We discuss the latest political outrage when Pete Hegseth moved to impose Christian nationalism on the military by revoking the US Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide for “pushing secular humanism”, examining what the Army’s spiritual fitness program actually contains. Coincidently this comes out just before our Freethinkers’ Forum discusses whether or not secular humanism can meet our spiritual needs. We’ve also got an essay from Herb Silverman reflecting on seasons greetings, and a letter from our friend Rudy Mosketti who moved to Florida last year.
Here is what is in the issue:
Spiritual Fitness or Religious Force?
Tucker Lentz examines the controversy over the US Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide and Pete Hegseth’s Christian nationalist agenda for the military.
Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?
Come to our Freethinker’s Forum to discuss.
This Month with SHL
A brief glance at our calendar of events for January, including our regular monthly activities.
🎞️ Jan 4 — The Friendly Infidels Movie Club: 3:30 showing of Song Sung Blue at Citadel Stadium 16
🧶 Jan 8 — Makers’ Studio
🤔 Jan 8 — Freethinkers’ Forum: Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?
🤸♀️ Jan 11 — Secular Kids Playdate at Gahagan Park in Summerville
🪧 Jan 11 — Activist Sunday: Pop-Up Protest
🍻 Jan 12 — Reason on Tap: Freethinkers Under 40 Happy Hour at New Realm Brewing Co
🍎 Jan 13 — Volunteering at Lowcountry Food Bank
🍸 Jan 13 — Happy Humanist Hour at La Hacienda on International Blvd in North Charleston
🥬 Jan 17 — Food Distribution with Park Circle Cares
📚 Jan 18 — Book Club: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
🚯 Jan 25 — Adopt-A-Highway
🤸♀️ Jan 25 — Secular Kids Playdate at Pinckney Park on James Island
🕵️♂️ Jan 25 — Coleman Watts: Confessions of a Former Conspiracy Theorist
🎲 Feb 11 — SHL Kids Board Game Recess at Hoodie Cat in Northwoods Mall (Note this was originally scheduled for Jan 14)
December Photo Album
See the fun things your humanist friends did together in December.
Merry Christmas
Herb Silverman reflects on Christmas well-wishers.
Greetings From a Friend in Florida
Rudy Mosketti writes to tell us about the good work he is doing in Florida.
Confessions of a Former Conspiracy Theorist
For our January member gathering Coleman Watts will share his story.
Gratitude and a Table to Gather Around
We announce our Q1 2026 Charity of the Quarter, Transformation Table.
The Art of Gathering
Our January book club selection is about organizing more connective gatherings.
2026 Member Pins
We show of the new member pin.