The Kansas City area is home to a variety of robust organizations dedicated to free thought. If you are secular humanist, atheist, agnostic, other free thinker or just want to learn more, you are welcome to share in the activities of the following organizations.
Heartland Humanists
info | website
Good Life
Humanist Society
info | webpage
Community of Reason
info | website
Midwest Skeptics
Society Meetup
info | websiteHeartland Humanists
Book Discussion Group
info
Community of Reason
Skeptical Bible Study
info
Secular Organization
for Sobriety of KC
info | webpage
Humanist Meetup
info | website
Atheist Meetup
info | website
- Time: 7-8 a.m.
Event: Voice of Reason
Sponsoring Organization: 90.1 FM, KKFI, Kansas City Community Radio
Place: Your radio in the Kansas City, Missouri, area; also, streaming audio from KKFI web site.
Links: http://www.kkfi.org/; Email: vorkkfi@yahoo.com; Phone: 816-931-3122
Additional Information: The Voice of Reason is the only radio program in Kansas City presented from a free thought perspective. It is hosted by Don Kemerling and Gary Purdom who present topics about philosophy, political events, free thought, humanism, atheism, agnosticism, etc. They are assisted by Lee Knox and Greg Swartz. The program can be heard anywhere in the world via the airways or streaming audio on the internet.
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - Buddhism; 11:15 a.m. - New Testament
Event: Buddhism (Mahayana Buddhism – the Bodhisattva Ideal) & New Testament (Paul’s Letter to the Romans)
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 307, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: This is not your normal religious studies class that seeks to learn the "truths" of the religion. Rather we look to see if there are any truths in the various religions. We ask such questions as does it teach acceptable morals; is it historical; why are the sacred texts given such esteem? If you would like to be put on an email distribution list and from time to time receive resource materials and reminders, send an email request to greg@kcfreethought.org.
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
Event: Science & Science Fiction Book Club
Sponsoring Organization: Atheist Meetup
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/140/
Additional Information: The group will begin reading Phantoms in the Brain by V. S. Ramachandran et al. They will cover the first four chapters: The Phantom Within; Knowing Where to Scratch; Chasing the Phantom and The Zombie in the Brain. Check the Meetup site for up-to-date details.
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event: "An Energy Future" by Craig Volland
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 301, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: Craig Volland is president of Spectrum Technologist and Technical Advisor to Kansas Sierra Club. He will speak on what we can do to tide us over until we can get energy alternatives in place - what needs to be done at both the personal and societal level.
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Independence & Blue Springs Free Thought August Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Kansas City Free Thought - Jackson & Cass Counties - Meetup
Place: Barnes & Noble Coffee Shop, Independence Commons, 19120 East 39th St., Independence, MO 64057
Link: http://questioningrel.meetup.com/75/
Additional Information: Do you live in Independence, Blue Springs or Eastern Jackson County and feel like you have been left out of free thought activities? Well, this meetup is for you! The group has no assigned topic, so the discussion is open and lively!
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Book Discussion: Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved by Frans de Waal
Sponsoring Organization: Heartland Humanists
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://www.heartlandhumanists.org
Additional Information: This month's book is a fairly short book (181 pages) and one that should be of particular interest to free thinkers. de Waal thinks that our morality has evolved and is an essential part of our makeup. He refutes what he calls is the Veneer Theory in which it is held that humans are essentially amoral and that any morality we possess is a thin veneer on top of a core of amorality. He refutes the notion that morality is solely the result of our reasoning or a product of religious influences. The book is essentially a printed copy of a lecture by Frans de Waal with comments by Robert Wright, Christine Korsgaard, Philip Kitcher and Peter Singer. Come and discuss this interesting and important book.
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Heartland Humanists Monthly Educational Meeting
Sponsoring Organization: Heartland Humanists
Place: To be announced
Link: http://www.heartlandhumanists.org; for more information, call 913-271-1250.
Additional Information: This month's program is to be announced.
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- Time: 3:00 p.m.
Event: SOS Weekly Meeting
Sponsoring Organization: Secular Organization for Sobriety (Save OurSelves)
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://www.kcfreethought.org/sos
Additional Information: SOS meets weekly at Westport Coffeehouse. While the name implies an interest only in alcohol addiction, all addictions will be the subject of the group. Anyone who has alcoholism, a drug addition, an eating disorder or any other type of addiction is welcome. The group will address these addictions without involving religious beliefs, but you do not need to be an atheist, agnostic or other free thinker to participate.
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- Time: 7-8 a.m.
Event: Voice of Reason
Sponsoring Organization: 90.1 FM, KKFI, Kansas City Community Radio
Place: Your radio in the Kansas City, Missouri, area; also, streaming audio from KKFI web site.
Links: http://www.kkfi.org/; Email: vorkkfi@yahoo.com; Phone: 816-931-3122
Additional Information: The Voice of Reason is the only radio program in Kansas City presented from a free thought perspective. It is hosted by Don Kemerling and Gary Purdom who present topics about philosophy, political events, free thought, humanism, atheism, agnosticism, etc. They are assisted by Lee Knox and Greg Swartz. The program can be heard anywhere in the world via the airways or streaming audio on the internet.
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - Hinduism; 11:15 a.m. - Islam
Event: Hinduism (The Way of Action) & Islam (Islamic Revivalism – Renewal and Reform)
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 307, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: This is not your normal religious studies class that seeks to learn the "truths" of the religion. Rather we look to see if there are any truths in the various religions. We ask such questions as does it teach acceptable morals; is it historical; why are the sacred texts given such esteem? If you would like to be put on an email distribution list and from time to time receive resource materials and reminders, send an email request to greg@kcfreethought.org.
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
Event: Science & Science Fiction Book Club
Sponsoring Organization: Atheist Meetup
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/140/
Additional Information: Check the Meetup site for up-to-date details.
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event: "Media Ownership Matters or What the FCC is going on" by Val Baul, Pat Barthlome, Tom Crane, Tom Klammer, Alice Kitchen, Sharon Lockhart, Anne Pritchett, Majida Watkins
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 301, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: When Big Media gets too big, local independent and minority owners are pushed out of the market and off the airwaves. Media consolidation means: fewer voices and viewpoints, less diversity in ownership, and programming coverage of local issues that matter to communities, less of the unbiased, independent, critical journalism we need to prevent abuses of power. Hear local media activists, attendees of the National Media Reform Conference in Minneapolis sharing their experiences, impressions, and hopes for the future of our public airwaves.
- Time: 5:00 p.m. - dinner; 6 p.m. - program
Event: Good Life Humanists Society Monthly Meeting
Sponsoring Organization: Good Life Humanists Society
Place: Western Sizzlin' Steak House, 12300 Blue Ridge, Grandview, MO
Link: Richard Day
Additional Information: Discussion is always interesting and lively, so come for the discussion if nothing else! Most have dinner, but come even if you do not want to dine.
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Kansas Freethought Society August Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Kansas Freethought Society
Place: Scooter's Coffee House, 11106 Antioch Rd. (SW Corner of College & Antioch), Overland Park, KS 66210
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/642/
Additional Information: As the election gets closer, we continue to hear about how this is a "christian nation", but what does that mean? Is it true? If it's not true, why do people keep on saying it? Just for starters.
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties Freethought August Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Kansas City Free Thought - Wyandotte & Leavenworth County
Place: Scooter's Coffee House, Legends Mall, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66111
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/641/
Additional Information: No announced program.
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: Kansas City Atheists & Agnostics Singles August Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Kansas City Atheists & Agnostics Singles
Place: Scooter's Coffee House, 11106 Antioch Rd. (SW Corner of College & Antioch), Overland Park, KS 66210
Link: http://singles.meetup.com/2065
Additional Information: No announced program.
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- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event: North of the River Freethought August Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Kansas City Free Thought - North KC, Gladstone, Liberty Area
Place: A Cup Above, 420 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64155
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/640
Additional Information: See web site for further details.
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- Time: To be announced
Event: Heartland Humanists Monthly Family Outing
Sponsoring Organization: Heartland Humanists
Place: To be announced
Link: http://www.heartlandhumanists.org; for more information, call 913-271-1250.
Additional Information: This month's outing is to be announced.
- Time: 3:00 p.m.
Event: SOS Weekly Meeting
Sponsoring Organization: Secular Organization for Sobriety (Save OurSelves)
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://www.kcfreethought.org/sos
Additional Information: SOS meets weekly at Westport Coffeehouse. While the name implies an interest only in alcohol addiction, all addictions will be the subject of the group. Anyone who has alcoholism, a drug addition, an eating disorder or any other type of addiction is welcome. The group will address these addictions without involving religious beliefs, but you do not need to be an atheist, agnostic or other free thinker to participate.
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- Time: 7-8 a.m.
Event: Voice of Reason
Sponsoring Organization: 90.1 FM, KKFI, Kansas City Community Radio
Place: Your radio in the Kansas City, Missouri, area; also, streaming audio from KKFI web site.
Links: http://www.kkfi.org/; Email: vorkkfi@yahoo.com; Phone: 816-931-3122
Additional Information: The Voice of Reason is the only radio program in Kansas City presented from a free thought perspective. It is hosted by Don Kemerling and Gary Purdom who present topics about philosophy, political events, free thought, humanism, atheism, agnosticism, etc. They are assisted by Lee Knox and Greg Swartz. The program can be heard anywhere in the world via the airways or streaming audio on the internet.
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - Buddhism; 11:15 a.m. - New Testament
Event: Buddhism (Celestial Buddhas & Bodhisattvas) & New Testament (Paul, Jesus and James)
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 307, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: This is not your normal religious studies class that seeks to learn the "truths" of the religion. Rather we look to see if there are any truths in the various religions. We ask such questions as does it teach acceptable morals; is it historical; why are the sacred texts given such esteem? If you would like to be put on an email distribution list and from time to time receive resource materials and reminders, send an email request to greg@kcfreethought.org.
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
Event: Science & Science Fiction Book Club
Sponsoring Organization: Atheist Meetup
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/140/
Additional Information: Check the Meetup site for up-to-date details.
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event: "What are the Candidates Saying about Social Security?” by Max Skidmore
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 301, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: Max Skidmore, Curators Professor of Political Science at UMKC. Why do I say it's a mistake?
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- Time: 3:00 p.m.
Event: SOS Weekly Meeting
Sponsoring Organization: Secular Organization for Sobriety (Save OurSelves)
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://www.kcfreethought.org/sos
Additional Information: SOS meets weekly at Westport Coffeehouse. While the name implies an interest only in alcohol addiction, all addictions will be the subject of the group. Anyone who has alcoholism, a drug addition, an eating disorder or any other type of addiction is welcome. The group will address these addictions without involving religious beliefs, but you do not need to be an atheist, agnostic or other free thinker to participate.
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
Event: Heartland Humanist's September Social Event
Sponsoring Organization: Heartland Humanists
Place: Home of Tom & Judy Warner
Link: http://www.heartlandhumanists.org; For more information, call 913-219-5863
Additional Information: Please bring a dish to share and be ready to spend an evening of fun and discussion.
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- Time: 7-8 a.m.
Event: Voice of Reason
Sponsoring Organization: 90.1 FM, KKFI, Kansas City Community Radio
Place: Your radio in the Kansas City, Missouri, area; also, streaming audio from KKFI web site.
Links: http://www.kkfi.org/; Email: vorkkfi@yahoo.com; Phone: 816-931-3122
Additional Information: The Voice of Reason is the only radio program in Kansas City presented from a free thought perspective. It is hosted by Don Kemerling and Gary Purdom who present topics about philosophy, political events, free thought, humanism, atheism, agnosticism, etc. They are assisted by Lee Knox and Greg Swartz. The program can be heard anywhere in the world via the airways or streaming audio on the internet.
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - Hinduism; 11:15 a.m. - Islam
Event: Hinduism (The Way of Wisdom) & Islam (The Contemporary Resurgence of Islam)
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 307, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: This is not your normal religious studies class that seeks to learn the "truths" of the religion. Rather we look to see if there are any truths in the various religions. We ask such questions as does it teach acceptable morals; is it historical; why are the sacred texts given such esteem? If you would like to be put on an email distribution list and from time to time receive resource materials and reminders, send an email request to greg@kcfreethought.org.
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
Event: Science & Science Fiction Book Club
Sponsoring Organization: Atheist Meetup
Place: Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Link: http://atheists.meetup.com/140/
Additional Information: Check the Meetup site for up-to-date details.
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event: "Missionary Positions: A New Approach to Sexual Ethics" by Rev. Rebecca Turner
Sponsoring Organization: Community of Reason
Place: Room 301, Haag Hall (northwest corner of 52nd & Rockhill Road), University of Missouri at Kansas City (Park on level 4 of the parking structure south, across the street; 3rd floor of Haag is accessed directly through overhead walkway.)
Link: http://www.communityofreason.net; Phone: 816-561-1866
Additional Information: The Rev. Rebecca Turner, executive director of the Missouri Religious Coalition for the Right to Choose, will speak on sexual behavior. Centuries-old religious dogmas have long determined the public view of appropriate sexual behavior. Turner will discuss why the old rules don't work for modern adults and what we should be teaching instead.
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
Event: Atheist & Humanist Meetup
Sponsoring Organization: Atheist Meetup & Humanist Meetup
Place: Planet Sub, 4928 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Link: Humanism Meetup: http://humanism.meetup.com/37/; Atheist Meetup: http://atheists.meetup.com/140/
Additional Information: Meetup.com is a web site which through its computer program organizes meetings between people interested in a huge number of subjects all over the world. Attending this would be a way to meet humanists and atheists that may not attend some of the other groups. Children are welcome.
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If you would like an event added to this calendar, please send an email to Greg with all pertinent information.