Time: Tuesday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Chapel on the Ave, 4130 University Way NE

Topic: Is Buddhism completely compatible with Secularism?

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In light of the Dalai Lama’s visit, we will be discussing how his views on Buddhism mesh with a secular worldview. In interviews, he has stated:

“If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change. In my view, science and Buddhism share a search for the truth and for understanding reality. By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview.”

However, is this complete picture? Can the two world views ever be completely reconciled or will there be points such as reincarnation in which the two will forever stand apart?

Join us for the first SSU meeting of the Spring quarter at our new location in Chapel on the Ave.

Here’s a map:

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Austin Dacey is the author of the book “The Secular Conscience” and editor of the magazines “Skeptical Inquirer” and “Free Inquiry”. He also serves as representative of the the Center for Inquiry to the UN. He is coming to the UW campus this Friday to give a talk on the intersection between religion, science, and ethics.

For more information, check out his website:

http://www.austindacey.com/index.html

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 209A

Topic: Ask a Mormon

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Mormonism is among one of the younger religions and there are many misconceptions about the faith. What do Mormon’s actually believe? How do people practice their faith? What stories do they have to tell?

We are holding a Q&A session on Mormonism with the Latter-Day Saint Student Association. Come along if you have any questions or simply want to learn.

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 209A

Topic: Ask a Bible Literalist

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What does it mean to believe in the literal truth of the Bible? How do people integrate the teachings into the Bible into their everyday life? What evidence made them arrive at their positions.

We are holding a Q&A session with the City Church on why they believe in Bible Literalism. Come along if have questions to ask or if you’re simply curious.

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 309

Topic: Should religion be an opiate for the masses

Facebook: http://washington.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10549185627

“I’m an atheist, but people need religion. What are you going to put in its place? How are you going to comfort the bereaved? How are you going to fill the need?” is an argument Richard Dawkins commonly gets. His response to this argument is detailed here: http://richarddawkins.net/article,318,Im-an-atheist-BUT—,Richard-Dawkins

Is religion helpful even if it were not true? Do people need it to stay moral or have purpose in their lives and should atheists be trying to convert people away from religion if it provides obvious benefits to a person’s life?

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 209A

Topic: Ask a Jew

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In association with Hillel, we are holding a Q&A session about Judaism. If you are curious about what Jewish people believe, why they believe it and what their experiences are, come along.

Time: Tuesday, 4pm - 6pm

Location: HUB 309

Topic: Does the soul make sense?

Facebook: http://washington.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8147678683

Almost universally, religion makes some claim about what happens to a person after death. Whether it be reincarnation or heaven or becoming one with Xenu, some non-material part of the person manages to persist and transcend death. But what is the nature of the “soul” and does it exist?

What is the soul? How does it change over the course of our life? What do different religions have to say about the soul? What does science have to say? Does the concept of the soul make sense or is it part of our human longing to make sense of the universe and find purpose?

Personally, this is the meeting I’m the most excited about this quarter. I think it’s a fascinating question and I hope to learn a lot from people with different perspectives.

If you’re on the list but haven’t yet made it to one of our meetings, this is the one I recommend you try and attend.

This is the first of our regular series of “Ask a …” meetings.

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 209A

Topic: Ask a Hindu

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In association with the Hindu Student Association, we are holding an “Ask the Hindu” Q&A Session. If you have any questions about Hinduism or simply just want to hear their stories, come along.

Please note, our meeting will be held on Monday this week due to a special presentation by Dr Valerie Tarico.

Time: Monday, 4pm – 6pm
Location: HUB 209A
Topic: How to use the Bible against Bible Believers
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A belief that the Bible is literally perfect is the cornerstone of fundamentalist Christianity. But the notion of Biblical “inerrancy” is also one of Christianity’s greatest vulnerabilities. What should you know about the Bible when it’s time to go head to head with Christian friends and family members? Come hear what psychologist Valerie Tarico has to say.

Dr. Tarico is author of The Dark Side: How Evangelical Teachings Corrupt Love and Truth. She hosts “Christianity in the Public Square,” a monthly series on Moral Politics Television. Raised in a fundamentalist family, Dr. Tarico attended Wheaton College, where the Billy Graham Center houses a museum dedicated to the history of American Evangelicalism. She obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa before completing postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington. Now a psychotherapist in Seattle, Dr. Tarico calls upon her scientific training, professional experience, and background as a born-again Evangelical as she examines crucial questions about religion in society. Her essays can be found at www.spaces.live.com/awaypoint.

Welcome back to the first SSU meeting for the Fall Quarter. Meetings will be on Tuesdays from 4 - 6pm this quarter.

Time: Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm

Location: HUB 209A

Topic: What can atheists learn from religion?

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This quarter, the SSU is focusing on religious outreach and trying to understand the various religions around the world. Over the course of the quarter, we’ll be inviting members of different religious groups on campus for Q&A sessions.

Before we begin, it would be helpful to discuss just what atheists can learn from religion and religious people. Does organized religion provide something atheism is lacking? Does atheism have things religion is lacking? What does religion say about human nature? About our search for meaning?

Lets start this quarter off with a bang!