Henley discussion group explores Christianity, atheism and more

Henley’s “Sceptics and Believers Discussion Group” has announced its programme for the 2026 to 2027 season.

As ever they welcome new members who wish to engage in respectful discussion on topics around Christianity, other faiths, philosophy, ethics and life in general. We come from a range of views from Christian believers right through to atheists. We seek to understand each other and be making up our own minds rather than be persuading others.

Ed Atkinson said, “This year’s programme of discussion will be asking what we actually mean when we talk about ideas like ‘faith’, ‘sin’, ‘miracles’ or even God Himself. When we use these terms without grappling with their meaning we are likely to be talking past each other. We’ll also spend two nights on Tom Holland’s influential book Dominion. He describes atheism as, historically, an offshoot of Christianity – so buckle in!”

It’s a small group meeting in homes in Henley, on the third Monday of the month. They’ll start with “What is Faith? Is it laudable or just gullibility?” on 19 October. There are no subscriptions or fees, just come along and see if it is for you!

The rest of the programme is:

16 November 2026 Who or What is God?

14 December 2026 What is a Miracle? How do we evaluate claims of miracles?

18 January 2027

15 February 2027 What is Reality?

15 March 2027 Tom Holland’s book Dominion, Part 1

19 AprIl 2027 Dominion, Part 2

17 May 2027 What (exactly) is Knowledge? How do we know what we know?

21 June 2027 Annual Barbecue

Contact Ed on ex.atkinson@btinternet.com