Atheism ... Living Without Religion: The Past, Present, and Future of Doubt

Come and explore (live or via Zoom) the intellectual roots of atheism — from Epicurus to today — while addressing common misconceptions, highlighting key moments in American atheist history, and examining current trends and challenges.

Join us at 7 p.m. (EDT), on Saturday, May 17, when Chris McLaughlin, the State Director of the Secular Alliance of Michigan and President of Michigan Atheists, will lead us in our examination of atheism, secular identity, and the broader cultural and civic landscape of nonbelief in America.

Chris is a lifelong atheist and activist who speaks regularly on atheism, secular identity, and the growing influence of nonreligious Americans in public life. His talk will trace the intellectual and cultural roots of atheism from ancient Greece to the modern atheist movement in the U.S., while debunking myths and offering insight into who atheists are today.

Chris has founded multiple secular initiatives and leads efforts to build inclusive, evidence-based communities grounded in a naturalistic worldview. He has a background in business and economics and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Economics from the University of Michigan

Please note: You can attend the presentation either LIVE OR VIA ZOOM!

You may attend the live presentation, for a chance to also mingle with your fellow Mensans and guests, at our usual location:

Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church in Southfield
23925 Northwestern Highway
Southfield, MI 48075

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) for both the live presentation and for mingling on Zoom. The program begins at 7 p.m. (EDT).

There is no charge for the Zoom presentation, but due to rising costs (Meetup charges alone went up 70% during the past year!), your donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated. PLEASE DONATE $5!

To donate, go to paypal.com , log in, and click on the "Send" button. Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@mensadetroit.com , click on "Next", fill in your payment amount, and in the "What's this for" dialogue box, enter: "SEMM Zoom Presentations." Click "next", select your payment method, and click "send".

Please remember that all Zoom attendees need to pre-register by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/SEMM-2025-Gathering.

Ticket prices for the in-person program are:

• Adult members: $5, or buy a strip of 4 tickets for $15
• Adult guests: $6 
• Children 12 & under: $2

Members receive free admission in the month of their birthday! Those attending live can join us following the presentation to purchase dinner at Buddy's Pizza, located at 31646 Northwestern Highway, in Farmington Hills, just northeast of Middlebelt Road.

For more information, contact Harley Berger at vp@mensadetroit.com.