Michigan Humanists

Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2025-11-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-09-26 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill, 3021 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 48439, United States
This months Skeptics in the Pub (Flint) will be held at Grand Blanc Tap Bar and Grill
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.
__________________
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

26th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
2025-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | First (Park) Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
This year marks the 26th year of our annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration!
The Kaufman Interfaith Institute, along with the interfaith community of Grand Rapids, welcomes you to enjoy an evening of celebration for the religious and secular diversity of our community.
This year, Michigan Humanists will be represented by Hypatia Dawn in the program!
The Interfaith Thanksgiving celebration is a service that features musical pieces, reflections, and dances from various religious and secular traditions in our community. During the event, we will hear from members of our community, representing an array of religious, spiritual, and secular worldview identities, as they discuss the enduring need for gratitude for our shared home during this and all seasons. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit The Community Day Center (a new program which will be providing day shelter to people in the downtown Grand Rapids area.
RSVP not required, but appreciated. You can RSVP here.
Light refreshments will follow the gathering.

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - The U.S. in Latin America
2025-11-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
The Trump administration has, according to news reports, “developed a range of options for military action in Venezuela”. Over the years the U.S. has intervened in Latin America many times, both overtly and covertly. At the next Café Inquiry Online we’ll take a look at some of this history and its consequences, and we’ll explore the current situation as regards Venezuela. A professor at North Carolina State University provides this timeline of US-Latin American relations from 1795 through 2014. This gift article from the New York Times gives an overview of a few C.I.A operations in Latin America. The Conversation has this piece that focuses on the U.S. government’s changing attitudes towards Panama and the Panama Canal. Finally, this 12-minute video from Al Jazeera explores the role of U.S. policies in Latin America in contributing to the immigration crisis. 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.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-11-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-19 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, Kentwood.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | The Brakeman, 22 John R Street, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit) will be held at The Brakeman.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-11-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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.
—
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Is Conversion Therapy "Speech"?
2025-11-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy – aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation – on the grounds that such a ban violates the free speech rights of the therapist. But is talk therapy “speech”, or is it something else entirely? At the next Café Inquiry Grand Rapids, we’ll look at conversion therapy – what it is and how professional organizations view it. We’ll also examine how a decision striking down the ban – which seems likely at this point – may have an impact far beyond this specific case. For background, here is the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s policy statement on conversion therapy. A summary of the Appeals Court decision in the case from 2024 can be found here. A story about the brief filed in the case by the Colorado Attorney General contains a brief summary of the arguments in the case. Finally, the Institute for Free Speech, formerly the Center for Competitive Politics – a group opposing campaign finance laws – weighs in on the side of the plaintiff in the case. 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.
—
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Lecture: The Psychology of Authoritarianism
2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Fountain Street Church – Chapel, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Please join us for a lecture presented by Dr. Luke Galen, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Grand Valley State University. He will be discussing the psychology of authoritarianism. You can learn more about Dr. Galen here.
The venue for this month’s lecture is the Fountain Street Church.
Join us after the lecture for food and conversation! We will convene at Palace of India: 138 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Parking Information
Metered street parking is free after 7 PM.
The nearby GRCC Parking structure is available to the public.
________________________
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Should We Consider Owning a Gun…
2025-10-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Should We Consider Owning a Gun… to protect ourselves and our families? Steve Andersen is considering purchasing a firearm – something that never dawned on him before. Join us ONLINE as Steve takes us through the various questions he’s seeking answers to – should it be concealed carry? Just in his home? It’s not a decision he takes lightly, and we’d love to have you share your thoughts. If you already own a gun, your perspective will be especially valuable. This should be a fascinating discussion as we probe the pros and cons of gun ownership and all it entails. Here are some facts and statistics about guns from the Pew Research Center. Here are the results from the 2025 National Survey of Gun Policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Finally here are the links to part 1 and part 2 of Australian comedian Jim Jefferies’ comedy routine about gun control from his 2014 Netflix special. Content warning – there is some very coarse language and occasional insensitivity. So best not to watch where the kiddies can hear. Or your boss. 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.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Kids' Food Basket Volunteer Opportunity (Grand Rapids)
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Kids’ Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth NE Grand Rapids 49505, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
RSVP with Cindy at volunteers@michiganhumanists.org by Thursday, October 16th.
***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.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-10-24 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. October’s book will be Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway.
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.
_____
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit) *** DATE CHANGED***
2025-10-19 17:30 - 20:30 | HopCat, 4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Hop Cat.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Nazi: The Aspects Behind the Pejorative
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
We’ve all heard the accusations about the current administration resembling 1930s Germany. At our next Café Inquiry – Grand Rapids, Hypatia Dawn will be using The Third Reich in Power by Richard J. Evans to compare and contrast Hitler’s Germany with Trump’s America. There are both similarities and differences, and Hypatia will look at those and what they mean. The term “Nazi” is used as a pejorative. Hypatia will discuss the underlying historical aspects that gave the term its unpalatable flavor and lead a discussion about the future. Here is a link to a synopsis of Evans’ book along with the other two books in the trilogy. Hope you can join us for this timely 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.
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.
—
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Liquid Assets.
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Free Speech
2025-09-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
On Sept 16, NBC News reported that “Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Trump administration will be ‘targeting’ hate speech, which she differentiated from free speech…”
Many people have expressed concern about these and similar remarks by members of the current administration, and about their implications for our first amendment rights. At the next Cafe Inquiry Online we will discuss the “abridging the freedom of speech” part of the First Amendment, its interpretation and effects over the years, and current concerns about the protection it provides. Here are some suggested (but not required) background readings: The New York Times Morning Newsletter from September 19 raises some concerns about First Amendment rights threatened by the actions of this administration. This article from the Foundation for Equal Rights in Education discusses the status of hate speech under the First Amendment. The U.S. Courts webpage gives examples of what rights free speech includes and excludes. The Whitehouse.gov webpage includes this executive order from January 20, 2025 concerning free speech. Finally, there’s this pointedly humorous OpEd column by USA Today columnist Rex Huppke written in response to Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off the air. Hope you can join us!
___
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-09-26 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. September’s book will be Ringworld by Larry Niven.
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.
_____
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Add to calendar

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2025-09-20 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St, Detoit, MI, 48201, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Detroit Shipping 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.
_____
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Deja Vu: Teaching Evolution in Public Schools
2025-09-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Kate Lynnes looks at the history of judicial action in the teaching of evolution, from Scopes to Kitzmiller to Mahmoud. This past July marked one hundred years since John Scopes, a public high school teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was convicted for violating a state law against the teaching of evolution. After decades of battles over teaching evolution, the absolutely blistering 136-page Kitzmiller v. Dover decision issued by Judge John E. Jones in December 2006 – which ruled intelligent design was a religious view and not a scientific theory – appeared to drive a stake through the heart of the alleged “controversy”. Unfortunately, as empowered Christian Nationalists and the right-leaning Supreme court continue to push for more conservative Christianity in public schools, the teaching of science, including evolution, continues to be under threat. Kate’s presentation will give some highlights from the Scopes Trial Centennial Conference, held this past July in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and briefly summarize the current challenges to protecting science education in public schools. For background, the National Center for Science Education has this summary of 10 major court cases about evolution and creationism. Here is the recent Supreme Court decision in the matter of Mahmoud v. Taylor which has disturbing possible implications for the teaching of evolution in schools. Here is a link to a summary of the Scopes Trial Centennial Conference events. Finally, if you want to dive deeper into this topic here is a PDF of selected readings. 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.
—
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Eastown Street Fair Tabling
2025-09-06 08:30 - 20:30 | Eastown Street Fair, Wealthy St SE and Ethel Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Michigan Humanists will have an information table at the Eastown Street Fair, and we need volunteers to staff it!. This fun event has free music, wonderful food from local vendors, and is a great spot to engage people who are not familiar with our organization, with over 10,000 attendees each year! *Location is in Eastown Grand Rapids, Wealthy St. between Lake Dr and Atlas Ave*
Volunteering will involve greeting passersby, answering questions, and being friendly faces to introduce people to our Michigan Humanists community. Volunteers should be comfortable welcoming and talking to attendees, communicating the mission of Michigan Humanists, and discussing our programs. Talking points & needed training will be provided prior to the event. If you are new to Michigan Humanists, or haven’t volunteered at this type of event before, no worries! You will be paired with experienced volunteers.
Volunteer Openings: 2-3 volunteers are needed for these times:

8:30am-10:30am — includes Setup
10:30am-12:30pm
12:30-2:30pm
2:30-4:30pm
4:30-6:30pm
6:30-8:30pm — includes Teardown.

To Volunteer: email Cindy at volunteers@michiganhumanists.org with your:

Full name(s)
Email address
Cell phone number (for the day of the event)
Preferred time(s) to volunteer. Please list the time slots you are available in order of preference, (at least two options are helpful), or simply provide your availability and how many hours you are willing to volunteer. We can have overlapping time slots if your time frame fits differently, or a 3 hour slot would work for you.

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Nuclear Power: Fission vs. Fusion
2025-08-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Fusion power is probably at least 20-30 years away – as has been the case for the past 50-60 years or so. It’s touted as eventually being able to provide clean, practically unlimited energy. This would be great, given that fighting climate change is going to necessitate a greater reliance on nuclear energy. But is it true that fusion power will be so much cleaner and safer than the fission power we currently use, especially considering the cutting-edge fission reactor designs that are in development? Join us ONLINE as we discuss the pros and cons of fission vs. fusion, as well as why we will likely need some form of nuclear power in our fight against global warming. For background, this article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists points out some of the potential downsides of fusion power. Also from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, this article takes a more positive view of the technology’s potential. Steven Novella’s Neurologica blog discusses a plan to build the first commercial fusion reactor in this article, and the potential use of fission microreactors in this piece. 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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2025-08-22 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. For August 22nd, we will be reading The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester.
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.
_____
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. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
