Religion   

Some still assert the Constitution's Establishment Clause only prohibits an official state religion. David will be presenting remotely. He will explain how that flawed interpretation is playing out in America today and the harm being done to the religious minorities that the Clause is intended to protect. Q&A after the program.
David Williamson is co-founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community (CFFC), an organization of atheists and Humanists focused on the separation of state and building a thriving secular community in the Greater Orlando area. Locally, he is a member of the Central Florida Commission on Religious Freedom, is Secretary of the Florida Humanist Association, and is co-coordinator of the organization’s conference FREEFLO. David serves 2 national organizations. He is on the Advisory Board of the Freethought Equality Fund and a Florida State Representative for the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
 

This presentation discusses the origins, practices, and scriptures of what may be the oldest, continuously practiced religion in the world.

This discussion will consider questions such as: Who was the Buddha? How did Buddhism emerge from Hinduism? What are its different sects Why are so few Buddhists in India, it's place of origin today?

Describing the origins and various versions of Taoism is exceedingly difficult. We shall try to unravel this ancient practice and consider its relationship to Confucianism, another distinctly Chinese practice.

Reading the Bible critically is needed to understand ancient writers and why they wrote. In one session, this class introduces basic concepts in the unique work of Genesis, like the quality of texts, source theory, reflecting on fact vs. truth, literalism vs. storytelling, etc. This isn't school at church or synagogue. While being faith affirmative, this class is not seeking to affirm doctrines, traditions, or personal beliefs. If you believe in the inerrancy of scripture, you are NOT likely to find this course helpful.

Reading the Bible critically is needed to understand ancient writers and why they wrote. In these sessions, this class introduces basic concepts about gospel editors and their sources, exploring other movements of the 1st century, as well as who Jesus thought he was and what he intended to do. This isn't church school. While being faith affirmative, the class is not seeking to affirm doctrines, traditions, or personal beliefs. If you believe in the inerrancy of scripture, you are NOT likely to find this course helpful.