The topic of this lecture will be whether a secular spirituality is possible, and how this spirituality relates to important trends in cognitive science and neuroscience.

Dr. John Vervaeke has been teaching at the University of Toronto since 1994. He currently teaches in the cognitive science program, the psychology department, and the Buddhism, psychology and mental health programs. He has won and been nominated for several teaching awards. His research interests are relevance realization, the nature of general intelligence, consciousness, mindfulness, and wisdom.

$5, $4 for students, FREE for members

TAREK FATAH: CHASING A MIRAGE - THE TRAGIC ILLUSION OF AN ISLAMIC STATE
Friday, October 30, 2009, 7:00pm
Bahen Centre for Information Technology, 40 St. Geoge St., Room 1130, Toronto, ON

This is a public event. Admission: $8 regular, $5 students and CFI members, FREE for new/renewing CFI members, members who joined in the last 2 months. Tickets will be available at the door.

Tarek Fatah is a secular Muslim Canadian political activist, writer and TV host. He is the author of "Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State," which suggests that the idea of an Islamic state is merely a mirage that Muslims have been made to chase for over a millennium. The book was short listed for the prestigious Donner Book Prize. Tarek Fatah has joined CFRB 1010 as a co-host of the radio station's 3PM daily show. Fatah is the founder of the Muslim Canadian Congress. Fatah's advocacy for a separation of religion and state, opposition to Sharia law, and advocacy for a liberal, progressive form of Islam have been met with considerable criticism from various Canadian Muslim groups. The Muslim Canadian Congress has been a longtime supporter and ally of the Centre for Inquiry.

This event is hosted by the Centre for Inquiry: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/ontario

Modeled on the highly popular Cafe Scientifique, Centre for Inquiry presents Cafe Inquiry. Join us for a series of interactive forums exploring contemporary issues in science, reason, philosophy and politics. We bring you 2 or 3 guest experts that open by addressing the issue from a variety of perspectives and responding to moderator questions. Then we open it to the floor for your questions and comments to the panel and each other. This is your chance to interact with a diverse group of people on CFI's broad topics.

Inaugural event on:

FREEDOM OF SPEECH & THE ATHEIST BUS CAMPAIGN

The Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign was the single largest atheist advocacy and outreach project in Canadian history. As the Campaign dies down we are afforded a retrospective opportunity to reflect on the goals, outcomes and follow up to this exciting period.

Featuring a representative from the Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign hosting organization the FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION OF CANADA as well as a representative of the UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA. We also anticipate having a representative from one of the several groups that opposed or expressed criticism of the Campaign.

Certain Christian, Jewish and Muslim groups have said "There is probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life" should not be on buses. Are they advocating censorship? Is that acceptable? Are there limits to free expression?

Have your say!

Event Cost: $5 regular, $4 students, FREE for CFI Friends of the Centre. Join and/or admission at the door. this event is open to the public. Wheelchair accessible.

For people who are thinking of leaving their religion or those that have. Our informal and relaxed group discuss issues and successes of moving forward without religion. You do not have to be agnostic or atheist to participate in our friendly mix of people.

An informal and open group to discuss issues, questions, fears about leaving your religion and beliefs with what can replace them. There are no lectures or judgements or attempt to convert anyone. Just by showing up and simply listening you will feel confident about yourself and your place in the world!