1998 Newsletters

The Future of Civilization? "To speculate on the future requires knowledge of the past," said Dr. Sherman Dickman in his December 11th presentation to the Humanists of Utah. Dr. Dickman cited economics as being a determining factor in western...

Truth, Justice, and Integrity "Among the qualities that characterize Sterling McMurrin's life and mind, perhaps the most notable is the freedom with which he has spoken his views on both the sacred and the profane." Those are the words Dr. Jackson...

Is Morality Man-Made? My subject this evening is morality in general, and how we should think about it. I won't be talking except incidentally about the correctness or incorrectness of particular moral principles. So If you came here to find...

The Historical Contest Between Religion and Government Professor J D Williams told a record Humanist of Utah audience that the struggle for religious political influence in this nation began with the landing of the Puritans at Plymouth Rock....

Why does legal history make a difference to our lives and the choices we make? I want to share with you my thoughts about why legal history is important to practical-minded lawyers, men, and women interested in the way we use law. We do not...

The Three R's: Rise of the Radical Right It's beyond Republican versus Democrat and it's beyond Conservatism versus Liberalism, Lily Eskelsen told the Humanists of Utah at the May 14th general meeting. Extremism of the Radical Right poses a...

Morality and Economics It's great to be here tonight, especially given the amount of religious zealotry in Salt Lake this week. If there are any Southern Baptists lurking about, you too, are welcomed, I'm sure. Although a Baptist definition...

The Naked Ape ~Book Review~ Desmond Morris first published The Naked Ape  in 1967. Morris, a professional zoologist, wrote this book for mass consumption. He explains, in lay terms, the biology of humans. As Morris writes in the...

Successful Summer Social Our annual summer gathering was enjoyed by all who attended. The third try at including shrimp with the chicken entrée turned out to be the charm! The shrimp was delicious. Conversation at the happy hour and during ...

Disciplined Thinking: The Scientific Method Science is not only a body of knowledge but a "way of knowing." How science is different from other ways of knowing is the essence of the "scientific method." Science is a way of processing information...

Humanism and the Political Process Our October general meeting featured a panel discussion among chapter members Joyce Barnes, Andrew Schoenberg, and Earl Wunderli. The meeting was organized and moderated by chapter Vice President Hugh Gillilan....

Shakespeare and Religion Professor Brooke Hopkins opened his presentation November 12th at the Humanists of Utah general meeting commenting that the writings of William Shakespeare indicate he was strongly influenced by the 'sacred' but not...