— What Can We Learn About Being Human From Life Online? | Chris Stedman | Weekly Sunday Gathering March 17 2024 — The Montrose Center 401 Branard St #106, Houston, TX 77006
Main Topic:What Can We Learn About Being Human From Life Online?
Main Speaker: Chris Stedman
Music: Glen Ackerman
Main Talk Summary :
For much of history, humans have grappled with questions of meaning and belonging within institutions like churches and civic groups. Today, more and more people are leaving religious and other communal institutions and moving their search for connection and significance to digital space. Especially after years of social distancing and online learning, the work of being human—exploring life's big questions, finding a sense of identity and context, and connecting with others—increasingly happens on the internet. How is this changing our understanding of who we are, and can we find real community online? Join humanist author, activist, and professor Chris Stedman for a conversation about his book IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives, what it means to be “real” in the time of TikTok, and what we can learn from the novel ways of being and belonging that are emerging online.
Main Speaker Bio:
Chris Stedman is a writer, activist, and professor who teaches in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. He is the author of the books IRL and Faitheist, and the writer and host of Unread, named one of the best podcasts of 2021 by the Guardian, Vulture, HuffPost, Mashable, and the CBC, and honored by the 2022 Webby Awards. Additionally, he has written popular essays for outlets including the Atlantic, Pitchfork, BuzzFeed, VICE, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and the Washington Post. An experienced nonreligious community organizer, Chris was previously the founding director of the Yale Humanist Community and a humanist chaplain at Harvard University. He currently serves on the board of PFund, an organization that provides direct financial assistance to LGBTQIA midwesterners. Learn more at chrisstedmanwriter.com.
Musician Bio :
Formed in 2010, Glen Ackerman’s fusion group is a critically acclaimed, Grammy balloted ensemble. Hailing from Texas, they have four releases currently available on many digital platforms. Jazz critic Grady Harp states that Glen’s music is “… an electric jazz-fusion romp, with funky twists and dreamy turns…
We are back to our regular start time of 10:30 AM. Doors open at 10:00 AM
Join In Person
The Montrose Center
401 Branard St #106
Houston, TX 77006
We are on the first floor of the Montrose Center (One level above the ground floor) in room #106 across from the elevators. You will need to take either the stairs or the elevator to get to Floor 1
COVID-19 Policy:
Join Online:
Can’t make it in person?Join us on our Youtube page at youtube.com/HoustonOasisOrg1
To join via Zoom, please check the Houston Oasis on meetup.com or message someone you know in Houston Oasis for the link. You can also join our mailing list at www.houstonoasis.org/join to receive future event links via email.