The Future of Religion and "New Atheism" August 21, 2010

The future of religion and "New Atheism", with Bill Garlington, Ph.D, an Instructor (Professor Of The Year 2008) in the Osher Extended Education Program at Cal. State Channel Islands University. He's also the Adult Education Director at Camarillo United Methodist Church.

After earning B.A. and M.A. in History at UCLA, he went to Australian National University for his Ph.D. in Asian Studies and Sociology. He stayed in Australia for a time to teach in Adelaide and Canberra. Returning to California, he has taught in Oakland, Berkeley, Vallejo, and Camarillo.

He has written two novels: 'Fire And Blood' (published in 1984) and 'Tara's Secret' (2003).

Professor Garlington will talk and answer questions about:
* The History of Ideas.
* Sociology and future of religion.
* "New Atheism", such as espoused by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Victor Stenger, and others who declare that religion should not be passively tolerated but should instead be countered, criticized and exposed by rational argument wherever its influence arises. They believe that tolerance of pervasive myth and superstition in modern society is not a virtue, and that religious fundamentalism has gone mainstream, taking a toll on education, science, and social progress.

A public discussion hosted by the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara, optional $2 student or $5 general donations would be appreciated.
- On Saturday, August 21st:
- 2:30pm doors open for socializing with refreshments;
- 3pm meeting starts in the Patio Room at Vista del Monte, 3775 Modoc Road (Las Positas exit off Hwy.101, midway between UCSB & SBCC) in Santa Barbara.
Information phone 805-689-2716 or website http://www.SantaBarbaraHumanists.org

Official Website: http://www.santabarbarahumanists.org/newsletters/letframe.html