Comic-Con began as a way for self-described geeks and nerds to share their uniqueness and interests. Look at where it’s at today. Not only does the original thrive, but smaller conventions have popped up around the world. Most people don’t think of Springfield, Missouri, as a refuge for free-thinkers and the scientific community, but it was out of the need to find others who would support and promote free-thinking that a conference called Skepticon was born.
Skepticon is annual conference for skeptics. It’s eighth annual convention is on November 13-15, and although workshops have yet to be announced, it does have a great lineup of speakers who are leaders in the field and want to educate and inform you about what is being done in the free-thinking arena.
Speakers for 2015 Skepticon
- Bo Bennett, host of “The Humanist Hour”
- Justin Vollmar, Christian pastor turned atheist
- Stephanie Zvan, former President of Minnesota Atheists, radio host and blogger
- Fallon Fox, professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
- Mary Anne Franks, law professor and activist
- Nathanael Johnson, journalist and food blogger from San Francisco
- Destin Sandlin, mastermind behind Smarter Every Day, a YouTube Education Series
Past Workshops
Skepticon 7 included workshops from “Expanding Beyond Atheism,” which discussed how atheism makes you who are and how to keep growing in today’s world. Another workshop covered strategies on becoming a cool online persona. One section discussed the psychology of religion and neuroscience, while another talked about recovery from religion. With the lineup of speakers for Skepticon 8, it’s going to be a great way to find like minds from the humanist and atheist sectors.
In addition, conference organizers have partnered with a local cinema to be able to offer a free screening of “An Honest Liar.” This movie is about the famous magician, James Randi, who came out of the closet when he was 81. He exposed psychics and faith healers, but the movie asks whether Randi is the one deceived or if he is the deceiver. This movie won the Audience Award for Best Feature at the AFI Docs Festival in 2014. It was released to the general public in February of 2015.
FAQs About Skepticon
Skepticon is a free conference because it has many corporate sponsors, including Center for Inquiry and American Atheists. This year, the planners are working hard to ensure complete accessibility for everyone. The sessions will be live close captioned, and there are two sign-language interpreters who will be working on the main stage.
Registration is required, but the conference is free to attend. In addition to workshops, Rawr Stl, an entertainer with a live dinosaur, is slated to attend. The organization has also partnered with the Community Blood Bank to sponsor a blood drive during the convention. The Ramada Inn Oasis, a new location for the conference, features plenty of parking and close restaurants.
Why You Should Try to Attend
Skepticon calls itself the largest Skeptics conference in the United States. It’s a great place to meet others who face the same issues that you do if you are not part of the Christian majority. It can feel as if you are alone, especially when you live in one of the states of the Bible Belt. Skepticon wants to bring people together for education, which you can take back into your own community.
With the holidays approaching, it can be difficult when you don’t share the same faith as those in your family and circle of friends. Use this opportunity to get together with others who understand your dilemma. Get support and ideas on how to navigate the season without alienating those you love. Skepticon 8 may not be as big as Comic-Con, but it will minister to your needs. You’re not alone.