Ethical Culturists from around the country will gather to acknowledge the dark and bring out the light. Let's bring out the best of others and thus ourselves through this heart-centered winter solstice program of many voices.
Ty will explore why the “Environmental Movement” mostly failed to motivate people to change their consumption behaviors. He will review some dark episodes in the nation’s history (Native American relocations, slavery’s profitability, numbing responses to today’s school shootings) as informative to today’s failures, that is, knowing something is morally wrong won’t likely change behaviors around the convenience of consumption, profit and loss, or national policy.
In a culture that often values autonomy above most other principles and values, the challenges of aging impact our sense of self, the stories we tell about our lives, and our sense of meaning and spirituality in profound ways. How can we navigate changes and transitions with agency and intention and find the gifts that this unexpected and often unwanted journey brings?
“The Power of Vulnerability”, a TEDx talk by Brene Brown will be viewed and discussed at the Sunday, March 23, 2025, meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30 – 4:00 pm. This will be a Zoom only meeting. All are welcome to attend.
We present solid data. They go blank, get angry, or walk out. Why isn’t evidence breaking through belief barriers? Seth Andrews shares his perspective on “Identity Beliefs” and how to perhaps carve the crack that lets in some light. If bullet points aren’t working…what does?
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.
Mark your calendar for our annual meeting and potluck meal Sunday, June 22nd, 2:30 PM at Friends Meeting House. This is an important and fun gathering. During our annual meeting, we will hear reports on EHSA activities of this fiscal year, decide on a budget for next fiscal year which starts on July 1st, and elect board members for the coming year. It is an open meeting, but only members may vote.
* * Note 11:00 AM Start time. * * Award-winning investigative journalist, bestselling author, and New York Times contributing Opinion Writer Julia Angwin will dialogue with Ethical Culture Societies around the country about what we are doing to effectively resist and reverse the current slide into authoritarian government, and how to work together to do it better.