Introduction to Ethical Humanism

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Anyone can attend this Zoom and in-person about the Philadelphia Ethical Society, though it’s mainly geared to folks new to our special brand of humanism. After a short presentation, Hugh will take questions and coordinate a conversation. Those attending in person share refreshments – to folks on Zoom, sorry, but you’ll have to provide your [...]

Wisdom of East Meets West: Swami Vivekananda

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Swami Vivekananda was a late 19th century Indian Hindu monk who taught about the nature of reality; the relationship between reason and religion; the paths of love and knowledge; the just division of labor; and the harmony of world religions. He influenced thinkers, including William James, Margaret Noble, Nikola Tesla, John D. Rockefeller, and W.E.B. [...]

Book Discussion (In-Person) – The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In this inspiring tale of grassroots environmentalism, Broad and Cavanagh describe how El Salvador became the first country to ban the mining of metals. You have two chances to discuss the introduction and chapters 1-4. First on Zoom on Saturday, November 5, at 10:30 AM. Then in-person on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 PM. We [...]

The Enlightenment and Its Enemies: Why Superstition Persists and Spreads

Rabbi Edmond H. Weiss Thomas Jefferson believed that by the end of the 19th century all Americans—granted freedom from religion—would become enlightened atheists or Unitarians. A generation later, the founders of Reform Judaism believed that the ethical writings of Immanuel Kant eventually would supersede the Bible’s commandments. Rabbi Weiss argues that both viewpoints failed to [...]

Humanist Thanksgiving

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Join us in-person and on Zoom for a gratitude gathering with music, readings, activities, and sharing—but no food. For those who want to eat, we will be serving pie at the building afterward! Those fully-vaccinated and boosted are welcome to join in-person at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square. Please wear [...]

Gratitude Gathering with Pie

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Follow our hybrid Humanist Thanksgiving platform by breaking bread—-or eating pie-—upstairs in the dining room of the building with other Society members. This is an after-lunch potluck, so let Hugh or Ruth know what you can bring: a pie, ice cream, or beverages. Email links: Hugh hughtm@gmail.com Ruth ruth.paradise@verizon.net

Book Discussion (In-Person) – The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In this inspiring tale of grassroots environmentalism, Broad and Cavanagh describe how El Salvador became the first country to ban the mining of metals. You have two chances to discuss the introduction and chapters 1-4. First on Zoom on Saturday, November 5, at 10:30 AM. Then in-person on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:30 PM. We [...]

Freedom of Religion or Belief at the United Nations

Daniel Hoffman, PES Member The United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief was formed in 1991. The goal: to promote international agreements protecting freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief. Daniel, who is on the board, will share the organization’s background and talk about how the conflict between freedom of religion and [...]

Open Minds: Gift a Banned Book this Holiday Season

Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society The recent surge in book bans is troubling. During the last academic year, school districts in 32 states announced 2,500 such actions. But thanks to human curiosity and opposition to censorship, banning books backfires. Book stores even create displays to capitalize on demand for this forbidden fruit. Hugh suggests [...]