CFIC - Critical Links December 2021

To view this month's articles on the CFIC website, go to centreforinquiry.ca/december-2021-critical-links-posts, or check out the CL archive.

We are thinking of people in BC who, because of what appear to be the effects of climate change, are experiencing severe flooding. As atheists, we cannot offer prayers while our friends are urged to stay home, wait out the latest storm, and avoid non-essential travel. Instead, we must each do our part to reduce CO2 emissions.

NEWS & EVENTS

How to Talk to a Science Denier — December 11

If you met a science denier in person would you know what to say? Facts don’t convince people, so what does?

Protecting Blasphemers III — December 14

Protecting Blasphemers is an annual panel discussion highlighting the most recent blasphemy issues of the year.

The Situation in Afghanistan: A personal perspective — January 15

Afghan national Fika Taillon provides an historic perspective on living in Afghanistan, leaving Afghanistan, and thoughts about the current situation

Group-of-Five Refugee Sponsorship Seminar — January 22

Have you ever wondered what is involved in sponsoring a refugee?

Conference: Mind, Brain, and Thought

Thanks to all speakers and participants who attended CFIC's second semi-annual virtual conference.

Videos of the talks are in the process of being posted on YouTube; so far the following talks are available:

Religion and the Actor — Keynote address by William B. Davis, aka The X-Files' "Smoking Man"
Naturalizing the Uncanny — Dr. Josh Redstone
Being a Black Atheist — Kathleen Johnson

More will be posted. To get notification of new video uploads, you can subscribe to the CFIC YouTube Channel.

Update from Omer

Omer continues to wait in Nepal. Physically he is well. But increasingly, he is finding the days to be stressful.

CFIC Asks You to Fund the Facts!

CFIC relies entirely on donations to be your voice of science, free inquiry, critical thinking, and secularism here in Canada. This year, we are asking our members and supporters to Fund the Facts.

CFIC is committed to asking difficult questions, which can include talks on controversial subjects. Hosting a speaker does not imply agreement with their views.

Like what you see? CFIC relies on donations and membership fees to bring you reliable, relevant information, and to raise awareness about the importance of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and secularism. If you enjoy receiving this newsletter, please show your support by purchasing a $30 membership.

SCIENCE

Own the Science

John McKay

A CFIC council member starts a podcast about science in Canada’s public sector.

Re ad more

Progress for Select Parties, Regression for General Society

Zack Dumont

Examining the normalization of alternative medicine.

SECULARISM & HUMAN RIGHTS

Less Complex Claims Petition Back on the Table

Doug Thomas

Humanist groups resubmit petition to change policy for atheist refugee status.

CRITICAL THINKING

Keith’s Conundrums: Detrimental Dissent

Keith Douglas

Commentary on last month. Also, the puzzle of detrimental dissent.

DECEMBER DATES OF INTEREST

December 1 is World AIDS Day and Rosa Parks Day.
December 2 is a Palindrome Day, if you write your dates in ISO Standard (2021/12/02), or U.S. standard (12/02/2021).
December 6 is The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
December 10 is Human Rights Day. Seventy-three years ago, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The December Solstice (winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere) marks the time when Earth has its maximum tilt away from the sun, this year on December 21 at 15:59 UTC.

December 31 marks the end of 2021, and CFIC extends our wishes to all the readers of Critical Links for a happy, healthy, and rational 2022.

If you celebrate any of these, or have suggestions for upcoming celebrations or observances, please drop us a line or send a picture to CriticalLinks@centreforinquiry.ca.

Got something you want to say? Check out our Critical Links submission guidelines.

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