Is the world divided into mind and matter, and if so, what is mind and what is matter? Is mind subject to matter, or is it possessed of independent powers? Has the universe any unity or purpose? Is it evolving toward some goal? Are there really laws of nature, or do we believe in them only because of our innate love of order? Is man what he seems to the astronomer, a tiny lump of impure carbon and water impotently crawling on a small and unimportant planet? Or is he what he appears to Haml …

Had enough of astrologers, psychics, homeopaths, and spirit channelers? Yearning to talk with someone rational for awhile? Meetup with other local skeptics for some refreshing and sane conversation.

Meet other local atheists, freethinkers and heathens. Gather to discuss beliefs and philosophies, and make new friends. We gladly welcome humanists, agnostics, or anyone else with a healthy dose of logic, skepticism, and critical thinking. We look forward to lively and diverse discussions. Whether you prefer socializing at a bar, meeting at a local restaurant, or planning events, you'll find a place where you fit in at the Greensboro Atheist Organization. We welcome all non-believers within the …

We're here to host friendly, interesting discussions on the topics of the day in a thoughtful, "grown-up" manner.  Think of it as an antidote to all the confrontational bombast of the cable channels these days. We'll meet in a comfortable setting with a pre-arranged topic and hear everyone's views ... or if you want to just listen in, that's fine too.  Exercise your neurons, stimulate your conversational skills, and prepare to have an interesting time!  Drop in and out of the group as your sched …

The Ethical Society of Asheville is a humanist, non-theistic alternative to traditional religion and a member organization of the American Ethical Union. The American Ethical Union is affiliated with the American Humanist Association, the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and the Secular Coalition of America. Our meeting topics are educational, philosophical and of current interest. We are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society …

Our mission is to get Ron Paul elected as our next president.  We strongly promote and defend the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets, and a noninterventionist foreign policy, by means of educational and political activity. Dr Paul's "Back to the Constitution" platform & philosophy have spread like wildfire throughout the country as he continues to inspire millions of supporters to get involved in the liberty movement.  Join us he …

The Center for Pragmatic Buddhism (CPB) is an established Sangha that is looking to spread the relevance of Pragmatic Buddhism and meditation to others. Everyone is welcome to attend. Our work is the synthesis of Nikayan (early Indian), traditional Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen Buddhism, and the American Pragmatist tradition, in what we call Pragmatic Buddhism. We utilize Chan and Zen Buddhist practice methods that resonate with Westerners, including the central practice of sitting meditation …

We are an informal group of freethinkers who come together to exchange thoughts and ideas about philosophy, belief, religion, history, science, culture, the arts, and personal relationships. In addition, we participate in activities together such as hiking, movie night, local events, parties and other civic activities. Freethinkers are those that have the courage to question commonly held beliefs. Whether you call yourself a believer, non-believer, atheist, agnostic, philosopher, scientist, arti …

This group is inclusive of anyone who shares the beliefs of Humanism or Freethought.  Freethought is a philosophical viewpoint that holds that opinions should be formed on the basis of science, logic, and reason, and should not be influenced by authority, tradition, or any dogma.  Humanism believes in the prmacy of human, rather than divine or supernatual matters. We hold a variety of meetups including coffee-shop social chats, book studies, lectures, movie viewing, invited speakers, bar hopping …

This group will explore Aleister Crowley, his works and influences, including current and ancient world religious traditions, such as Tantric Buddhism, Hinduism, Gnosticism, Classical Greek, Pharaonic Egyptian, neo-Platonic philosophy, Rabbinic Qabalah, Jungian psychology, yoga, astrology, Tarot, medieval ceremonial magic, and Victorian English occult societies. **Disclaimer - This is a discussion group.  Personal views & opinions expressed by inidiviual members of this community are not the off …

This purpose of this group is to promote and share the ancient practice and philosophy of yoga and meditation. One of the ways we do this in Asheville is through Hiking Meditation. We are surrounded by such beautiful mountains! Please visit our main website to learn more: www.meditateasheville.org  or www.mipsm.org

God and beer - two great things that go great together! If you're interested in talking God while sipping some fine brews, join us for Spirituality on Tap, sponsored by Jubilee! Circle. We meet at the World of Beer in Columbia on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.

We are a group of professionals dedicated to growing our businesses by building relationships and passing referrals. Our members help each other establish new business contacts, develop business relationships, exchange qualified referrals, and believe in the philosophy "Givers Gain". Ballantyne at 9 is a local BNI chapter. We are industry exclusive meaning once you are a member your competitors will not be able to join. The success of our group is built around our members and the relationships w …

WNC Humanists is a community of individuals who believe that Humanism offers both a realistic and responsible guide to a happy life without having the supernatural as part of their philosophy. The purpose of this organization is its concern for the advancement of human existence on earth through a philosophy that assumes the responsibility of all human beings for their own actions and for conditions in their culture. In applying Humanistic values to daily living we can advance healthy and natura …

WHAT MAKES MONKEY MISCHIEF DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AREA PLAYGROUPS: No minimum attendance policy.  If you're a verified member and super-busy with life, don't worry, we understand. All caretakers welcome... moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, etc. Everyone can schedule playdates, without the hassle of going through an organizer. Broad range of times offered for playdates, including evenings and weekend events. Kids of all ages. Events throughout the Midlands. Play dates for the kids, …

Inviting anyone who would like increase your confidence and improve your skills to effectively express yourself in any situation! Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations, and you’ll impro …

Oneness, a spiritual organization founded by Sri Amma Bhagavan, seeks to alleviate human suffering at its roots by awakening humanity into oneness, wherein every individual feels connected to all that is. The central understanding of Oneness is that inner transformation and awakening into higher states of consciousness is not an outcome of a mere intellectual understanding but a neurobiological process in the brain, whereby one’s experience of life is redefined at its core. This is achieved by O …

Asheville Integral’s mission is to wake up and to grow up and to increase freedom and fullness by exploring every widening perspectives on what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful. We are working to grow, integrate, and evolve consciousness through applying the principals of evolutionary culture to our perspective taking, practices and projects. We do this as individuals, as a collective, and in the wider community. We intend to integrate Integral/Evolutionary principals, perspectives, …

For individuals who want to learn more about Objectivism, meet other like-minded people in our area and promote Ayn Rand's philosophy.

We are parents, gaurdians, and supporters of ethical, freethinking children and youth. We meet for social activities, educational programs, seasonal celebrations, and nature outings that encourage children and youth to ask questions and to deepen trust in their own internal "compass". We affirm the values of  the American Ethical Union and our sponsor, the Ethical Society of Asheville and YouthQuest of Asheville.  We also affirm the values of the American Humanist Association and our local par …

This is a group for people who often find themselves asking, "Why?" or "I wonder what other people think," or "What's that all about?" You know, the curious among us. We'll discuss, and probably respectfully debate, such topics as: human behavior, relationships, alternative medicine, the meaning of life, organic food, emotions, the impact of the internet on society, crime in the US vs other countries, etc. Everyone is welcome to be an event host. Just let me know what topic you want to discuss a …

*S.A.G.N.C. is a social group sponsored by the 'Hickory Humanist Alliance'. Events for HHA will be posted on this site along with social (specifically SAGNC) events. If you would like more info about HHA, please visit our website at: http://hickoryhumanist.org/ SAGNC Description: "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because if there be one he must approve of the homage of reason more than that of blindfolded fear." -Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, August 10, 1787 The pur …

Our group provides support to those who have or are in the process of letting go of supernatural beliefs by providing a community of people in various stages of religious recovery. Our goal is to present thought provoking topics and questions to encourage participation in open discussion. This is not a venue for confrontation or judgement of others. We invite you to join our community and express your thoughts and ideas without worry of being judged. Whatever stage of recovery you are in, we wel …

Love learning about the latest trends in science and technology? Do you enjoy open discussion over a cup of coffee or glass of wine? If so, come join us at Science Cafe! We’re a family that believes passionately that science embodies the power of ideas. On the second Tuesday of every month, we bring in some of the world’s best experts to discuss these issues in an engaging, interactive forum. It’s free and whether you’re a tech expert or just a curious soul, you’re sure to learn something new an …

(1 minute video) This group is for people who value and enjoy deeper discussions with amazing people and who are also willing to rise to the occasion by joining us to help make these discussion opportunities an ongoing reality. The events held in this group are all about having fun nights of great people and 'deeper' discussions over dinner in a charming restaurant. This Meetup group was created by Glen Brauer as part of a non-profit global initiative using practical philosophy to bring togeth …

A monthly, quasi-book club for women who may be too busy to read an entire book! Our meetings are held at different coffee shop throughout Charlotte, so check each event for the location each month!  Meetings will focus on a different article each month. Articles will be selected from a wide spectrum of magazines and online publications, including The Atlantic, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Rumpus, Slate, Mother Jones, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and National Geographic. …

Conversations about life with an existential viewpoint. A life with satisfaction and joy without a belief in "something more" flourishes best in a supportive community. This meet-up group seeks to build such a community.

This is a group for those interested in the writings of both ancient and contemporary Buddhist and Taoist poetry and stories. Reflecting on the minimalism, yet elegance of the poetic styles of such greats as Issa, Roykan, Basho, Saigyo, Li Po, Tu Fu, among others, we will plan to meet, sip tea and recite as well as discuss our favorite poetry of the great Buddhist and Taoist sages from the past and today. Central meetings may be planned at my Urban Hut, but we can plan for others to be located i …