The Villages Free Thinkers Club


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.  (Note new time and location starting April 11).  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.  

 Upcoming scheduled topics


What do we mean by "the rule of law"?  Why is this so crucially important to a functioning democracy and to economic prosperity?  What are the challenges the U.S. and other democracies are facing in maintaining the rule of law?  How might these challenges impact our future?  

Col Welton is a retired Army JAG officer who spent most of his career in Europe co-ordinating legal issues with his EU and NATO counterparts.  He is also retired from a second career as a Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  He is a prolific speaker at many venues in and around The Villages.  Areas of expertise include the Middle East, Iran, National Security, and Constitutional Law.

Oct 10 Dr Mark Welton Bridgeport 2:30 The Rule of Law in the U.S.: Principles and Challenges (repeat of Sep 26 presentation

NOTE:  The Sep 26 and Oct 10 meetings were cancelled due to Hurricanes.  The topic will be rescheduled in January.

Oct 24 Dr. Larry Martin Aviary 3:30   Irving Berlin:  His Life and Music

Hear the story of America's greatest songwriter.  Enjoy the music from some of his 25 No. 1 hits and 17 broadway musicals.  Nearly everyone who attends this presentation leaves with a smile on their face, wanting more, often humming the music they recall from past decades.

Dr. Martin is a retired physician who often gives presentations at discussion clubs around The Villages.

Nov 14 Dr. Frank Jenista Bridgeport 2:30 The War in Ukraine - Now What?

What is the historical context for the war in Ukraine?  What is at stake for the U.S., for Europe, and for prospects for peace worldwide if Russia wins? What are the pros & cons of policy options and how might the election results impact the war?

The son of missionaries, Frank grew up in The Philippines and Hong Kong.  Dr. Jenista served as a diplomat for 25 years. After retiring from the State Department, Dr. Jenista began a second 17 year career as Professor of International Studies.  Frank moved to The Villages in 2020 and has given briefings on the war in Ukraine to numerous groups in The Villages.  

Dec 5 Peter Irwin Aviary 3:30 Rationales for War

Were the British and French justified in fighting to stop Hitler?  Were we justified in fighting for our independence?  Was Lincoln justified in the Civil War?  How about attacking Afghanistan after 9/11? Viet Nam? Korea? Iraq?  Helping Ukraine save its democracy and freedom? Helping dictators who side with us against our enemies?  Protecting our economic interests?  Under what circumstances is war justified?

Peter is a retired clinical scientist who worked for pharmaceutical companies developing drugs to treat diseases of the brain.  He is a frequent speaker at discussion clubs in The Villages

Dec 12 Peter Irwin Bridgeport 2:30 Rationales for War (repeat of Dec 5 presentation)