glenn Branch, Deputy Director, National Center for Science Education.

Controversies over the teaching of evolution in the public schools have rocked the nation over the past century. Evolution’s foes have consistently used the same arguments, but their ambitions have shifted, from banning the teaching of evolution through balancing it with a supposed alternative to blunting it by misrepresenting evolution as scientifically controversial. In his talk, Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education will discuss the causes, history, and consequences of these controversies, with a special emphasis on events in Michigan.
Glenn Branch is deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit organization that defends the integrity of American science education against ideological interference. He is the author of numerous articles on evolution education and climate education, and the co-editor, with Eugenie C. Scott, of Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools (2006). He received the Evolution Education Award for 2020 from the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Event Location
Calkins Science Center, Grand Rapids Community College
226 Bostwick Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Join us at Graydon’s Crossing after the event!
1223 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Parking Information
Meter parking is free after 7:00pm.
Public Parking in Campus Ramps: first 30 minutes free | $2.00 per half hour | Evening/Weekend max $6.00.
General Event Parking on Campus: $3.50 for events less than 3 hours | $6.00 for events lasting more than 3 hours.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Cost: FREE / Suggested Donation $5. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at www.michiganhumanists.org/donate

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of a main hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - IN PERSON - The Rat - Hero or Villain?
2025-03-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
DON’T FORGET – DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS ON THIS DATE! (Assuming no edict to the contrary is issued).
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
Few mammals elicit the gut level fear and loathing in humans that rats do. But is this disgust deserved? Why the terrible reputation? What have rats done to us, really? At the next Café Inquiry we will look at the various ways that rat and human lives intersect and consider whether the rats might deserve a little more respect. For background, on the villain side of the ledger we have this information from a pest management company and this information about diseases spread by rats from another pest control company. On the hero side of the ledger we have this article about how rats make good pets, this 11-minute YouTube video of pet rats in action, and this 6-minute video about rat bomb squads. In the middle is this article from the History Channel website about how rats may have gotten a bad rap in terms of the Black Death. Hope to see you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. ( Not the big double doors. The smaller doors to the west. There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. This month’s book is, “Service Model” by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2025-02-28 18:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-24 18:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-27 18:30 - 21:30 | Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill, 3021 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 48439, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Flint) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Personal Liberty vs. Public Health
2025-02-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
There has been tension between personal liberty and public health measures for as long as there have been public health measures. The recent Covid pandemic is a good example of how this tension can become politicized, to the detriment of public health and our society as a whole. Join us ONLINE as Café Inquiry takes a look at this conflict between personal freedoms and public health. We’ll touch on some of the historical battles and discuss some means by which we might reduce this conflict. For background, this article from Infectious Disease Advisor outlines conditions under which public health needs justify restrictions on individual liberty. This opinion piece from The Regulatory Review argues for the good of the commonwealth over unfettered individual freedom. Finally, this Voices in Bioethics piece argues that civil liberty vs. public health is a false choice. This should be a lively and (we hope) thought-provoking discussion of an important subject that can be very polarizing. Hope to see your virtual selves there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar – 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc.
This month we’ll be meeting at a new venue – Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar at Core Plaza, inside the historic Lumberman’s Bank building. Two of the five planned restaurants are currently open and there is a wide selection of drinks available. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (Not the big double doors. The smaller doors to the west. There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of a main hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - IN PERSON - The Year In Science – 2024
2025-02-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
It’s 2025! Which means it’s no longer 2024. Sigh. At any rate, that means it’s time for our annual look back at the past year’s scientific advances. This is almost always a lively and informative discussion, usually with far more things to discuss than time to discuss them. We’ll be looking closely at a few of the many advances made in 2024, probably concentrating on two or three areas of science. This year we’ll add a new wrinkle and ask that you pick a few science stories you find compelling or important and that you share them with the group if you so desire. Let’s have fun with this! There were so many discoveries this year! It’s hard to decide which ones to focus on. This video discusses a few advances – some important, some just interesting. This BBC News article highlights a few other stories, as does this one from Discover magazine. Join us for what should be a fun session and find out which stories we chose to cover more in-depth!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the westernmost Fountain Street entrance. (Not the big double doors. The smaller doors to the west. There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. This month’s book is, “The Mercy of the Gods” by James S. A. Corey.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Is There a God for Atheists?
2025-01-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
It depends on how one defines “god” and how one defines “atheist”. Steve Andersen explores the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza. Einstein had a famous quote: “I believe in Spinoza’s God, who reveals himself in the lawful harmony of all that exists, but not in a God who concerns himself with the fate and the doings of mankind.” These short video snippets for your perusal discuss Spinoza’s life and excommunication from Judaism because of his beliefs, as well as exploring the nature of Spinoza’s God. If you’d like another perspective, this episode of the Within Reason podcast video features Rainn Wilson (best known as Dwight Schrute in the U.S. version of The Office) discussing his views of religion, spirituality and consciousness among other topics. Just a warning that this video runs about 97 minutes – although there is a list of subjects covered with links to where they are discussed in the video if you don’t want to watch the whole thing. Steve always has an interesting take on our topics, so join us ONLINE for what promises to be a lively discussion!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-01-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Founders Brewing Co.

Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - IN PERSON - Public Choice
2025-01-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join us in our new venue!! We’re now meeting in the choir room on the second floor of Fountain Street Church! See below for further information.
New year, new venue! Join us for our first Café Inquiry of 2025! Phil Gleason will be leading a discussion of public choice theory, which applies economics to the study of political science and government decision-making and how self-interest influences decisions. In the course of the discussion we’ll examine voting systems and the incentives that exist in political institutions. For background to the discussion, we provide the following links: This introductory, medium-length essay from the Library of Economics and Liberty covering the basic position of public choice theory; this short, non-technical and realistic history of public choice; this link to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s program to study voting methods and voting systems – an important part of public choice theory; this explanation of voting systems from the advocacy group Fair Vote, and links to information about the different types of voting systems (you can pick and choose according to your interest); this short video introduction to public choice from the Fraser Institute; and last but not least, this longer (30-ish minute) video from the Center for the Study of Public Choice showing how incentives can be used to explain the behavior of politicians and voters. We’re excited about this meaty topic AND about our new, more spacious and fully accessible venue! Hope to see you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Carlisle’s Restaurant, 470 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Carlisle’s Restaurant – 470 W. Western Ave. – Muskegon 49440
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc. For the time being we’ll be meeting at Carlisle’s in downtown Muskegon. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Wrapping Up the Holidays
2024-12-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Here in the U.S. one particular winter holiday dominates the landscape at this time of year. But it’s just one of many in a season that’s been full of celebrations of celestial phenomena and birthdays of gods and demigods throughout history. Take a 90 minute break during this busy season and join us ONLINE as we look at many of the events that have been and are still being celebrated. Also, as the year winds down we’d like to know what you’ve enjoyed in 2024 – your favorite book, movie, TV show, play, concert, podcast, music or other form of entertainment. Hope to see your virtual selves there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Solstice Dinner 2024 - Grand Rapids
2024-12-19 18:00 - 21:00 | MI

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Carlisle’s Restaurant, 470 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Carlisle’s Restaurant – 470 W. Western Ave. – Muskegon 49440
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets at various pubs, bars, etc. For the time being we’ll be meeting at Carlisle’s in downtown Muskegon. Join us this month and enjoy the fellowship and free-flowing conversation. Look for the Michigan Humanist table signs. And don’t worry if you don’t drink. Consumption of alcohol is not expected or required.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - IN PERSON - What Is DEI Really About?
2024-12-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Lately we’ve seen a number of headlines about companies changing or eliminating their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. This week at Café Inquiry we’ll look at how and why these programs came into being, and why they’ve lately come under attack. We’ll also look at what the programs are supposed to accomplish and what kind of success they’ve had. In the course of the conversation we’ll examine common misconceptions about the programs and the pejorative term “DEI hire”. Background materials include this article from Tech Target giving an overview of DEI and what it is supposed to accomplish; this Harvard Business Review article about how and why DEI programs are failing; this item from the University of Michigan about how its DEI programs are important and successful, juxtaposed with this piece from the Tampa Free Press about how the University of Michigan’s DEI program has failed and is on the verge of being defunded; this PDF of an article in the Washington Post describing how the backlash against DEI programs is affecting research into racism and health; and, finally, this 360Learning article about DEI training failures and how to fix them. Join us for our last IN PERSON meeting for 2024 as we dive into this complicated and controversial topic!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

25th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
2024-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
This year marks the 25th year of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. We will be celebrating at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Grand Rapids.

During the event, we will hear from members of our community representing an array of religious, spiritual, and secular worldview identities as they discuss this year’s theme, “Gratitude for Our Shared Home.”
This year Jim Winter-Troutwine will be representing Michigan Humanists.
To attend in-person, you can RSVP here. To attend remotely via the live-stream, visit www.interfaithunderstanding.org.
Light refreshments will follow the gathering.

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
