# Event Details - **Event Name**: Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte - **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 08 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm (-05:00) - **Event Description**: Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Mattering Weekly on Tuesdays, until Sep 22, 2026 Description: This is a 3-part series. Participants are encouraged to come to all three sessions, but folks are welcome to come as they are able. Each presentation will focus on one salient aspect of humanism interspersed with discussion. Week One is on Naturalism, Week Two on Ethics, and Week Three is on Meaning and Mattering. Session One: Naturalism — a starting point for humanists We begin this series on Humanism by looking at the naturalist worldview which lays the foundation for modern-day humanism. We will review the scientific explanations and philosophical developments over the course of centuries that changed the focus of our attention from the supernatural to the natural world. We will also consider non-western influences on the contemporary naturalist world-view as well as our ever-deepening understanding of humankind’s place in the cosmos. Session Two: Ethics without Religion In this session we will focus on the ethical imperative of humanism and disentangle ethics from religion. We will explore the evolutionary origins of moral instincts and the philosophical moral theories that have influenced the humanist outlook — across the globe. In addition, a contemporary secular process for ethical deliberation will be put forward. Come explore the heart of humanism. Session Three: Humanist Perspective on Meaning and Purpose We are the products of an un-designed, evolutionary process. What meaning or purpose can there be to our lives? Do our lives really matter? How can intentional community engender meaning and mattering? How do we create meaningful community? In the final session of this series, we will look at how a Humanist lifestance — with its naturalist worldview, ethical commitments, and community spirit – informs and contributes to our experience of meaning and purpose. Presenter: Audrey Kingstrom was born and raised a devout Lutheran in rural Minnesota, then immersed in evangelicalism in college, Audrey made her way to New York City in her mid-twenties to go to Union Theological Seminary (non-denominational and liberal). She graduated with a Master of Divinity but by the end she was a closeted atheist. Hence, Audrey re-directed her life to the field of education—in publishing and high school teaching. After 16 years on the East coast, she returned to Minnesota and discovered congregational humanism at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis where she and her husband have been members for over twenty years – and raised their two sons. During that time, she also became acquainted with HumanistsMN and served on their Board for 8 years – 5 of them as president. Audrey is also a humanist celebrant and continues to be very active in HumanistsMN volunteering as their program coordinator and frequent presenter. Sponsor: Steve Gilbert Presentation Fees are as follows: Cost: This is a three-session series, though participants are welcome to register for one, two, or all three sessions. The full 3-part series is free for Gold members and $14 for Silver members. Silver members may also attend individual sessions for $7 each. Non-members pay $15 per session or $45 for the full series. Please contact the office to register. Call: 507-389-2011 -or- email: lifelonglearners@mnsu.edu Silver members may also Register online. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/mankato/humanism-as-a-lifestance-three-part-series-naturalism-ethics-without-religion-and-meaning-and-matte/200030344113311 - **Event Categories**: workshops, volunteering - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 2 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Mankato - **state**: MN - **country**: United States - **location**: Pioneer Bank 1450 Adams St, Mankato - **lat**: 44.17201 - **long**: -93.97369 - **full address**: Pioneer Bank 1450 Adams St, Mankato, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/aa1cfba4214079c3d527c1f06eaa342fafd292ceae75cac8eb9d8f91c5637f32-rimg-w1052-h700-dc382828-gmir?v=1788248159 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte being held? - **A:** Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte takes place on Tue, 08 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Tue, 08 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm at Pioneer Bank 1450 Adams St, Mankato, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte? - **A:** Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte is organized by Mankato Area Lifelong Learners. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Mankato, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Matte", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/aa1cfba4214079c3d527c1f06eaa342fafd292ceae75cac8eb9d8f91c5637f32-rimg-w1052-h700-dc382828-gmir?v=1788248159", "startDate": "2026-09-08T13:00:00-05:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/mankato/humanism-as-a-lifestance-three-part-series-naturalism-ethics-without-religion-and-meaning-and-matte/200030344113311", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "Pioneer Bank 1450 Adams St, Mankato", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "Pioneer Bank, 1450 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, United States", "addressLocality": "Mankato", "addressRegion": "MN", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "44.17201", "longitude": "-93.97369" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Humanism as a Lifestance Three part series: Naturalism, Ethics without Religion, and Meaning & Mattering\n\nWeekly on Tuesdays, until Sep 22, 2026\n\nDescription: This is a 3-part series. 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