Michigan Humanists

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-19 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | 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/

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-13 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.
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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. 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) - 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, 2025-07-10 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!
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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/

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Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2025-09-26 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-25 18:30 - 20:30 | 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/

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/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2025-08-14 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. We’ll either be inside or outside depending on the weather and table availability. Look for our Michigan Humanists table signs!
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 (Grand Rapids) - Social Segregation
2025-08-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Humans are basically social animals. However, there are limits to our ability to maintain connections with large numbers of people based on our cognitive resources, which can affect the amount of stress and empathy we feel in certain situations. Phil Gleason will lead the discussion of these and related phenomena such as the “small-world” network and the persistence of cultural traits from generation to generation among social groups. Here is some information from Wikipedia about the maximum size for a group of acquaintances – Dunbar’s number. This study from Psychoneuroendocrinology shows that while performing a task that requires concentration subjects show signs of stress in the presence of people who may be critical. This longer article from Nature discusses the effects of cognitive load on empathy. Finally, this Wikipedia article talks about the “small worlds” phenomenon – that small clusters or cliques are ubiquitous in human organizations. And here’s a bonus link – a 2+ minute video about the “small worlds” phenomenon. 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/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Trust in Science
2025-07-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
In the United States there seems to be a decrease in the trust we have for scientists and science. Is this true? If so, why? And if not, why does it seem that there is? Is the current level of trust appropriate? At the next Cafe Inquiry ONLINE, we will discuss what we know about trust in science in the U.S. and around the world. For background, this article from Nature Human Behavior reports on a survey of people in 68 countries around the world about their trust in scientists. In this article form Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), members of the Strategic Council of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examine “what has happened to public confidence in science, why it has happened, and what can be done to elevate it.” The abstract provides a good overview. If you want to delve deeper, you can read the whole article. Finally, this 20-minute podcast segment from the June 7 episode (# 1039) of The Skeptics Guide to the Universe concerns a new executive order that may affect our willingness to trust scientific publications due to restrictions on where government entities will be allowed to publish their findings. The segment runs from 31:40 – 52.50.
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 (Detroit) *DIFFERENT DATE*
2025-07-26 17:30 - 20:30 | Mercury Burger and Bar, 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub will be held at Mercury Burger and Bar.
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 (Detroit) USUALLY meets each month on the third Saturday.
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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. 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)
2025-07-25 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. The book for July 25th is Blindsight by Peter Watts.
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. 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)
2025-07-18 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.
__________________
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/

Special Café Inquiry (AT THE RETREAT) - Measles. It's Back.
2025-07-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI, United States
***This month’s special Café Inquiry will meet at the SECULAR SUMMER RETREAT on SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025***
You can join us just for Café Inquiry (no entry fee for the meeting only) or you can join us for the day! Get your Saturday Day Pass for the Secular Summer Retreat here.
There’s been a lot of news lately about de-extinction – mammoths, dire wolves, and what have you. Back at the turn of the century, measles was extinct in the United States; but thanks to the tireless efforts of antivaxxers and other purveyors of misinformation, it’s back!!! Yay? No. At our special Café Inquiry at the Retreat we’re going to take an in depth, science-based look at measles – symptoms, transmissibility, complications, treatment, and how to prevent it (hint – it’s NOT by taking Vitamin A). This article from the New York Times shares some personal stories from the current outbreak. This Washington Post article talks about the risk of catching measles while traveling. Hope you can make it to this year’s Secular Summer Retreat! See you there! Note – This will be the only in person Café Inquiry event for July. We will not be meeting on July 13.
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
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 (except for July).
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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. 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/

2025 Secular Summer Retreat
2025-07-11 18:00 - 2025-07-13 11:00 | Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI, United States
Registration is now open for the 2025 Secular Summer Retreat!

Explore the historic campground with fellow Michigan Humanists, friends and family and enjoy the beauty of the Michigan summer.
The retreat is fun for all ages, and is both kid and adult friendly. Enjoy delicious food prepared onsite by Michigan Humanists members, group discussions, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, group games/sports, art & science activities, and scenic hiking and biking. End the day with s’mores around the bonfire along the shores of beautiful Long Lake. Wait, we’re not done yet! Head on up to the lodge and join in some late night tabletop gaming or a friendly game (or 10) of euchre.
The Long Lake Outdoor Center is located inside the Yankee Springs Recreation Area (near Hastings, MI). It offers historic cabins and large dining hall/lodge with giant fireplaces, a craft house and sports fields, among acres of beautiful forest, with boat access to Long Lake, and access to the Yankee Springs trails right from camp.
Registration includes meals, private and group cabins, hiking, canoeing, swimming, activities.
Michigan Humanists Members receive a $10 per person discount on retreat tickets. Become a member of Michigan Humanists for as little as $10 a month. Become a member here!

Registration closes Monday, July 7th.
