HAT meeting, 9.18.10

There were 13 people at today's HAT meeting. Includedin that number were two visitors: John Demoss and Phil Ferguson. Phil drops in every now and then when he is in the Bentonville, AR area. Otherwise, he is usually found in the Champagne-Urbana, IL area.

Randy expressed his exasperation at churches avoiding the paying of taxes. Herb said that is the way things are and most likely always will be -- a disheatening prospect. Then the idea of "if you can't beat them, join them" was raised. Bill said that if everyone is a "minister" or cleric of some group, then everyone is equal when it comes to tax breaks given to the religioius among us. Bill is a "bishop" in the Universal Life Church. The ULC might be worth checking into to see how it could level the playing field, so to speak.

Larry Roth mentioned that he had posted a reply on the meetup site to an essay distributed by Herb. I have yet to read Larry's reply. I hope I can do so soon.

I stated that we have 30 members and that the treasury stood at around $1400. I could not say exectly how much was in the treasury since I did not have the figure with me. Now that I am home and have looked it up, I can say that we have $1402.40.

The subject of anti-semitism was raised and discussed briefly. Someone mentioned the book God on Trial.

Bill circulated copies of his "God Survey," asking those present to take some and ask others to complete the survey and return the forms to Bill.

Ron McDaniel passed out some papers on education which compared the United States with others countries.

Randy mentioned a book he was reading titled Shop Class as Soulcraft by Michael B. Crawford. Crawford writes of the challenges and pleasures of working with one's hands. "The culture needs to be changed so that people can get satisfaction from making something with their hands," said Randy.

Bill brought a sacks of books with him which he offered for sale. The book is When Men Become Gods by Stephen Singular. It is the story of Mormon polygamist Warren Jeffs. Members bought three copies.

September calendar

September 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

Sat., Sept. 4, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Fri., Sept. 10, 7:00 pm
Poetry Group meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor

Sat. Sept. 11, all day
Road trip to Diamond, MO to visit GWC National Monument

Sun., Sept. 12, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.
Speaker: Marilyn Clarke. Meal follows.

Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.
Discussion will be based on articles from the current issue of The Humanist magazine.

Wed., Sept. 15, 11:20 am
ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan

Sept. ??, TBA
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, TBA

Sat., Sept. 18., 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan

Sun., Sept. 26, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.



Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)