Freethinkers are people who decide what to believe
based on reason (facts and logic) - not authority or dogma.
There are two Free Thinkers Club meetings in most months. We host speakers on a variety of topics and encourage debate, discussions and questions after an initial presentation. There are Freethinkers Club meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Bridgeport Recreation Center at 2:30. We also meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at Aviary Recreation Center, at 3:30. We were asked to give meetings at this location a separate name for administrative purposes, so Freethinkers Club meetings at Aviary Rec. Center will be referred to as "Freethinkers Club South" meetings. For more information, or to get on our email distribution, email us at freethinkingvillager@gmail.com. Villages Resident or Guest ID are required to attend.
The Freethinkers Club collaborates administratively with The Humanists Club. We share the same email distribution list and management. Emails with information concerning future presentations for both clubs will be sent to the joint email distribution. The list below shows upcoming Freethinkers Club meeting topics.
i Upcoming scheduled topics
April 10 Robert Wickman Bridgeport 2:30 Stars: Their Birth, Life, and Death
How do stars (and planets) form? Why are some dramatically larger than others? How does their size determine the amount and color of light emitted, how long the star lasts - and what happens when the star runs out of fuel?
April 24 Dr Mark Welton Aviary 3:30 2025 - A New Middle East
Huge changes have occurred with Iran's proxies in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. In addition, the Houthies in Yemen are under attack. How do these changes impact the interests of the U.S., Israel, Iran, and prospects for peace?
Col Welton is a retired Army JAG officer who spent most of his active duty career in Europe dealing with legal issues with his EU and NATO counterparts. He is also retired from his second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Areas of expertise include Iran, the Middle East, Constitutional and International Law. Mark is also a very prolific and popular speaker in and around The Villages.
May 8 Dr Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 2025 - A New Middle East (repeat of April 24 presentation)
May 22 Robert Wickman Aviary 3:30 Stars: Their Birth, Life, and Death (repeat of April 10 presentation)
June 12 Dr Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 Sunni's & Shias: Sectarian Conflict in the Islamic World
What are the differences between the two main Muslim denominations - Sunni and Shia? How did these differences evolve? How have the differences and grievances led to religious wars that have had significant global impact? How have recent events re-shaped the Middle East and impacted the balance of power between Sunni and Shia?
Col Welton is a retired Army JAG officer who spent most of his active duty career in Europe, dealing with legal issues with NATO and EU counterparts. He also is retired from his second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Areas of expertise include Constitutional, International, and Islamic Law, Iran, and the Middle East.
Frank Jenista Bridgeport 2:30 Ukraine Update: What's Been Happening? What's Next? Postponed
What is the latest on the status of the war? What progress has been made toward a cease fire? What progress has been made on negotiations of terms for a lasting peace? What are the main obstacles to reaching an agreement?
Frank Jenista grew up in Asia, the son of missionary parents. After 25 years as a diplomat for the State Department, he took early retirement in order to take a position as a Professor of International Studies. Dr Jenista retired from that second career after 17 years and moved to the Villages in 2020. Easily The Villages foremost expert on the war in Ukraine, Frank has given dozens of presentations on that war to local organizations over the last several years.