Events Programme Update

DH Events Programme Apr-Jul 14Dorset Humanists’ latest events programme is now available for download. It covers the period to the end of July 2014, and contains presentations on a wide range of subjects including the search for life on Mars, and the philosophical and evidential case for agnosticism. We’re also delighted to have booked veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell for what is sure to be a lively and controversial talk entitled, ‘Organised Religion: The Biggest Global Threat to Human Rights?’.

Download your copy of the new programme now, and we look forward to seeing you at our events soon.

The Case for Agnosticism

The Case for Agnosticism - 25 June 2014Wednesday 25th June 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

with Kate Holden M.Phil

The “God Question” is perhaps the most important question there is, as not only does the answer have enormous implications for our understanding of the universe, our morality, and indeed our very existence, but billions of people live their lives guided in some way by ancient religious texts. Many theists and atheists regard agnostics as ‘fence-sitters’ who’ve simply failed to properly consider the evidence, but Kate Holden has extensively examined atheist and theist positions and believes there are good grounds for rejecting both.

In this presentation, she will explore both philosophical and evidential perspectives including the nature of God, the nature of truth, the ambiguity of faith, the apparent conflict of science and religion, and difficulties associated with proving God’s existence. She will highlight parallels between the atheist and theist positions and suggest that both are comparably weak, before concluding with the proposal that agnosticism embraces the undeniable lack of proof and certainty, and consequently provides a more realistic response to life’s ultimate questions.

Kate Holden studied for a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Philosophy and Religion at Heythrop College, University of London.

“Join us for another fascinating examination of the God Question”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is well lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Buddhism & Humanism

Buddhism & HumanismSaturday 14th June 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth B
H9 1TW

With Sally Bannister and Kelsang Lekchog (Claire Bannister)

Claire and Sally Bannister were raised in a secular family by atheist-humanist activist parents, yet independently of each other they developed an interest in Buddhism, with Claire eventually being ordained as a Buddhist nun.

In this presentation, Claire and Sally will explain various aspects of Buddhist teachings and beliefs, and explore whether they can be compatible with a Humanist worldview despite the many obvious differences. Join us for an enlightening introduction to Buddhism and discover whether its philosophy may have any relevance for secular Humanists.

“Join us to improve your understanding of Buddhism and discover whether it can augment a Humanist worldview

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

May Bulletin

DWWe very much hope you can join us on Saturday 10th May for our debate on the Resurrection with Moorlands College of Christian Theology. Our previous debates with Moorlands have proved that debates between Christian and atheists can be well-informed and hard-hitting but still friendly and respectful. Don't miss it!

We are also very privileged this month to have Dr Mel Semple coming to talk to us about human trafficking in Britain. Mel, an academic researcher and excellent speaker, is very well-placed to give us an authoritative update on this subject.

Lots more news, views and great events in this month's Bulletin.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-May-2014.pdf

We look forward to seeing you again soon.
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

The New Slavery: Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking PosterWednesday 28th May 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

A presentation by sociologist Dr Mel Semple 

In 1807 parliament abolished the slave trade across the British Empire, but slavery in the UK is far from dead! The modern exploitation of human beings takes many forms, including prostitution, forced labour, child trafficking and domestic servitude. In Britain, the sexual exploitation of trafficked women is most visible but we also have labour exploitation including children working in cannabis farms or domestic slavery. Recently the most prevalent countries of origin were Romania, Poland, Nigeria, Vietnam and Hungary.

In this presentation, Mel Semple will be highlighting the scale of human trafficking, and outlining how we can help end this continuing abuse of human rights. Mel has undertaken academic research into this appalling crime and is well-placed to give us an authoritative account of the current situation in the UK and discuss whether the Draft Modern Slavery Bill (2013) will address the problems of trafficking.  Mel has taught sociology and social policy at Southampton University and previously worked with physically disabled young people.  She has written on Marxism, feminism, and human trafficking and is writing a book ‘The Foot Soldiers of Suffrage’, about the unsung heroes of ‘First Wave Feminism’.

“Join us to discover the disturbing truth about this continuing abuse of human rights, and learn how we can help bring it to an end”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed from Gervis Road, which is well lit and has roadside parking).

Please help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.