In today’s contentious climate—in which a seemingly unbridgeable divide persists between religious and secular worldviews— Tim will address the relative merits and viability of religion versus secular humanism from the perspective of the psychological and social sciences.

With the current societal polarization, open-mindedness is the first step to self-care, rational thinking, and discarding the “scare script” that leads to demonizing others. Rick will offer practical strategies for engaging in conversations with individuals holding opposing political views. He emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and effective communication to bridge political divides.

Religion has long been used to justify the worst of human behaviors. We're also seeing a modern-day shift in the role of both religious institutions and faith-based practices. Nevertheless, religion continues to play an important role in one's identity, how we interact with our neighbors, and how we care for the earth. Vicki has a special interest in educating kids about the world's religions. As it turns out, her award-winning kids' books also help educate adults.

The Exvangelicals is the story of a rising generation of the children of evangelicalism, including Sarah herself, who are growing up and fleeing the fold, who are thinking for themselves and deconstructing what feel like the “alternative facts” of their childhood. Part memoir, part investigative journalism, Sarah describes the post-evangelical movement: identifying its origins, telling the stories of its members, and examining its vast cultural, social, and political impact.

Presentation TBA