Michigan Humanists

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2024-11-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-11 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 - Election Post-Mortem – What’s Ahead?
2024-11-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
The general election will (finally!) be over! At least the votes will have all been cast. Join us November 10 at the next IN PERSON Café Inquiry as we discuss the election results – or lack thereof – and what they might mean for the future of our country and for humanity as a whole. Just as it is with the election, we have no idea where this discussion will take us, so join us and find out! No reading “assignment” this time – just get out and VOTE!
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.

Kids’ Food Basket volunteer opportunity (Grand Rapids)
2024-11-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Kids’ Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth NE Grand Rapids 49505, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
RSVP to Cindy Krieg at volunteers@michiganhumanists.org by Monday, October 21th.
***Space is limited! RSVP today!***
Kids‘ Food Basket
1300 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Volunteer with us at Kids’ Food Basket! Kids’ Food Basket believes healthy food is a right. They exist to pursue a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential.
Kids’ Food Basket runs on volunteers – come and show your humanism and help them provide this important service to the more than 30,000 hungry kids across West Michigan.
Bring your own kids (5+) and give them the opportunity to learn about community service, humanism, and the reality for other kids in their own neighborhoods.
Learn more about Kids’ Food Basket here
Hope to see you there!

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.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Nobel Prizes 2024
2024-10-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Join us at the next Café Inquiry Online as we take a deeper look into the recently-awarded 2024 Nobel prizes for medicine, chemistry, physics, and economics. We’ll discuss some of the research behind these achievements and how these accomplishments have impacted our lives to date, as well as how they will continue to influence the future. As time permits, we’ll also discuss the prizes for peace and literature. For background, here is a link to the Nobel website that has information about this year’s prizes, along with a link giving a brief history of the awards as well as a complete list of all winners. 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.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2024-10-25 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, “We Are Legion (We Are Bob)” by Dennis E. Taylor.
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)
2024-10-25 18:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-27 18:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-26 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.

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2024-10-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 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 (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
—
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.

Lecture: Religion As Make Believe (Grand Rapids)
2024-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Calkins Science Center Auditorium #348, 226 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Join us for an exciting lecture on the topic of Religion as Make-Believe: A Theory of Belief, Imagination, and Group Identity! Neil Van Leeuwen is a Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University and a recipient of the European Commission’s Marie Curie Fellowship. His research has been featured in the New York Times and The Atlantic and on NPR. You won’t want to miss this lecture!
To understand the nature of religious belief, we must look at how our minds process the world of imagination and make-believe.
Event Location
Calkins Science Center, Grand Rapids Community College – Room #348
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

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - IN PERSON - Assisted Suicide and Disability Rights
2024-10-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Assisted suicide is legal throughout Canada. However, there is controversy about who should be eligible. In 2021, the eligibility was extended to people who do not have terminal medical conditions. There has been concern among the disabled community that this extension puts their members at risk due to lack of medical, financial and social support for Canadians with disabilities. There is concern that people will be coerced into assisted suicide because of this lack of support and bias against the disabled among healthcare providers. At the next Café Inquiry we will examine the pros and cons of this revision in the context of disability rights. If you would like to explore the topic before we meet, here are some suggested links: a webpage supported by the group Dying with Dignity, which was in support of the original law and the revision; a letter in opposition to the bill that extended the criteria; a statement by Gabrielle Peters, a co-founder of the Disability Filibuster, a movement protesting the revision; and the (very lengthy) report from the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. Additional material may be posted during the week of the event. Hope to see you IN PERSON on the 13th to discuss this important and complicated 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.
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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)
2024-09-27 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 “Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells.
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) - Carbon Credits and Offsets
2024-09-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
The use of carbon credits and carbon offsets has become a popular approach for addressing the growth of carbon emissions and climate change. There has been a dramatic worldwide increase in carbon offset markets and in “carbon trading”. The global carbon offsets market was valued at more than 900 million dollars in 2022 and has continued to grow. Are these practices effective? Or is their use just a form of “greenwashing”? Join us ONLINE at the next Café Inquiry to examine these issues. And there’s good news! Since we’ll be meeting on Zoom, there’s no need to purchase an offset for your transportation related emissions! Here is some suggested reading for those who would like to explore the topic before our meeting. This brief Penn State Extension article discusses the difference between carbon credits and carbon offsets. This article from MIT News discusses the need for and lack of standards in the carbon offset market. This article from NBC News discusses how carbon credits are used. This Q and A from Carbon Brief is lengthy, but very informative. It explains what offsets are, how they are being used by businesses and nations, and why they can be a problematic climate solution. If you prefer video you can watch this Last Week Tonight segment with John Oliver discussing carbon offsets. Hope to (virtually) 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.
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)
2024-09-20 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 (outdoors if weather permits).*
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 - Why is Childhood Vaccine Reluctance Rising?
2024-09-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
A recent Gallup poll reveals a very disturbing trend. Only 69% of Americans believe childhood vaccination is either extremely or very important. This is a marked contrast from 2001, when the percentage was 94%. Interestingly, this trend seems to be wholly driven by Americans aligned with a particular political party. Join us IN PERSON at the next Café Inquiry as we discuss this poll in some depth. We’ll also take a look at the vast public health benefits of childhood vaccines and try to figure out why vaccination has become so politicized. In addition, we’ll look at the anti-vaccine movement and take a stab at debunking some of the myths they promote. For background, this Vox article gives a good overview of the benefits of childhood vaccines. This piece from VeryWell Health looks at the history of the anti-vaccine movement and reveals how their tactics have changed very little since the 18th century. There are also a number of links to useful related information imbedded within. Hope to see you IN PERSON on Sunday, September 8 for what promises to be a spirited and informative 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.
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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) - Artificial Intelligence Friendship and Romance
2024-08-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Is it possible to have an intimate friendship or relationship with an artificial intelligence partner? The answer is yes! A growing number of people are using a variety of available apps to do this, and many of them report developing serious and meaningful relationships. But some people are less enthusiastic. At the next Café Inquiry we will discuss what we know about these AI relationships, their uses, and their benefits and risks. If you’d like some background on the subject, here are a number of links to material. This article from The Conversation gives a nice overview of the topic and discusses some research findings. There are a number of videos discussing the experience of people who have had AI relationships, including this 22-minute video, this 3-minute video, and this 33-minute Voice of America video. This article and this Reuters article explore some of the negative aspects of AI relationships, as does this article (and this PDF of that same article). Join us ONLINE to discuss this fascinating 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.
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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)
2024-08-23 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 Tusks of Extinction” by Ray Nayler.
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) - New venue, see description
2024-08-23 18:30 - 21:30
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
This month is generously being hosted by Ian Reineck. Weather permitting, we will be outside and have access to his pool. Bring a chair, food to share, and your favorite drinks.
Ian’s address is:
4301 Winterwood Ln
Saginaw, MI 48603
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.
—
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)
2024-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 | City Built Brewing Company, 820 Monroe Ave NW #155, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
*This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at City Built Brewing Company.
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.
—
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.

Lecture: The Evolution of God (Grand Rapids)
2024-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Calkins Science Center Auditorium #348, 226 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Join us as we explore “The Evolution of God” in which David Fitzgerald will explain how the concept of god has changed and mutated over the centuries. Q&A will follow the lecture.
About David Fitzgerald:
David is is an author and historical researcher who has been actively investigating the Historical Jesus question for over eighteen years. He has a degree in history and was an associate member of CSER (the former Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion). He lectures around the world at universities, churches and national secular events, and also speaks to religious groups. You can read more about him here. His latest book series is titled “Playing God.”

Event Location
Calkins Science Center, Grand Rapids Community College – Room #348
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

Café Inquiry Grand Rapids - What Is Project 2025?Who Are Its Instigators? Why Should We Care?
2024-08-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Institute for Global Education at East Church UCC, 1005 Giddings Ave S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
We’re hearing a lot these days about Project 2025. Join us at our August IN PERSON Café Inquiry as Steve Andersen gives us the details of what Project 2025 entails. He’ll also look at who, exactly, is promoting this agenda and at why we should care about it. For background this approximately 8-minute YouTube video gives a high-level overview of Project 2025 along with 5 criticisms of the agenda. The Hill has an 11-minute video reacting to the President of the Heritage Foundation equating Project 2025 with a second American Revolution. This is a very timely and important topic and should prompt a lot of great conversation!
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.

Café Inquiry (Online) - Where Does Morality Come From?
2024-07-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Some philosophers argue for the existence of an objective morality that is universal and exists independently of culture, upbringing or religion. Others argue that moral judgments are not objective truths but instead depend on human beliefs. Join us ONLINE as Café Inquiry looks at the various aspects of morality, its nature, how it came to be, and how we apply it.
For background, this article explores how human morality came to be. This video looks at the contrast between moral realism and moral anti-realism and describes 4 types of anti-realism. (Note – a previous link to an article about realism vs. anti-realism has gone defunct.) Three of the Mindscape podcasts from physicist/philosopher Sean M. Carroll explore certain aspects of morality. You can listen to them and/or read the transcripts. Or you can just show up. This one features philosopher Russ Shafer-Landau, a proponent of moral realism. Neuroscientist and professor of psychology Molly Crockett looks at the interaction of morality and psychology in this podcast. Finally, Joshua Greene discusses moral judgment and decision-making in this episode. We hope you can make it to what should be a very fun session!
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.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2024-07-26 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 “A Fire Upon the Deep” by Vernor Vinge.
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.
A Fire Upon the Deep
