This is part four of a four-part series by Dr. Robert Schmidt. The word “faith” often brings to mind unnecessary divisions and conflicts. But what if faith is defined as belief in the fulfillment of common human hopes? Combining the insights of world religions and secular humanism, this series envisions a new world society and suggests how such a society might be achieved. Schmidt has taught International Relations, Theology, and World Religions at Concordia University in Portland and has lectured all over the world.
HGP Vimeo
Almost every Sunday, HGP members gather in Portland, Oregon, for a program which is free and open to the public. With the invited presenters' permissions, we record those talks for our members, and with further permission, make them available here. Hovering over a thumbnail below shows its full title and [date] of that program, and clicking it brings it to the top window to view its "Description" and/or video. Most programs start with a very short reading chosen by a member. See http://www.portlandhumanists.org for more info about HGP and our programs. Members also get access to videos not authorized for public release, as well as the HGP library and member-oriented events. Video credits: For most videos, camera is done by Mike Birtchet, audio is done by Bill Maiden, and final editing was done by Dave DiNucci and is currently done by Laurent Beauregard. None of these videos would be possible without the excellent work of the HGP Program Committee to schedule speakers and to carry out the programs, or without the contributed time and effort of the speakers themselves.
Updated: 45 min 14 sec ago
“Women’s History Month” [2013/03-03]
We learn about women who have changed the world but somehow didn’t get to be included in the history books!
Presenters include Marsha Abelman, Kay Byerly, Anne Henderson, Joyce Lackie, Willie Willworth, and Arnold Panitch.
Cast: Portland Humanists
“Landscape for a Flat World” [2013/02-10]
This is a presentation by landscape architect Brian Baker. It covers a span of over twenty years through the eyes of a landscape architect who has been involved in the design and management of projects in several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Mr. Baker has served in various capacities with responsibilities covering planning and design, from master planner of new communities to designer of small outdoor spaces. He makes his home in Barcelona.
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: landscape architecture
“Disability Rights Oregon” [2013/02-17]
This is a presentation by Bob Joondeph, Executive Director of Disability Rights Oregon, an organization that works to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, public services, businesses, housing, and transportation. In order to achieve such access, some people need the assistance of what a "service animal" such as a seeing-eye dog. Joondeph discusses what a service animal is, along with the standards for using one. Joondeph is a lawyer who has practiced in the public interest sphere for many years.
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: disabilities and education
"Humanist (HGP) History" [2013/02-24]
Del Allen shares his personal journey to humanism and then he relates the early history of our organization.
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: education
"Humanist Philosophy Forum" [2013/02-24]
Steve Jacobs reports on the progress of the Humanist Philosophy Forum (HPF). The HPF has reached a milestone in developing the foundation for an exciting new kind of discussion group. It is now transitioning into its next phase. Steve discusses its accomplishments, how the meetings will change, and how the forum can help our organization, Humanists of Greater Portland (HGP).
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: education and philosophy
“Alternatives to the Death Penalty” [2013/02-03]
Ron Steiner and Frank Thompson lead a discussion on the death penalty in Oregon. Ron Steiner is the board chair of Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. He has been involved, as a volunteer activist, in abolition work since 2000. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty. The repeal was enacted in March 2009. Steiner also serves on the national board of directors for Murder Victim Families for Reconciliation. Frank Thompson, a former state penitentiary warden, has recently joined efforts to repeal the death penalty in Oregon. Thompson, who supervised the only two executions carried out in the state since capital punishment was reinstated in 1984, describes the death penalty as a “failed public policy." He supports life without parole as an alternative to capital punishment.
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: education, death penalty and education
"Cuba Today" [2013/01-20]
Don and Mary Feller visited Cuba in December 2011. Don writes: “Our visit to Cuba was as part of a "People to People" group of twenty Americans who traveled there to learn of the culture and daily life of typical Cubans. We traveled not really as tourists, but as curious and fair-minded international visitors. We saw a wide variety of aspects of Cuban life today.” Mary Feller is a former teacher, cultural anthropologist, and writer. Don Feller has had careers in Wall Street, private business, education, and real estate management.
Cast: Portland Humanists
"Humanist Magazines" [2013/01-13]
This is a presentation by Del Allen who displays a sample of recent articles from humanist magazines. Our president Howard Ellberger has indicated that he would like to see more programs that deal with Humanism. Today, Del shares a power point presentation from Humanist sources in a way that's somewhat different from what you might think.
Cast: Portland Humanists
Tags: education