The scheduled speaker did not show up, so we decided to have an open discussion. The topic chosen was: “Do religious people have techniques that can help us promote humanism?” To launch the discussion, we viewed a short video presenting a naturalistic theory of religion. This was followed by an discussion among audience members.
Video of Programs (search and sort)
Open Discussion
12/17/2017
Don Baham
Why No Peace in Israel/Palestine?
12/10/2017
Joel Beinin
Presentation by Joel Beinin. The United States has been the principal international mediator of the Palestinian-Israel “peace process” since the 1991 Madrid Conference. Has it been an “honest broker”? What do the Palestinians and Israelis expect from a peace agreement? Is there sufficient common ground between them to support an agreement? Joel Beinin is Professor of Middle East History at Stanford University.
Sources of American Music
11/26/2017
Ed Goldberg
Presentation by Ed Goldberg of radio station 89.9 FM. Music is older than civilization, but civilization has shaped it from its rough roots. Goldberg discusses Africa and Europe as the sources of modern music and how ragtime, string band, operetta, and American music evolved. What we call classical music came from church and folk musics. Ed Goldberg was born in the Bronx in 1943. He has a longstanding interest in music and he has been a journalist and commentator on jazz and theater as well. Guest appearance courtesy of All Classical Portland (KQAC 89.9 FM).
Freedom From Religion Foundation
11/19/2017
Cheryl Kolbe
Presentation by Cheryl Kolbe. Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is an organization of nonbelievers whose purpose is to protect separation of state and church and to educate the public about non-theism. She discusses the challenges that arise in our current environment. Ms. Kolbe is founder and president of the Portland Chapter of FFRF and now serves on its National Board.