September Program Meeting
September 26, 1:00-3:30pm
Franklin Township Public Library
485 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
(map and directions)
Ancient History: Why Ancient Historiographical Sources from the Past are Unreliable
Guest Speaker Tom Verrena
This talk will examine what ancient sources can actually be considered historical evidence. Did the authors of the Gospels really care about what happened historically or did they have other intentions in mind when they wrote them? Did the Exodus occur? Did Alexander the Great march on Jerusalem? These questions, along with others, will be examined.
He will give the audience the tools necessary to evaluate historical claims for themselves. Far too often the media portrays history in a way that makes academics cringe; Verenna explains what constitutes historical evidence, how scholars create models, and what to look for when examining historical claims in order to come to sound conclusions abut the past.
Tom Verenna is an amateur historian. You can visit his website for more information about him.
Come at 1:00 pm to socialize. The talk will begin at 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and the speaker for something to eat at a nearby restaurant after the meeting.
For more information, please email njhn@comcast.net
NJCoR's billboard in Kearny,
October 26 - November 22, 2009
NJ Turnpike western spur SB, just past 15W
We are currently seeking donations to our Harley A. Brown Fund for Camp Quest for the 2010 camping season, as well as applications for campership assistance for any family sending a child to Camp Quest. The Camp Quest experience is one our children will never forget -- one in which they are exposed to "rational inquiry, critical and creative thinking, scientific method, self-respect, ethics, competency, democracy, free speech, and the separation of religion and government guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States." If we hope to make progress toward a more secular American society, we must begin to instill these values in our children. Please pledge your support by making a donation today on our donations page. Any amount is appreciated and helps one or more children afford an experience that they might otherwise miss. Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
Widespread intellectual and moral docility may be convenient for leaders in the short term, but it is suicidal for nations in the long term. One of the criteria for national leadership should therefore be a talent for understanding, encouraging, and making constructive use of vigorous criticism.
- Carl Sagan
NJHN is a Chartered Chapter of the American Humanist Association. NJHN is also affiliated with American Atheists and the Council for Secular Humanism, and supports the efforts of the Secular Coalition for America, Freedom From Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
The lifestance of Humanism—guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience—encourages us to live life well and fully. It evolved through the ages and continues to develop through the efforts of thoughtful people who recognize that values and ideals, however carefully wrought, are subject to change as our knowledge and understandings advance.
- from Humanist Manifesto III
Updates
Matthew LaClair recently spoke with Don McLeroy of the Texas Board of Education on the Texas textbook controversy on Equal Time for Freethought. Listen to the archived audio interview here.
Trying to raise children and looking for secular resources? NJHN sponsors the New Jersey Humanist Families Network. Visit their page for more information.
Visit our NJHN pages on Facebook and Meetup. Sign up, send a Friend Request, leave us a comment, or get reminders of upcoming events!
Lending Library
We have established a lending library service for NJHN members. An extensive collection of books is now available for 30 day loans. Please visit our Lending Library page for details. If you'd like to donate books, contact library at njhn.org.
Our What is Humanism? page is occasionally updated and expanded to add new resources for our readers interested in learning about Humanism.
Philosopedia!
A new resource
for freethinkers.
Founded by
Warren Allen Smith
