Crossroads (with lunch) | Being non-religious in a faith-dominated society

Being non-religious in a faith-dominated society

Jason Benell
President, Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers

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JANUARY 16, 2026  |  11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines
** in-person event **

People in the United States who identify as atheist and agnostic have doubled in numbers over the last decade. While still a relatively small count, the trend is headed upward. What does it mean to live in a nation hyper-focused on religion --- particularly from one dominant belief that leaves you on the sidelines much of the time?

Jason Benell, President of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, will discuss the basics of atheism, living in a society that emphasizes religion, and the impact and intertwining of religion and government from an atheist perspective.

You may make your reservation to attend in-person (with lunch) by clicking on the "Register Now" button. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian; brown bag lunches are $15 each. Please note: You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.

If you have any issues registering, please email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org or call 515.279.8715.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER | Jason Benell is President of Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers and has been an atheist activist for over a decade, receiving the "Nothing Fails Like Prayer" award from the Freedom From Religion Foundation in 2023. Jason is also a combat veteran and former Des Moines City Council candidate as well as a frequent contributor to Bleeding Heartland and author of the Odd Man Out substack.  He lives in West Des Moines with his wife and two children and continues to advocate for secular values, the separation of church and state, and humanist values.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.