Backyard Skeptics Long Beach is associated with its parent meetup.com group, Barkyard Skeptics (Central Orange Country). We are a community of individuals interested in exploring and discovering truths in the natural world based on science and critical thinking. As skeptics we question authority and make real-world decisions based upon the conciseness of each scientific field. Our members are humanists, agnostics, atheists and evidencialists. The discovery and awe of the natural world has much m …

This group is for skeptics of all types.  You might say a skeptic is one who is an evidential truth-seeker an evidencialist. One who knows what his/her reality is by the evidence presented to them.  One who inquirers about everything, but accepts the most reasonable explanation based on science and falsifiable claims. There is no topic a true skeptic will not approach, and the topic of religion is one of those. This group is NOT for those who say “I know for sure that I am right, that my religio …

There is a growing number of skeptic groups which call themselves 'evidencialists' — those who place their confidence (belief) in only those claims with sufficient evidence.  This is one of those groups. This is also the fifth chapter of Backyard Skeptics. There is a chapter in Villa Park, South OC, LA and Long Beach. Our group is one with a heavy atheist 'bent'. If you don't believe in any supernatural deity or paranormal ability (woo-woo), this group is for you. We meet once a month on the thi …

This is a great group for anyone interested in the most important connection in the history of thought. Two very profound areas of philosophy and thinking emerged in civilization -- The East and The West. There are so many interesting intersections but there have only been a handful of thinkers like Carl Jung or Herman Hesse that have let these traditions speak to each other. Our exploration is more than "he said, she said." We will generate a new way of looking at the world through our journey.

I don't believe the East coast has a monopoly on intellectuals. I mean what smart person wouldn't want to live in this climate? But it can be difficult to find the smart, well-educated, cultured people here. So, if you think you fit that description and are interested in meeting other brainy people for friendship, dating, or networking, please join us. Suggest a meetup-arts, cultural events, live music, hike, book discussions, politics, etc.

We are out-of-the-box thinkers. We're weird, different, and proud to be that way. We seek to change the world and all have different styles of doing so. Some of us are insightful introverted writers, Others are extroverted motivational speakers. Some of us are inventors, creating paradigms and new ways of looking at the world. Others are implementors, improving existing models, adding a new twist to make them more effective We are artists, scientists, philosophers, philanthropists, teachers, co …

Journal Club provides an opportunity for students in the life sciences to become "scientifically literate". Students can develop their critical thinking and understanding of scientific research and become familiar with research tools.

Please graze around this site - ya' don't have to read it all at one time... * Be Sure to Read Part 2 to kinda 'get' where we're 'at' - so plz SCROLL about 1/3 the ways down this page ~ thanks & enjoy ! Part 2 is a MUST read, guys ! ___________________ . ~ LOCATION ~ Driving DIRECTIONS & Parking Info see PAGES tab back up on the Nav Bar The LAUGHING BUDDHA MEDITATION SANGHA Santa Monica CA 90405 _________________________ Beginners Very Welcome ! ______________________ C O N T A C T   …

A group that provides support, outreach, meaningful discussion, opportunities for activism, friendship, and fun for fellow atheists. Serving the atheists of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, and San Jacinto. Join us for monthly book clubs and discussions, support group, movie viewings, activism opportunities, and social events.

Scientists, educators, science communicators, scientific skeptics, and Fans of the Genre get together once a month for monthly Science & Suds pub nights and occasional science-theme adventures, such as our Skeptics in the Jeep trips. If you prefer the value of what we know to the false promise of Magic We Wish Were True, then come on down and tip a glass with us.

We are a major community for atheists in the greater Los Angeles area. Our monthly meetup is usually the 4rd Sunday at 11am. Our events vary from informative lectures to secular movies to playing fun games. Lunch is always served after the general meeting. Join fellow atheists to discuss beliefs and philosophies, deepen your freethought heritage and make new friends.

A group dedicated to helping people lose their faith*, fears, and superstitions through music, art, and literature. *faith - to pretend to know things you do not know.

We are building a community for the new, fast growing, generation of atheist Americans. This group is opened to atheists/agnostics in their 20's and 30's who want to meet and talk with other like minded people. Our monthly event is an informal late lunch. We talk about anything that's on our mind, have some food and a few drinks. We also go bowling, play games and join in community events like the annual AIDS Walk and Atheists United's Highway Cleanup. Bring your friends or come to meet new ones …

Inspired by Christopher Phillips' books, scores of people are meeting for these modern version of Socratic dialogue. These are intended to be group conversations which often move in a spiral, touching on topics in ways that may not be obvious at first. Our purpose is to bring back thoughtful dialogue in counterpoint to the shouting pundits of so-called debate on TV and radio. One need not be an academic or expert. We seek diversity of thought from people from all walks of life. ALL ARE WELCOME. …

This meetup is for atheist individuals and families with and w/o kids, that enjoy camping either in a tent or an RV.  Camping meetups will mostly be weekends and generally within an hour or so of the Temecula Valley. I would like this to be a member-run meetup.  If you want to go camping and want to hang out with some other atheists schedule or suggest the meet up and the details. This is a work in progress so please check back often for any changes. Robert and I love camping in our motorhome.  …

Are you a skeptic? See our main page at www.BackyardSkeptics.com to find out if you are. We are a group of skeptics with a heavy atheist 'bent'. If you don't believe in any supernatural deity or paranormal ability this group is for you. We meet once a month in Villa Park (next to Orange) in Orange County, CA on the forth Wednesday and Thursday (alternating).  We also have many other events - usually at least once a week such as field trips, movie night and Irish pub nights. Our meetings are in o …

In my work as a clergyman, I find myself going back to the great philosophers constantly -- the Greeks -- e.g., Plato, Aristotle, the Romans -- e.g. Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and any modern thinkers who thought is connected to the ancients. It occurs to me there may be others in the area who would like to read, study and discuss the foundations of the Western mind, and who don't want to drive in to the excellent sounding groups in Santa Monica. We meet monthly in my living room in Sherman Oaks. N …

A group for Masons and Intellectual Christians of any denomination willing to learn from one another. This group is for genuine discussion about what is viewed as important about moving forward this day in age. It is group for learning and not conversions. Please identify yourself as a Mason who considers him/herself as a Christian, a Mason, a Christian with a specific belief system or denomination that you identify yourself as. It is my perception that there are values that both Christians of a …

Do you have a rational worldview based on the natural world? Do you seek ethical models in the world that are based on compassion, science, and empiricism? Do you have an affinity and respect for science and skepticism? Are you looking to meet others who share your worldview in one of the most religiously conservative corners of California? Then come check us out!

Friendly people from the Right, Left, and Center meet to discuss current political and social issues.

PHILOSOPHY is the topic at this friendly, nearly ten-year old group. We sit in a circle and discuss a philosophical question we voted on by email. If you love a good, impassioned yet respectful and rational conversation with like-minded people, join us!

TEDxChange 2013 is a TEDx event co-organized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and TED. Convened by Melinda French Gates and hosted by Chris Anderson, TEDxChange will focus on issues surrounding global health and development. TEDxChange type events are TEDx events hosted around the live webcast of TEDxChange, and also feature local speakers. Our event is called TEDxIrvineChange, and is one of many TEDx events happening around the globe on April 3rd that will expand on the ideas brought up a …

I am excited, proud, and enriched by participation in secular humanism groups which foster celebration of freedom from irrational religious dogma and custom. There are many groups in the LA area, but we are notably lacking one for all ages in Santa Monica.  Like religious folks, we need community--so let's create one!  We are just getting started, so the focus and activities may, might I say, EVOLVE over time.  Your ideas are essential.

We are a group of 9/11 Truthers concerned about the PATRIOT Act & the War.

Open now to serve the Greater L.A. skeptical community... east side, west side, downtown, uptown, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys -- hopefully there will be something for everyone! Had enough of astrologers, psychics, homeopaths, and bible thumpers? Yearning to talk with someone rational for awhile? Meet up with other L.A.-based skeptics for some refreshing and sane conversation and some great activities. No sacred cows here--just an ever-growing community of critical thinkers willing to r …

Women re-defining their careers and their lives while re-shaping our society and culture! The “Skool MeetUp for Evolutionary Women” is a MeetUp group presented by The Skool with a specific focus on women and women's evolution, enabling and empowering women who desire to merge their personal and professional experience, and their life and career with a meaningful, purpose-driven and prosperous livelihood while making a profound impact and contribution to our community, our culture and society. I …

New Horizons Discussion Group for Religious Teaching and Learning. New Horizons is a platform for people of faith, friends and any other individuals who wish to engage in meaningful conversations on current religious and ethical topics. You will find an opportunity to ask your critical questions, voice your challenging opinions and grow in your understanding of matters of faith in a non-judgmental and friendly environment. We will not follow a prescribed curriculum but will read and discuss arti …

The Purpose of this Meet-Up is to read, study, question and understand the Books of the Bible in a NON-Academic way. The way a person would if they just picked it up, read it, and tried to understand what God might be trying to say to the world. We try to understand the Why of the Stories rather than get lost in the What. The right to do this is anyone's. Not just "Christians". We do meet at a Church called Mosaic and there is a Pastor (Erwin McManus) who leads the time. This is NOT an attempt t …