To your point about the statistics… as a “devout” Unitarian Universalist who attends Sunday services regularly (except in December), I am always torn when I respond to any survey around secularism. Yes, I am part of a religious community though I myself am not religious in the traditional sense. And I’m a Humanist. And I’m an atheist. I hate that I get put in the religious bucket for this! But it gives me access to a remarkable community and an infrastructure that makes my justice work easier and more visible. Rather than pretend anything, I helped start a Nontheist group at our fellowship where nonbelievers gather monthly to talk about issues we face as nonreligious people in a culture that tends to assume everyone believes in some kind of supernatural overlay. Like Ethical Culture, UUs are noncredal, and the flavor of the community can differ substantially from one location to another. But at any UU place, you won’t have to look far to find good people who are working together to make the world a better place. OK, I guess I’m now officially a UU evangelist!
One of these days, please join us at any show up at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. That's our "happy place" -- where we remember that there actually ARE many other good people in this tired old world! Or try our little Atheists/Agnostics group -- yes, it's only Panera, but hey, it's not where you are but who you're with, right??
Yes to Caffe Lena! As to the Panera, I would say given my recent experience, it's not where or who but WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Give me a task, and I'm all over it.
There is also a Gathering of the Clans event coming up later this month (Jan.24) - where the members of the local Atheists/Agnostics, Humanists, and Freethinkers come together at a Chinese Buffet for food, fun, fellowship, and who knows what else? Good people, good company!! As for Caffe Lena, let's plan something privately!!
Good to read. My grandfather and grandmother were prime movers in the Saint Louis Ethical Culture Society organization there early on. Always been proud of that.
Inspiring places that inspire people to gather and do something -- it's true! Great public spaces of old did that: City Halls, train stations, museums, libraries. I was speaking to a woman this morning who works in the NYS Senate and said she believes that the NYS Senate chambers -- considered the epitomy of H.H. Richardson's work -- has inspired the best in public service. Let's take a tour of the Capital one day and see it!
I think you're right — a building can make you feel like the reason you're there is important. (And it's also one reason that Jan 6 2021 was so horrifying.)
So will you come to Humanistic High Holidays with me at The City Congregation this fall? I wish I could promise you it will be a dynamic experience, but I think you will like the liturgy....
Thank you Kate for the excellent article and highlighting the Secular Hub here in Denver!
I'm so impressed by you guys! And such fond memories of my visit!
To your point about the statistics… as a “devout” Unitarian Universalist who attends Sunday services regularly (except in December), I am always torn when I respond to any survey around secularism. Yes, I am part of a religious community though I myself am not religious in the traditional sense. And I’m a Humanist. And I’m an atheist. I hate that I get put in the religious bucket for this! But it gives me access to a remarkable community and an infrastructure that makes my justice work easier and more visible. Rather than pretend anything, I helped start a Nontheist group at our fellowship where nonbelievers gather monthly to talk about issues we face as nonreligious people in a culture that tends to assume everyone believes in some kind of supernatural overlay. Like Ethical Culture, UUs are noncredal, and the flavor of the community can differ substantially from one location to another. But at any UU place, you won’t have to look far to find good people who are working together to make the world a better place. OK, I guess I’m now officially a UU evangelist!
fractalnyc.com related
Thank you, Davey! If you know people involved in this project, I would love to check it out . . .
One of these days, please join us at any show up at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. That's our "happy place" -- where we remember that there actually ARE many other good people in this tired old world! Or try our little Atheists/Agnostics group -- yes, it's only Panera, but hey, it's not where you are but who you're with, right??
Yes to Caffe Lena! As to the Panera, I would say given my recent experience, it's not where or who but WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Give me a task, and I'm all over it.
There is also a Gathering of the Clans event coming up later this month (Jan.24) - where the members of the local Atheists/Agnostics, Humanists, and Freethinkers come together at a Chinese Buffet for food, fun, fellowship, and who knows what else? Good people, good company!! As for Caffe Lena, let's plan something privately!!
You had me at, “For me, it’s my public library,” but the rest was interesting too! ❤️
I totally agree, having a building and a common purpose really does make a difference!
I can agree with this in the sense of community and belonging I find at Emmanuel Episcopal in Staunton Virginia.
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this one.
Good to read. My grandfather and grandmother were prime movers in the Saint Louis Ethical Culture Society organization there early on. Always been proud of that.
Ooh really! It's such a cool idea: let's take ONLY the moral part of religion and run with it. Whatever you believe.
Inspiring places that inspire people to gather and do something -- it's true! Great public spaces of old did that: City Halls, train stations, museums, libraries. I was speaking to a woman this morning who works in the NYS Senate and said she believes that the NYS Senate chambers -- considered the epitomy of H.H. Richardson's work -- has inspired the best in public service. Let's take a tour of the Capital one day and see it!
I think you're right — a building can make you feel like the reason you're there is important. (And it's also one reason that Jan 6 2021 was so horrifying.)
Incredibly poignant, I so enjoyed this read!
So will you come to Humanistic High Holidays with me at The City Congregation this fall? I wish I could promise you it will be a dynamic experience, but I think you will like the liturgy....
Yes! Absolutely. I would love to. I might have to write about it, of course . . .
They should be so lucky!