What we’re about
This is a group for anyone who is, or thinks they might be, a Humanist, or who simply wants to find out more about Humanism in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
We have a lively programme of free events including talks by external speakers, courses, discussions on topical issues, a book group, and other social activities. We are also active in the community promoting humanism in schools and at public events. All our events are open to both members and non-members. Come along and meet us, we’re a friendly and engaging bunch. All are welcome!
Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now because we believe it's the only life we have. We treat others with compassion, warmth, understanding and respect. We understand the amazing world we live in through reason and science. We recognise the moral responsibility to protect the environment and to make the world a better place for the sake of current and future generations.
Reading Humanists welcome all who share these views, and those who are curious about humanism.
You can find out more by:
- browsing the Reading Humanists website
- looking on Meetup: Reading Humanists
- following us on Facebook: Reading Humanists Group
- signing up for our Email Newsletter
Please consider supporting Reading Humanists by Joining Reading Humanists helping us to provide a stronger voice for the non-religious in Reading.
For more about Humanism in the UK check out the Humanists UK website and the Humanists UK YouTube channel.
If you’re curious about how your views compare to humanism, why not try the quiz: How humanist are you?
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- One Life: Session 5 of 6 - Spirituality and everyday humanismLink visible for attendees
Reading Humanists and Windsor Humanists will be running a One Life course this Autumn. The One Life course offers an introduction to humanism including humanist perspectives on science, ethics, religion, ‘everyday humanism’ and society. We will be thinking about the big questions; What should I believe? What should I do? What sort of person should I be?
It’s an opportunity to learn more humanism and discuss your beliefs. We welcome all humanists and anyone curious about humanism.
The One Life course will launch with a 1-hour taster session on Thursday 10th October followed by six 2-hour sessions on Thursdays from 17th October to 28th November (we’ll be taking a week off for half-term on 31st October). There is a suggested donation of £10 for those joining the series of six sessions.
We have a suggested donation of £10 to join the series of sessions which you can make on Bopp or make a transfer to our bank account.
More information to follow soon. Or subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
Thurs 10th Oct 7-8pm Session 0 – Taster
Thurs 17th Oct 7pm-9pm Session 1 – Introduction
Thurs 24th Oct 7pm-9pm Session 2 – Science
Thurs 31st Oct 7pm-9pm No session – half-term
Thurs 7th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 3 – Ethics
Thurs 14th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 4 – Religion
Thurs 21st Nov 7pm-9pm Session 5 – Spirituality and Everyday Humanism
Thurs 28th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 6 – Belonging to Society - Book Club: Small Gods by Terry PratchettThe Turks Head, Reading
Join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere. For our next book we've decided to discuss Terry Pratchett's Small Gods (Discworld Novel 13).
'You should do things because they're right. Not because gods say so. They might say something different another time.'
Religion is a competitive business in the Discworld. Everyone has their own opinion and their own gods, of every shape and size - all fighting for faith, followers, and a place at the top.
So when the great god Om accidentally manifests himself as a lowly tortoise, stripped of all divine power, it's clear he's become less important than he realised.
In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast. Enter Brutha, the Chosen One - or at least the only One available. He wants peace, justice and love - but that's hard to achieve in a world where religion means power, and corruption reigns supreme . . .
'An intriguing satire on institutionalized religion corrupted by power . . .' Independent
'Deftly weaves themes of forgiveness, belief and spiritual regeneration' The Times
You can find reviews of the book on Goodreads: Small Gods (Discworld # 13)
For those wishing to participate in our discussion, we have a group on Goodreads from which you can see all the books we're discussing and make comments and recommendations to other members of the group. Goodreads: Reading Humanists group.
- One Life: Session 6 of 6 – Belonging to SocietyLink visible for attendees
Reading Humanists and Windsor Humanists will be running a One Life course this Autumn. The One Life course offers an introduction to humanism including humanist perspectives on science, ethics, religion, ‘everyday humanism’ and society. We will be thinking about the big questions; What should I believe? What should I do? What sort of person should I be?
It’s an opportunity to learn more humanism and discuss your beliefs. We welcome all humanists and anyone curious about humanism.
The One Life course will launch with a 1-hour taster session on Thursday 10th October followed by six 2-hour sessions on Thursdays from 17th October to 28th November (we’ll be taking a week off for half-term on 31st October). There is a suggested donation of £10 for those joining the series of six sessions.
We have a suggested donation of £10 to join the series of sessions which you can make on Bopp or make a transfer to our bank account.
More information to follow soon. Or subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
Thurs 10th Oct 7-8pm Session 0 – Taster
Thurs 17th Oct 7pm-9pm Session 1 – Introduction
Thurs 24th Oct 7pm-9pm Session 2 – Science
Thurs 31st Oct 7pm-9pm No session – half-term
Thurs 7th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 3 – Ethics
Thurs 14th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 4 – Religion
Thurs 21st Nov 7pm-9pm Session 5 – Spirituality and Everyday Humanism
Thurs 28th Nov 7pm-9pm Session 6 – Belonging to Society
