The original ‘atheist church’: Why don’t more atheists know about Ethical Culture?

[rug]

Chris Stedman | Oct 1, 2014

Less than two weeks ago, more than 300 Humanists marched in the People’s Climate March. But some may not know that the American Ethical Union (AEU) was one of the principal organizers of the march’s coordinated Humanist participation—or even know what the AEU is.

In my experience, unfamiliarity with Ethical Culture—a nontheistic, Humanist religion—is more common among some atheists than it should be. As nonreligious communities like Sunday Assembly (frequently referred to as “atheist church”) expand, I’d like to see more people acknowledge and learn from the rich history of Ethical Culture.

To learn more I spoke with Anne Klaeysen, Leader of New York Society for Ethical Culture—the founding chapter of the AEU. Klaeysen also serves as Humanist Chaplain at New York University, Ethical Humanist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University, and co-dean of the Humanist Institute.

Chris Stedman: Can you tell me about the origins of Ethical Culture?

Anne Klaeysen: I like to tell the story of a young man, born in Germany and raised in NYC in a Reform Judaism household, who was sent back to Germany to study theology, become a rabbi, and take over his father’s pulpit. However, Felix Adler returned home a philosopher. The board of trustees at his father’s synagogue agreed that his first—and last—sermon there was brilliant, but he was not offered a position; his religious ideas had become too radical.

http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2014/10/01/original-atheist-church-dont-atheists-know-ethical-culture/

http://aeu.org/

[edgineered]

1. What are there, 7 types of atheism?

It is only one type, basically the fundy atheists, who do not understand this. Of course they are the loudest and the first to shout their discontent with things - the result is their actions are in the public eye who then perceive the vast majority of us as bad people. We are not.

Also from the link:

The atheist movement might learn to develop better relationships and practice nonviolent communication. In my experience, their identity is too tightly, and often solely, defined by their unbelief. We human beings are complex creatures, evolved from this natural earth with consciousness and imagination to reflect upon our existence and know our own deaths.

[enough]

2. As an atheist, I feel absolutely no need for a church. I join together with others

for many different reasons, but I don't feel any need to join with other atheists per se. For me, not believing in god is not analogous to religious belief.

[AtheistCrusader]

3. Most of us don't give a shit about Sunday Assembly either.

[rug]

4. Where do you meet to determine that?

[AtheistCrusader]

5. It's a secret.

[Gelliebeans]

6. Shhh

Use your decoder ring.

[cbayer]

7. Very interesting. I was completely unaware of it.

[safeinOhio]

8. I've known a few AEUs that are

members of UU churches. Many of them have degrees in religious study. Seem to be less judgmental than most Atheist. I think serious study of religions causes people to think and end up putting humans above of gods.