West Michigan Skeptics

About the Event

Meeting Minutes for July 24, 1997; #3.

Third Meeting 7-24-97 Jeff Seaver, Adamczyks (Rob and Kim), Charley Moore, Howard Foster, Hansens (Don and Vicki)

Since some people may be uncomfortable with the word atheist it was felt that skeptics may be more appropriate in referring to ourselves. The name of West Michigan Skeptics was suggested.

Some excerpts from Einstein’s The World As I See It were read:

  • Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not.

    *. . . I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves – such an ethical basis I call more proper for a herd of swine.

    *. . . force always attracts men of low morality.

    The book of Ecclesiastes was reviewed and it was agreed that it is sort of out of place in the “good book”. The skepticism reflects a kindly cynic author. Speculation is that it was included in the Bible because of the last verse: Fear God and keep his commandments. . .(Rob wowed us by quoting this verse from memory).

    Jeff distributed copies of the Skeptic magazine which could be used as a source of interesting topics.

    Topics that Jeff had distributed earlier for discussion were as follows:

  • Is there life after death? Some feel that there is nothing; others feel there may be something and will be disappointed if there isn’t. There is no way to know; why sweat it? (In the coolness of the air conditioned Hansen condo, one could not sweat anything).
  • The features of Christ’s existence: virgin birth, teacher, healer, miracle worker, martyr, immortal, were noted to be similar to at least 16 other religious figures in history. Should one be revered over the other?
  • What is the meaning of our existence? Some are satisfied with what has transpired; some have more that they would like to accomplish. Apparently the age of each individual determines their perspective. Some philosophers have said that without meaning, suicide may be an attractive alternative.
  • Prayer: is it valid, does it make a difference? (To use a Michael Jordon reference, does it score?) Prayer becomes a little muddied considering that in Christianity there is God, Jesus, and the holy spirit. Then when you throw in Mary as well, as some do, who is really sitting at the giant switchboard in the sky? If prayer seemingly works, is it God’s direction or the result of consciousness or happenstance?

    Next meeting will be 1835 Elizabeth Lane E at 7 p.m. on 8-14-97.