The second annual Iowa Secularists Conference will be held July 7, 2007 at Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston, IA. Our keynote speaker will be Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
How was the 2006 conference?:
“Attending the Iowa Secularists conference last year was completely amazing. I had no idea what to expect, but came away anxious for the next one. The group was like minded as secularists, yet very diverse in almost every other way. It’s a great opportunity to have some discussions, get informed, and have a lot of fun! I’ve already registered for this year.”
-Mike, Cedar Rapids
“I attended the first annual Iowa Secularists Conference in 2006. It was
my first real introduction to the organization and I joined during the
event. The sessions were interesting and the people were great. Talking
and laughing with like-minded individuals was a great experience.”
-Kevin, West Des Moines
Registration is closed as of June 30. If you have questions regarding this, please email jsabelATiowasecularistDOTorg.
Conference Schedule (May be subject to change)
10:00 am - 12:00 Annual Meeting of the Members - Associate and Contributing members are eligible to participate in IS business. This meeting will include a reelection vote for two of the members of the Board of Directorsas well as a confirmation vote for a new director.
12:00 - 1:00 Break for Lunch on your own - Stoney Creek is near a number of options
12:30-1:00 Registration
1:00 - 1:30 Introduction/Opening Remarks
1:30-2:15 Session 1: Inability to Act*
2:15-3:00 Session 2: Is there a conflict between science and religion?*
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15 - 4:00 Session 3: The Nuts and Bolts of Political Advocacy*
4:00 - 5:00 Round Table Discussion: Secularism in Iowa
5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Hour (cash bar)
6:00 - 8:00 Keynote Dinner featuring Dan Barker
Contact Stoney Creek Inn
Here is some helpful information if you would like to reserve a room or get more information on the location.
(515) 334-9000
www.stoneycreekinn.com
5291 Stoney Creek Ct., Johnston, IA 50131
*Session descriptions
Inability to Act
Do you find yourself frustrated after a spontaneous conversation realizing what you wish you had said? Do you want to be able to discuss your worldview but find the ideas don’t come out clearly? Are there opportunities you wish you could take advantage of but you are too bogged down with things you have to do but aren’t learning from? Doug Nelson will lead an interactive session where we develop some tools and techniques to be both able and willing to act when opportunities arise.
Is there a conflict between science and religion?
This session will include discussion of topics such as:
1. Science can investigate specific doctrines and practices
related to religion, including specific properties attributed to god but cannot answer the basic question, “Is there god?”
2. Science, physics in particular, and as it seems, biology
in the near future, shows conclusively that nature can exist
and function without the need of a creator to start it or
an overseer to keep it going.
3. Science and religion are in conflict in terms of methodology and in the sense of morality.
4. Science still allows god to be defined but does not
require this definition to be made. But why should one
need it?
The Nuts and Bolts of Political Advocacy
This workshop-style session will provide participants with practical tips on communicating with elected officials about state-church separation. Participants will receive a packet with sample letters, contact information for their elected officials, and tips for communicating effectively with elected officials.
