DOCSLIB.ORG

American Humanist Association Grassroots Manual Isn’T to Tell You What Your Local Humanist Group Must Become

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
American Humanist Association Grassroots Manual Isn’T to Tell You What Your Local Humanist Group Must Become American humanist association Grassroots Manual Contents LETTER FROM THE CHAPTER ASSEMBLY HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL SECTION I: RUNNING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS SECTION II: STRATEGIC PLANNING & BUDGET SECTION III: ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES SECTION IV: ISSUE ADVOCACY SECTION V: BUILDING COMMUNITY SECTION VI: EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SECTION VII: FUNDRAISING SECTION VIII: THE INTERNET & E-HUMANISM SECTION IX: NEWSLETTER & PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS SECTION X: MEDIA RELATIONS SECTION XI: PUBLIC EVENTS SECTION XII: LOCAL GROUP BENCHMARKS APPENDICES A: SIGN-UP SHEET B: BACKWARD PLANNING CALENDAR C: ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION D: EXAMPLE BYLAWS E: AHA & LOCAL GROUP MISSION STATEMENTS F: AHA & EXAMPLE LOCAL GROUP VISION STATEMENTS G: ACTION ALERT H: CURRICULUM BOOK LIST I: CHILDREN’S BOOKS J: NEWSLETTERS K: BROCHURES L: PRESS ADVISORY M: PRESS RELEASE N: LETTER TO THE EDITOR O: OPINIONS PIECE ADDENDA I. LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE II. THE CHAPTER ASSEMBLY III. THE AHA GRASSROOTS PROGRAM IV. HOW TO START A LOCAL GROUP V. MODERN HUMANISM & THE AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION How to Use this Manual The goal of the American Humanist Association Grassroots Manual isn’t to tell you what your local Humanist group must become. Rather, it’s a guide for the possibilities that exist. This manual is a resource to be used as you and your members carry out the challenging yet rewarding task of building and expanding your local group. Because groups in the American Humanist Association field network are in various stages of development, this manual was created so that all local groups could use it, though not everyone would find exactly the same things useful. Therefore, while it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the contents of this manual, it’s not intended to be read cover-to-cover or all at once. We hope that you will refer to it often, when you would like additional insights for activities your group is already good at or when you are embarking on new endeavors. Each section of the manual stands alone. You can even rearrange the sections to better suit your purposes if you like. The appendices provide examples for the topics discussed in the main body of the manual. The addenda contain additional materials for you to consider. SECTION I RUNNING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS I-2 Running Effective Meetings In many ways, meetings serve as the core activity for local groups. As your local Humanist group grows, you will probably need to set up various meetings, activities, and events in order to meet the needs of your members. Though this section mainly addresses regular meetings, no matter what type of meeting you hold some very basic principles regarding time and place will apply. Pre-Meeting Logistics I: Where and When to Hold Meetings It is always important to have a good meeting space. Since even most of our strongest local Humanist groups don’t have a building they can call their own, the next best option is to find a public meeting space. Possible meeting locations can be found in local libraries, university campuses, community centers, or apartment complexes. Meeting spaces can Your local Unitarian Universalist usually be secured for low or no cost. congregation is a possible meeting location. You can go online to Holding a meeting in a public place is http://www.uua.org to find a nearby preferable over meetings in someone’s congregation. living room. In general, people are more Though local Humanist groups all have comfortable with meeting in a public place, their own level of comfort with meeting and this is especially true for new volunteers at a UU congregation, it is worth and new members. considering since there is significant crossover between UUs and AHA The meeting location should also be easily members (surveys have found that accessible via public transportation. In large approximately half of UUs would self urban areas, not everyone has access to a identify as Humanist). car, and in order to attract a maximum When taking advantage of any private number of people it’s important that the facilities like those of UU congregations, meeting space is easy to get to. Where be sure you understand and accept their possible, public transportation routes and a rules. They might require group map for those who are driving should be leadership to be members of their clearly noted on the group’s website (see congregation, which may or may not be a Section VIII: The Internet & E-Humanism) problem for your local group. or on other promotional materials. Schedule a time where the maximum number of people can attend, but keep in mind that it’s impossible to please everyone. Though not everyone can make it, meeting times should not be changed too often. That can confuse some members, and others may feel it’s not worth the effort to attend if the date and time keep changing. Pre-Meeting Logistics II: Before the Meeting Begins Remember to assess the meeting space beforehand. Are the room’s chairs and other furniture set up in a practical manner considering the type of meeting? Will everyone be able to see and hear the speaker? If there is a sound system, is it ready to go? Will everyone be able to see and hear each other? I-3 Is there space for a small refreshment table? Having a small amount of money budgeted (see Section II: Strategic Planning & Budget) for some snacks and drinks for meetings can go a long way in fostering a friendly atmosphere. Having refreshments set out before the meeting begins can establish a casual tone, and it gives people an excuse to mingle and talk. This is an especially good way for visitors to get a feel for the group before any official activities start. Another useful table is for magazines and books that would be of interest to group members. When someone has finished an issue of a magazine or book they no longer want, they can place it on the table for anyone else pick up and take. This allows for ideas found in books or magazine to have wider exposure in your group. Having a person specifically act as the ‘greeter’ before and after meetings is also an effective way for newcomers to feel welcome (see Section V: Building Community). This person would come to meetings early and leave late, and would always be sure to approach visitors, answer any questions they may have, and provide information about the group. This, of course, does not preclude other members from welcoming newcomers, however, it’s important that someone is specifically assigned the task. The greeter should also direct visitors to a Example Meeting Program: sign-up sheet (see Appendix Page 1: Sign- 6:00 PM Arrive at space, make sure up Sheet) that should be prominently everything is ready, and set out snacks displayed. Having a sign up sheet is a 6:30 PM Official start time of the meeting good way to get contact information for 6:35 PM Start meeting a few minutes late to potential members. The greeter (or allow stragglers to wander in someone else assigned the task) can also -Introductory welcome remarks be responsible for contacting the people (remember to welcome newcomers) who have filled out the sign-up sheet. -Go over evening's events -Brief committee announcements Pre-Meeting Logistics III: The -Emphasize becoming a member of Program the group Even for the most casual of meetings, a 6:50 PM Introduce speaker for the evening and note that there will be Q & A time program (or agenda) is essential, as is a following the talk designated person who is clearly in charge of the meeting. Meetings can quickly 6:55 PM Speaker begins talk devolve into chaos if it appears (or is the 7:30 PM Speaker ends talk and does Q & A case) that no one is in charge. Even a few 8:00 PM Make concluding remarks -Thank speaker for coming bullet points written down on a scrap of -Reminder about upcoming events paper is preferable to “winging it.” The -Reminder of the food and program itself should be briefly touched welcome people to stay and chat upon at the beginning of the meeting. If -If newcomers want information your group meetings are large enough to about the group, can talk to any have a formal agenda, print and distribute board member copies. This engages participants and allows them to feel they have a better 8:30 PM Tidy up room and leave I-4 grasp as to what is going on. By knowing what is going on, people feel more in control, are more likely to participate, and will get more out of the meeting. Time limits for topics of discussion are more likely to be respected if they’re written out. Three Types of Meetings: Many times, regular meetings will There are generally three types of meetings involve a speaker. In order for members that local Humanist groups hold—regular, to get the most out of a speaker during the summer, and business. Q & A session, here are two suggestions: Before the Q & A session starts, you Regular Meetings should remind people that brevity in These meetings should be member-oriented questions is appreciated, questions should and can serve various purposes. It’s an end in question marks, and there is only a opportunity for group members to come certain amount of time available for together and connect with each other; questions. When the time is up, thank the become educated on a topic by hearing from speaker, end the session and note (if it's a speaker; or discuss issues and explore been arranged) that the speaker will remain ideas.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • HUMANISM Religious Practices
    HUMANISM Religious Practices . Required Daily Observances . Required Weekly Observances . Required Occasional Observances/Holy Days Religious Items . Personal Religious Items . Congregate Religious Items . Searches Requirements for Membership . Requirements (Includes Rites of Conversion) . Total Membership Medical Prohibitions Dietary Standards Burial Rituals . Death . Autopsies . Mourning Practices Sacred Writings Organizational Structure . Headquarters Location . Contact Office/Person History Theology 1 Religious Practices Required Daily Observance No required daily observances. Required Weekly Observance No required weekly observances, but many Humanists find fulfillment in congregating with other Humanists on a weekly basis (especially those who characterize themselves as Religious Humanists) or other regular basis for social and intellectual engagement, discussions, book talks, lectures, and similar activities. Required Occasional Observances No required occasional observances, but some Humanists (especially those who characterize themselves as Religious Humanists) celebrate life-cycle events with baby naming, coming of age, and marriage ceremonies as well as memorial services. Even though there are no required observances, there are several days throughout the calendar year that many Humanists consider holidays. They include (but are not limited to) the following: February 12. Darwin Day: This marks the birthday of Charles Darwin, whose research and findings in the field of biology, particularly his theory of evolution by natural selection, represent a breakthrough in human knowledge that Humanists celebrate. First Thursday in May. National Day of Reason: This day acknowledges the importance of reason, as opposed to blind faith, as the best method for determining valid conclusions. June 21 - Summer Solstice. This day is also known as World Humanist Day and is a celebration of the longest day of the year.
    [Show full text]
  • A Short Course on Humanism
    A Short Course On Humanism © The British Humanist Association (BHA) CONTENTS About this course .......................................................................................................... 5 Introduction – What is Humanism? ............................................................................. 7 The course: 1. A good life without religion .................................................................................... 11 2. Making sense of the world ................................................................................... 15 3. Where do moral values come from? ........................................................................ 19 4. Applying humanist ethics ....................................................................................... 25 5. Humanism: its history and humanist organisations today ....................................... 35 6. Are you a humanist? ............................................................................................... 43 Further reading ........................................................................................................... 49 33588_Humanism60pp_MH.indd 1 03/05/2013 13:08 33588_Humanism60pp_MH.indd 2 03/05/2013 13:08 About this course This short course is intended as an introduction for adults who would like to find out more about Humanism, but especially for those who already consider themselves, or think they might be, humanists. Each section contains a concise account of humanist The unexamined life thinking and a section of questions
    [Show full text]
  • In the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina Western Division
    IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA WESTERN DIVISION ) AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOC., ) AND KWAME TEAGUE, ) ) ) Plaintiffs, CASE NO. 5:15-ct-03053-BO ) ) v. ) ) FRANK L. PERRY, et al., ) ) Defendants. ) PLAINTIFFS’ MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Case 5:15-ct-03053-BO Document 69 Filed 07/28/17 Page 1 of 33 I. Nature of the Case and Statement of Facts1 Plaintiffs, the American Humanist Association (“AHA”) and Kwame Teague, challenge the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s (“NCDPS”) disparate treatment of Humanists, and specifically, its refusal to allow Humanists to meet in groups to study and discuss their shared convictions while authorizing such group meetings for other faith groups of equal or smaller size, as violative of the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses. NCDPS maintains a list of approved faith groups (“Faith Groups”) and provides them with time, space, and other resources. (A.64-70, 77-81, 1268). Only recognized Faith Groups are authorized to meet in groups for study and worship. (A.69, 1268). NCDPS tracks religious preferences in OPUS but only for approved Faith Groups. (A.3-35, 1292). NCDPS has approved several new Faith Groups since 2010, including one with only three inmates. (A.4, 183, 903, 1260). NCDPS concedes that approving Humanism would impose no threat to the security, control, operation and safety of a correctional institution. (A.925). Indeed, the federal government treats Humanism as a religious group.2 The Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) approved Humanism as a faith group and allots the group two time-slots each week for “worship” and for “study.” (A.825-29, 833-39, 1075-76, 1081).
    [Show full text]
  • Are You the Next Secretary-General of Young Humanists International?
    Are you the next Secretary-General of Young Humanists International? At its General Assembly on May 30th in Reykjavík, Iceland, Young Humanists International will elect its new Secretary-General. The application deadline is May 14th, 2019. ​ ​ What is Young Humanists International? Young Humanists International or YHI is the youth branch of Humanists International. Young is defined as ages 18 to 35. Our purpose is to build and represent the global humanist movement that defends human rights and promotes humanist values worldwide. We are a dynamic team of young adults all over the world sharing this vision and giving ourselves the mission to bring into active association youth groups and young humanist individuals throughout the world interested in promoting humanism. For more info, visit humanists.international/young! ​ ​ What does a Secretary-General do? The Secretary-General works closely with the President, Vice-President, Communication Officer, and Working Groups to make Young Humanists International what it is. More specifically, the Secretary-General prepares and annotates the monthly Skype meeting with all parties, overlooks all processes related to the internal workings of the organizations (elections of Working Group chairpersons, preparing the General Assembly, being a point of contact, …) and manages all collective resources (Gmail, Slack, Archives, …). What are the perks of being Secretary-General? ● You can attend YHI international meetings and meet young Humanists all over the world, for which YHI does provide limited travel support. ● You can contribute to the network and support young humanists all over the world. ● You will learn more about governing an international community and gain management skills.
    [Show full text]
  • The Goals of Humanism1
    SOUND THE ALARM: THE GOALS OF HUMANISM1 The watchman on the wall of an ancient city had to be alert for signs of danger. His responsibility was to inform others of what he saw. Should he detect a foreign army about to attack, he needed to sound an alarm. In our own American history, we remember the midnight ride of Paul Revere—from Charleston to Medford, and on to Concord and Lexington. So through the night rode Paul Revere And so through the night went his cry of alarm To every Middlesex village and farm.2 Likewise, we must sound an alarm regarding humanism and the dangers it presents to Christians. I wish it were possible for us to shout, as did those watchmen on ancient walls, “The enemy is coming!” But that’s not the message about humanism which we must convey. That message would imply that we are here, and that humanism is off over yonder somewhere. Our message—one which leaves us with a sinking feeling—is more comparable to the announcement that “we’ve got termites in our woodwork!” Humanism is not coming. It’s already here! It has already done much damage. It has already eaten far into the structures of our society. It kills unborn babies. It hurts youth with drugs. It dirties minds with profanity. It turns children against their parents. It robs families of their wealth. It severely damages and often destroys Christian families. If left alone, humanism will eat its way through the country until eventually it has destroyed all Christian homes and churches.
    [Show full text]
  • South Hampshire Humanists Nesletter 146 March/April 2019
    SOUTH HAMPSHIRE HUMANISTS NESLETTER 146 MARCH/APRIL 2019 SHH A PARTNER OF HUMANISTS UK WHAT’S COMING UP SUNDAY MARCH 17TH 2PM, THE PAVILION, RESIDENTS GARDENS, 13 ABBOTTS WAY, SO17 1QU AGM and SOAPBOX and FREE CAKE! The business part of this meeting will be as fast and painless as possible. The present members of the committee are willing to carry on for another year but if you would like to shake things up please submit your name or that of another nominee to the sender of this newsletter by the beginning of March. Similarly submit any business motions. But iF you want to get something ofF your chest about anything at all, whether related to humanism, politics (should that exclude ***x**?!) or the state oF the potholes in your road, or tell us about your Fascination with whatever, PLEASE let the editor know and come and talk For 5 minutes IN THE SOAP BOX SESSION and be prepared For heckling WEDNESDAY MARCH 27TH 7.30PM, HOME OF MIZONS, 18 BROOKALE RD, SO17 1QP DISCUSSION GROUP- ARE PUNISHMENT AND REHABILITATION FOR CRIMINALS RECONCILABLE? APRIL BOOK GROUP, INAUGURAL MEETING, ANDREW COPSON’S “SECULARISM” Those who have expressed interested will be contacted. Anyone else who would like to come along please contact Chris Rolles on [email protected] 1 RECENT EVENTS JAN 20TH SUKI SITARAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE 21st CENTURY. REFLECING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD children under 5 years also had very positive Having been originally a community worker Suki effects on parents. saw the important role that local councils can play in supporting communities and so became a Another area where Suki worked was in the “toxic council worker.
    [Show full text]
  • The Freedom of Thought Report 2018
    THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT REPORT 2018 Key Countries Edition A Global report on the rights, legal status and discrimination against humanists, atheists and the non-religious THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT REPORT 2018 Key Countries Edition Freedom of Thought 2018: A Global Report on the Rights, Legal Status and Discrimination Against Humanists, Atheists and the Non-religious, was created by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). The International Humanist and Ethical Union is the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diversity of non-religious organisations and individuals. Its mission is to represent and support the global Humanist movement, and to build a world in which human rights are respected and all can live a life of dignity. If you have updates, additions or corrections for the report please email [email protected] or visit the website at freethoughtreport.com. To receive updates and news from IHEU, or join as a supporter, visit iheu.org. Constitution & Government Education & Children’s Rights These maps depict the findings of the full Freedom of Thought Report which is available in a complete Online Edition at freethoughtreport.com. The maps correspond to each of the four thematic strands of the Report: Constitution & Government, Education & Children’s Rights, Society & Community, and Freedom of Expression & Advocacy of Humanist Values. Each map shows the highest severity level (see key, right) of any boundary condition applied in each thematic strand. 6 Freedom of Thought 2018 | Maps Society & Community Expression & Advocacy of Humanist Values Grave Violations Severe Discrimination Systemic Discrimination Mostly Satisfactory Free and Equal No Rating Maps | Freedom of Thought 2018 7 This map depicts the findings of the full Freedom of Thought Report Grave Violations which is available in a complete Online Edition at freethoughtreport.com.
    [Show full text]
  • DOWNLOAD 2019 Annual Report File Type
    Annual Report 2019 Bold and brave. We are the global representative body of the humanist movement. 2 Foreword 3 Foreword Much of 2019 was marked by the ongoing persecution of my dear friend and Board colleague Gulalai Ismail. You will read more in this report about the ongoing requests we continue to receive from humanists at risk around the world. I Annual Report and my fellow members of the Board take these concerns seriously, and in late 2019 2019 approved plans from the Chief Executive to greatly increase the resources available to support humanists at risk. These are needed Contents more than ever. 2019 also was the year where I was re- Introduction 4 elected for the second time directly by our members at the General Assembly. It is a Our objectives 6 Gulalai was detained by Pakistani security huge privilege to be President of Humanists services on her way home from a Humanists International, and I am very grateful to you Our people 7 International Board meeting in October all for your continued support. Our joint 2018. Within minutes of her being detained work for human rights and human progress Key figures 8 our staff were alerted and had begun the has never been more vital and I thank you process of compiling information and Update on Gulalai 10 for allowing me to serve in leading it in the coordinating our global campaign to ensure coming years. her safety. Report on the General Assembly 12 Thank you. Almost an entire year of campaigning and Advocacy 14 lobbying followed. You may remember that when we met in Reykjavik in June 2019, we Our members 20 took a moment to reflect on the situation for our friend, and to redouble our efforts Growth and development 22 to bring her to safety.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
    RECORD NO. 17-15769 Case: 17-15769 Date Filed: 04/24/2018 Page: 1 of 48 In The United States Court Of Appeals For The Eleventh Circuit DAVID WILLIAMSON, CHASE HANSEL, KEITH BECHER, RONALD GORDON, JEFFERY KOEBERL, CENTRAL FLORIDA FREETHOUGHT COMMUNITY, SPACE COAST FREETHOUGHT ASSOCIATION, HUMANIST COMMUNITY OF THE SPACE COAST, Plaintiffs – Appellees – Cross Appellants, v. BREVARD COUNTY, Defendant – Appellant – Cross Appellee. ON APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA ______________ BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION, UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION, AND AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION IN SUPPORT OF APPELLEES – CROSS APPELLANTS ______________ Monica L. Miller AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION 1821 Jefferson Place, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 238-9088 [email protected] [email protected] Counsel for Amici Curiae GibsonMoore Appellate Services, LLC 206 East Cary Street ♦ P.O. Box 1406 (23218) ♦ Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 249- 7770 ♦ www.gibsonmoore.net Case: 17-15769 Date Filed: 04/24/2018 Page: 2 of 48 CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PERSONS AND CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 26.1 and 11th Circuit Rule 26.1-1, amici curiae, the American Humanist Association, Unitarian Universalist Association, and American Ethical Union make the following disclosure: Each is a nonprofit membership association, exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3). Each has no parent or publicly held company owning ten percent or more of the corporation. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Amici further certify that the following persons and entities have or may have an interest in the outcome of this appeal, as previously provided to the Court by Brevard County: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Are You the Next Vice-President of Young Humanists International? At
    Are you the next Vice-President of Young Humanists International? At its General Assembly on May 30th in Reykjavík, Iceland, Young Humanists International will elect its new Vice-President. The application deadline is May 14th, 2019. ​ ​ What is Young Humanists International? Young Humanists International or YHI is the youth branch of Humanists International. Young is defined as ages 18 to 35. Our purpose is to build and represent the global humanist movement that defends human rights and promotes humanist values worldwide. We are a dynamic team of young adults all over the world sharing this vision and giving ourselves the mission to bring into active association youth groups and young humanist individuals throughout the world interested in promoting humanism. For more info, visit humanists.international/young! ​ ​ What does a Vice-President do? The Vice-President works closely with the President, Secretary-General, Communication Officer, and Working Groups to make Young Humanists International what it is. As a Vice-President, you are a representative of YHI and are the stand-in if the President is not available. The Vice-President is also responsible for keeping an eye on the finances, takes part in developing YHI’s strategy, and helps with other internal tasks. What are the perks of being the Vice-President? ● You can attend YHI international meetings and meet young Humanists all over the world, for which YHI does provide limited travel support. ● You learn more about financial management in an international setting. ● You learn about the international governance of a vibrant community. ● You can contribute to the network and support young humanists all over the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Testimony of Rafida Bonya Ahmed, Humanist Activist and Author On
    Testimony of Rafida Bonya Ahmed, Humanist Activist and Author On behalf of the American Humanist Association Before the United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and Oversight and Reform Committee Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Joint Hearing on “Ending Global Religious Persecution” January 28, 2020 Washington, District of Columbia 1 Chairman Raskin, Ranking Member Roy, Members of the Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Chairwoman Bass, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, thank you for this opportunity to testify on behalf of the American Humanist Association concerning the harm caused by the numerous prohibitions against blasphemy that exist around the world. My name is Rafida Bonya Ahmed. I am a Bangladeshi-American author and blogger. I am a humanist and atheist. I am a mother to a recent John’s Hopkins graduate. I am a U.S. citizen and a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics Human Rights Centre. And I am here today to provide a much-needed voice for the nonreligious communities and individuals harmed by religious persecution. While I would not venture to represent the interests of all nonreligious people, I am a person who knows first-hand the violence accusations of blasphemy can incite. I appreciate that the committees are putting an overdue spotlight on the egregious violations of human rights conducted in the name of religion, and I urge both committees and Congress to pursue policies that hold bad actors to account.
    [Show full text]
  • Our UU Theological Tapestry: Religious Humanism in a Religious World the Reverend Cynthia A
    Page 1 Our UU Theological Tapestry: Religious Humanism in a Religious World The Reverend Cynthia A. Frado Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst November 5, 2017 Is the religious impulse inherent in our human species? And if so, is the belief in a Divine Source a required tenet of that religious impulse? What is it that we seek on a deeper level beyond the superficial and the mundane? Most people from other traditions who consider themselves to be religious, scoff at the idea that you can be humanist and religious without believing in God. For them, conjoining the two is the greatest oxymoron of them all. In fact, they not only find that idea to be absurd, they find it to be antithetical, heretical, and a mockery of true religion. So, with that in mind, I dutifully scoured the internet searching for a common understanding of religion. Much to my surprise, I actually had a difficult time trying to find a universally accepted definition of what religion is supposed to be. Even the on-line Bible otherwise known as Wikipedia said it was hard to find one specific interpretation of the term. Certainly, all the dead, white, European, male theologians, who consumed far too many of my weekends in college and graduate school, haunted me with their own complicated and convoluted descriptions, all of which included some form or another of a higher power. However, I found the MacMillian Encyclopedia of Religions to have the most compelling definition to date. They say that religion is the organization of life around the depth dimensions of experience—varied in form, completeness, and clarity in accordance with the environing culture.
    [Show full text]