MK Humanists

Thursday 8^th July

Agenda

1   Welcome & Introductions

2   Reflections on Recent News

Have you seen / read something recently that you think would be of interest to humanists?

3   Minutes

Agree Minutes of last Meeting (10th Jun 10)

4   Michael Lawrence on The Origins of Religious Beliefs

We are delighted to welcome our Guest Speaker, Michael Lawrence, to our meeting. Michael will explore the link between primitive astronomy/astrology and theology. His aim is to demonstrate how theology is inexorably linked with ancient astrological perceptions. Michael’s intention is not to discredit the benefit that many people gain from following theological beliefs but rather to provoke debate on the future role of religion in politics and education.

One of Michael’s central arguments is that Jesus existed as an allegorical character much earlier than the Jesus Christ described in the Gospels, suggesting that the Gospels were reworked stories of an ancient allegorical myth rather than factual biographies. He will also argue that the core of much theology is steeped in “simple naked-eye astronomy and primitive ideas; concepts that were then evolved and used to create a recurring theme of ‘God Child’ in different guises, in nearly all ancient cultures”. Michael will conclude by exploring how these early theological ideas subsequently became entrenched in the psyche of humankind.

Expect a lively debate!

5   Events in Milton Keynes

• feedback on our Exhibition in the Library and on Humanist Week (21st-27th June)
• forthcoming International Festival in MK
• other initiatives (Book Group, Schools Talks, Retreat Plans, Next Year’s Programme and more…)

6   Future Meetings & Actions

7   AOB

Location:         York House, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes

Time:                18.15 for 18.30