Tag: Secular history

This our alternative history discussion, now using Susan Jacoby’s “Freethinkers”: Intro, Chaps 6: The Great Agnostic and the Golden Age of Forethought, featuring Robert Ingersoll.

This is a new discussion group, looking at less-told (and in some case actively muffled) stories from American history.

“Freethinkers” is available from libraries in print, e-book and audio form, but you don’t need to read “Freethinkers” to take part. We’ll start with a 10-minute chapter walkthrough, then use it as the basis for a discussion of parallels in modern American life.

This Sunday: During the late nineteenth century, Robert Ingersoll emerged as the preeminent voice of the American freethought movement, advocating for a secular society rooted in reason rather than revelation. This era, often called the golden age of freethought, saw a surge in intellectual curiosity and a push for the strict separation of church and state. Figures like Philo D. Beckwith exemplified this cultural shift by funding public spaces that honored rationalist heroes over traditional religious icons. While the movement faced significant pushback from evangelical and orthodox institutions, it successfully influenced major social reforms, including public education and women’s rights. Ultimately, these sources illustrate how secularist ideals challenged the era’s religious dominance and laid the groundwork for modern American civil liberties.

You may be interested enough to pick up the book for the rest of the monthly discussions, or just drop for an era you particularly want to dive into. Questions? Call Ken Novak (847) 414-4314..

“Freethinkers” is available from libraries in print, e-book and audio form, but you don’t need to read “Freethinkers” to take part. We’ll start with a review of each month’s chapters’ principal narratives, then use it as the basis for a discussion of parallels in modern American life.

Join us!

Ken Novak is the President and the Program|Communications chair of the Chicago Ethical Humanist Circle and the acting Secretary/Treasurer of the Northeast Indiana Ethical Humanists.

Alternative History discussion, using Susan Jacoby’s “Freethinkers”: Intro, Chaps 3&4: Abolition, feminism, and Lincoln.

This is a new discussion group, with the Northeast Indiana Ethical Humanists, looking at less-told (and in some case actively muffled) stories from American history.

“Freethinkers” is available from libraries in print, e-book and audio form, but you don’t need to read “Freethinkers” to take part. We’ll start with a 10-minute chapter walkthrough, then use it as the basis for a discussion of parallels in modern American life.

This Sunday: Chapter 3, “Lost Connections: Anticlericalism, Abolitionism, and Feminism”, starting with Jefferson’s and Adams’ late life writings but principally how, in the midst of efforts by the “religiously correct” (Jacoby’s coinage), a few secular people became important Influencers for abolition: Angelina and Sarah Grimké , South carolinians from a slave-holding family, became human rights spokespeople on the same circuit as Frederick Douglass, and how snubs against women’s participation in American and international abolitionist gatherings led to Seneca Falls.

Chapter 4 pops out of the chronological into the biographic, examining the words and memoirist’s recollections around Abraham Lincoln, and whether his theist words reflected belief or carefully crafted tools of advocacy.

You may be interested enough to pick up the book for the rest of the monthly discussions, or just drop for an era you particularly want to dive into. Questions? Call Ken Novak (847) 414-4314..

“Freethinkers” is available from libraries in print, e-book and audio form, but you don’t need to read “Freethinkers” to take part. We’ll start with a review of each month’s chapters’ principal narratives, then use it as the basis for a discussion of parallels in modern American life.

In January, we’ll cover Chapter 5, “Evolution and its Discontents”, covering Darwin’s secular “explainers” and Chapter 6, “The Great Agnostic and the Golden Age of Forethought” from 1875-1914 and, among others, its superstar, Robert Ingersoll. By April, we’ll have covered the book.

Join us!

Ken Novak is the President and the Program|Communications chair of the Chicago Ethical Humanist Circle and the acting Secretary/Treasurer of the Northeast Indiana Ethical Humanists.