Upcoming
Events List Navigation
November 2019
15
“Is Belief in God Innate?” a lecture by Dr. James Beebe
Recent research in the cognitive science of religion (a blend of psychology, anthropology, and the evolutionary sciences) shows that, while belief in supernatural beings is not strictly speaking innate, the default settings of a number of our cognitive faculties incline people toward believing in such beings, making religious belief very natural and quite prevalent. These findings run contrary to the received view that has been dubbed 'the indoctrination hypothesis'--the idea that people would not believe in supernatural beings if they had not been…
Find out more »19
SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety)
SOS is a secular recovery group dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. All those who seek sobriety are welcome as members in any SOS group. For more information contact Eric Chinchon at 716-636-4869 ext. 318 or echinchon@centerforinquiry.net.
Find out more »22
“Reefer Madness” – Documentary Screening & Discussion
Join the WNY CFI community and WNY NORML for this local screening of "Reefer Madness (1936)" Followed by a discussion with Bob Givens - a local Biomedical Scientist and Social Justice Advocate with 30 years of experience. "Reefer Madness" is considered THE archetypal sensationalized anti-drug movie, but it's really an exploitation film made to capitalize on the hot taboo subject of marijuana use. Like many exploitation films of the time, "Reefer Madness" tried to make a quick buck off…
Find out more »24
Secular Sunday – Coffee & Conversation
Join us for Secular Sunday! As humanists, we believe that social interaction is essential for human happiness. Secular Sunday is a monthly event for secular and non-religious families and individuals to network and build a sense of community in a setting that does not require a belief in the supernatural. This is a family-friendly event where children are welcomed and engaged. (Please note, parents are responsible for attending with their children.) Secular Sunday generally meets on the last Sunday of…
Find out more »25
NEW LOCATION – Café Inquiry (City) discussion group
Café Inquiry is a discussion group for those who love critical inquiry and friendly debates! Come join us to talk about religion, atheism, skepticism, culture, society, politics, and more. To find us look for our Cafe Inquiry table sign. The group currently meets three times a month, on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Mondays, with three rotating locations. The schedule is as follows: 1st Monday - Café Inquiry (South) SPoT Coffee Orchard Park (Upstairs); 6519 E Quaker St 2nd Monday…
Find out more »
News
April Wrap-Up: Witches and Earth Day
May 6, 2019
Phil Stephens joined us for the second in his series of two lectures on magical thinking and witchcraft in anthropology. Both talks were well-attended, and drew lively Q&A discussions with the audience. As usual, members met up at coffee shops throughout the month of April for Cafe Inquiry discussion events at various locations. (Cafe Inquiry …
March Wrap-Up: Magical Thinking
April 2, 2019
Retired UB anthropology professor Phillips Stevens was our speaker for March and April. On March 29, he gave a lecture titled “Magical Thinking: Inherently Human” to an audience of about 70 people. We were glad to welcome our neighbors from the Atheist Community of Rochester to the center, and enjoyed having drinks and snacks with …
February Wrap-Up: Evolution for Educators
March 18, 2019
Bertha Vazquez, Director of CFI’s Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES), generously agreed to travel to Buffalo from Florida (in March!) to give a teaching workshop and lecture at headquarters. Bertha’s talk coincided with CFI WNY’s celebration of Darwin Day, an annual recognition of Darwin’s birthday on February 12, 2019. You can view Bertha’s entire …