“Guelph Skeptics? I’m a little skeptical” …That is my least favorite thing people say to me when I asked if they’ve heard of our group. It’s not funny. At all.
Being a skeptic isn’t affirming a belief, it’s not joining an organization or having to bow down to someone. It’s not saying that Dawkins is your hero, or that you deny Jesus. Skepticism isn’t atheism, it isn’t even labeling yourself agnostic. You don’t have to be a humanist or be part of a club on campus that is secular.
What it is … is using your brain. Not buying into it …whatever it might be. The thing that bothers me most is when the media calls or e-mails me for an interview about our “skeptics” club and the first thing they ask is what religion we are.
We’re not a religion. You can be a skeptic - and be religious. Go ahead and believe in your god and Jesus - and ask questions at the same time. Don’t just bend over and let the church paddle you in the ass.
My being the president of the Guelph Skeptics isn’t simply about holding lectures that defend atheism, evolutionists and science - it’s about creating a discussion. And the sooner people get that into their heads, the sooner we’ll understand each other. When I send an e-mail out to the christian group on campus that says “come talk” I’m not sitting there taunting or trying to start a fight - I’m inviting a conversation. I want to have that conversation. I want to be a part of it.
What I’ve enjoyed the most since I got involved with these student groups last June are the conversations and phone calls I get into. I get calls from Alon all the time where he’s just calling me up to tell me I’m wrong about something - I yell at him… but I love those conversations. My brother and I get furious at one another at the dinner table over 9/11 conspiracy theories, but I love that thats what we’re getting furious about - not something trivial or stupid. (I must say now - fighting over music … that is not trivial or stupid - not really being “skeptical” but… it is a worthy fight.)
It’s questioning. Not claiming. My group doesn’t claim anything. We look into it. 
And we got into three newspapers this week 
…I make an awesome president.
If you successfully start a dialogue, I’ll tip my metaphoric hat. I’m trying to do that; unfortunately, even those theists who display an interest in our discussion topics end up not coming.
then get your hat ready.
larry moran’s lecture brought out a group of about 10 people from the christian group on campus and started a discussion that went until the university literally was turning the lights off in our building/lecture hall.im appearing on a radio show next week to discuss all our thoughts on “spirituality” theres about 4 of us.
we’ve also been asked to join the executive team of the multifaith center so they can have a better secular and skeptic outlook on their discussion boards.
i dont live in america.
You’re right, skepticism is very important and also misunderstood. I find that some Christians, for example, are skeptical and really examine their faith, while some think that faithfulness to God means you have to stop questioning and just accept what you are told. People who never waver in their faith or look into it are often applauded by the second group, but I think that is very dangerous (if I had to classify myself I’d say I am an atheist so maybe I just see it in a biased way).
Skepticism is not easy, at some point I feel like I have made up my mind and don’t want to look into it any more (whatever “it” is) so the skepticism goes out of the window, and sometimes I find myself sitting on the fence in every discussion I have.
Congratulations on your success. It’s really important to promote debate and critical, logical views
Thanks a ton grinnyguy. I’m always really surprised when I sit down with people of other faiths and we end up having a huge discussion about life, love, faith and purpose. (I think they’re equally as surprised…) I love talking with people from the United church because they’re so liberal and open minded to the point where they will question their faith (to a certain extent).
I think that I’ve pretty much made my mind up on most things… however… I like encouraging other people to make up their own mind. I like talking about things, asking questions and playing up the Socratic Method to pull out what people are thinking so they question their own thoughts and challenge mine.