About us
This is a community-led group that fosters stimulating conversations between people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Events in this group will range between cross-posted events with other philosophy/conversation groups, or volunteer-hosted events on Sundays.
If you have a topic suggestion for a event or if you are interested in hosting an event of your own, please reach out and we'll make it happen! Hope to chat with you soon.
Upcoming events
288
Do You Support the United States' Ongoing Military Action in Iran?
·OnlineOnlineThis is a cross-post from the Straight Talk About Politics Group.
Please sign up for the event in the original group: https://www.meetup.com/straight-talk-about-politics-and-more/events/313748584/ .
The Zoom link will only be posted there to help guard against Zoom bombers. Thank you for understanding.On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, a massive joint military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This intervention, which included over 900 strikes in its first 12 hours alone, represents the most significant escalation in the Middle East in decades. As the conflict continues to unfold, it has sparked intense debate over its strategic necessity, legal standing, and humanitarian impact.
Proponents of the strikes, led by the Trump administration, argue that the action was a necessary preemptive measure to ensure both regional and global security.· Nuclear Deterrence: A primary justification offered by the U.S. and Israel is the continuing threat of Iran's nuclear program. In the aftermath of the attacks by the US and Israel in mid 2025 on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the negotiations to reach a permanent deal failed in early 2026. Officials have claimed that Iran has since restarted the effort to weaponize its 60% enriched uranium stockpile.
· Regime Change and Human Rights: The strikes followed months of brutal internal repression in Iran, where thousands of protesters were killed by security forces. The U.S. has framed the military action as an effort to support the Iranian people by toppling a "terrorist-run" regime.
· Neutralizing Regional Threats: By targeting ballistic missile infrastructure and the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) leadership, proponents argue the U.S. is permanently degrading Iran's ability to destabilize the region through its "Axis of Resistance" proxies.
Critics of Operation Epic Fury, including various international legal experts and humanitarian organizations, raise grave concerns regarding the legality and consequences of the war.· Violation of Sovereignty: Many international observers describe the strikes—particularly the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, arguing it constitutes an unprovoked war of choice.
· Humanitarian Cost: The "decapitation strikes" and infrastructure bombings have also incurred collateral damage. A notable tragedy occurred early in the campaign when a strike near a naval base in Minab killed over 160 people at a girls' school, highlighting the high civilian price of the conflict.
· Global Instability: Opponents point to the immediate economic fallout. Iran has retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and engaging drones not only against Israel and the nearby US bases, but also most Persian Gulf states and the regional oil infrastructure. This has caused a closing of the Hormuz Strait and a surge in global energy prices, threatening a possible global recession.
So, what do you think? Come and share your opinion in a passionate, but respectful discussion. Or just bring your popcorn, sit back, and listen to the others talk it over. We’ll have a designated speaker on each side of the motion giving opening and closing statements, and an open floor discussion in between.Zoom credentials will be provided on the day of the event.
11 attendees
Theology & Apologetics - Weekly Thursday Discussion
·OnlineOnline**This is a cross-post from ONLINE Theology & Apologetics Discussion**
https://www.meetup.com/theology-1/ONLINE MEETING INFORMATION
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87017563332
Password = 123456A Discussion Group (Not a Bible Study)
Although we do discuss the Bible, this group is not a Bible study; it is a discussion group.
We discuss topics regarding religious faith, practice and experience including the following: Christian theology; the Bible; Atheism and other Skeptics; Islam; Mormonism; Charismatic theology; Calvinism and Reformed theology; Dispensationalism; End-Times Eschatology; King James Onlyism; Mysticism; Universalism; Separation of Church and State; ethics; etc. Topics are decided by those attending so bring a list of your favorites.
Everyone is welcome to join the group. Many perspectives are represented ranging from born-again Christians to Atheists and other skeptics and non-believers. We have spirited discussions and debates but we do so in a friendly and respectful manner.
You are welcome to participate in the discussions or just listen. Be prepared to be challenged (so come with a thick skin). And feel free to challenge the beliefs, assumptions and thoughts of others in a respectful way.
A Note about Attendance
Many new people ask, "Will you and I be the only ones there? Nobody else has RSVP'd." Most of the attendees of this group have been coming for a long time and do not bother to RSVP. There are typically about 6 to 12 people who show up each week.A Note to Christians
This is your opportunity to meet actual unbelievers who are asking you to explain the Gospel and your beliefs to them. This is a great forum to practice witnessing and putting forth a defense of your faith. You may find that defending your faith and presenting the Gospel to real live unbelievers is a bit different from reading books on witnessing or just talking about witnessing with other Christians at church. As the New Testament indicates, the Gospel is an offense to unbelievers so we should not be surprised when the unbeliever reacts out of that offense. Set your expectations accordingly. It may be difficult at first but this group will give you excellent preparation for sharing the Gospel and defending your faith. This group is not for the fainthearted (but neither is biblical Christianity).Being prepared to defend our faith is the duty of the Christian according to the Apostle Peter:
1 Peter 3:14-17 - 14b Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
5 attendees
Past events
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