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X-ORIGINAL-URL:http://naturalism.meetup.com/1/calendar/10139497/ical/Is+con
 tempt+for+anti-naturalists+justifiable+or+effective
X-WR-CALNAME:Events - Is contempt for anti-naturalists justifiable or effec
 tive
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Is contempt for anti-naturalists justifiable or effective?
DESCRIPTION:Allies of Naturalism\n\nHi folks\,\n\nThanks for a good discuss
 ion last time on belief in the supernatural\, something we can take up on a
 nother meeting since there was obviously more to say about it. For May 12 I
 've suggested we talk about an issue raised by a recent comment by Richard 
 Dawkins\, in which he says\n\n"Michael Shermer\, Michael Ruse\, Eugenie Sco
 tt and others are probably right that contemptuous ridicule is not an exped
 ient way to change the minds of those who are deeply religious. But I think
  we should probably abandon the irremediably religious precisely because th
 at is what they are – irremediable. I am more interested in the fence-sitte
 rs who haven’t really considered the question very long or very carefully. 
 And I think that they are likely to be swayed by a display of naked contemp
 t. Nobody likes to be laughed at. Nobody wants to be the butt of contempt."
 \n\nIs Dawkins right about this?  Is contempt an effective way to change mi
 nds\, and more basically\, do the religious\, whether on the fence or not\,
  deserve contempt?   \n\nWe're set to meet at Redline at 7 pm May 12 most l
 ikely in the back room\, but if necessary in the front.  \n\nI won't be abl
 e to make it since out of town so please carry on without me. \n\nbest\,\n\
 nTom\n\ntwc  at  naturalism.org  \n617-480-8846  \n\n\nPS: if you have topi
 cs you'd like to discuss or other ideas for future meetups\, or meeting spo
 ts you like\, please suggest them.\n\nGeneral description of what we're abo
 ut (this bit doesn't change from month to month):   \n\nAllies of Naturalis
 m welcomes those interested in exploring and promoting a science-based\, hu
 manistic and progressive naturalism that can make a difference in our lives
 .  To see what's involved in being a humanistic and progressive naturalist 
 (more or less)\, check out Naturalism.Org\, centerfornaturalism.org and the
  Guide to Naturalism at http://www.centerfornaturalism.org/descriptions.htm
 .       \n\nEssentially\, naturalism shows our full connection to the world
  and others\, leads to an ethics of compassion\, and gives us far greater c
 ontrol over our circumstances.  We don't need anything supernatural either 
 above us or inside us to lead moral and meaningful lives: nature is enough.
   Naturalism is a viable alternative to faith-based worldviews such as trad
 itional religions and new age philosophies\, offering a set of ideas with p
 ositive personal and social consequences.      \n\nThe meetings offer a cha
 nce to meet fellow naturalists in an informal\, relaxed setting\, but with 
 at least some structure.  That's to say that we'll try to have one or two t
 opics suggested in advance for people to think about\, and then discuss whe
 n we get together.  Ultimately the focus and format of the meetings will be
  determined by participants\, but will certainly include time for socializi
 ng and networking.  Watch the discussion board for topic announcements and 
 other details.  Hope to see you there!\n\nCambridge\, MA  02138 - USA\n\nTu
 esday\, May 12 at 7:00 PM\n\nAttending: 10\n\nDetails: http://naturalism.me
 etup.com/1/calendar/10139497/
LAST-MODIFIED:20090609T222313Z
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CLASS:PUBLIC
CREATED:20090408T001242Z
DTSTAMP:20091228T233302Z
DTSTART:20090512T230000Z
DTEND:20090513T010000Z
GEO:42.4;-71.12
URL:http://naturalism.meetup.com/1/calendar/10139497/
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