So there are c35 groups around the UK now, according to the bloke on the box this morning, who congregate to sing, have quiet reflection and meet with others with the same non-belief so why is the bloke who is co founder a middle class twit (how he comes across to me) with long hair beard Jesus thing going on...makes me delighted we don't have guns or its got all the makings of Waco questions. I have are why? How much time do they spend discussing religion, isn't this religion by another name... tbh thought it was a great idea until I saw the leader...
He was a proper beardy weirdy It sounds like a thing for people who need the support of a church but don’t believe in a god. Still leaves them open to abuse by the “church” leaders though
There have always been meetings of Humanists, Secularists and Atheists in various organisations, but they have been essentially committee meetings to discuss business. Suits me, but some people find this too boring and want to get together to sing and talk and have a party with like-minded people. Nothing wrong with that, surely?
I’m not sure that anyone has said that there is anything wrong with it per se. My concern is that being so similar to a religious church it is susceptible to similar abuses by its leaders as the religious churches of all denominations are. I suspect that Bradders (please correct me if I’m wrong) is coming from the same direction.
People have lives which need to be part of others lives. We need to mix and join and be part of larger and, ideally, varied groups. I think its great that people are looking to do this and celebrate life (the theme the guy was going after) but it struck me as so stereotypical in what he said, how he said it and the way he looked. evangelical
They are like non-conformists... So busy trying so hard to be non-conformists that they don't realise that they are conforming to the non-conformism and are therefore actually conformists... Wouldn't you say?
From what I have seen of the world, "belief" is not a bad thing - in fact it can be a very good thing. However, once organised "religion" gets involved and starts to lay down rules for those with beliefs then it all starts to get a bit out of hand... The "rules" always seem to be of benefit to the people actually running the religion and to the detriment of everyone else... Call me cynical...
I can understand exactly where the Sunday Assembly people are coming from. As a lifelong atheist, I have rather envied religious types the sense of community (or communion?) from gathering with a bunch of likeminded folks, the sense of belonging (I remember Muslim schoolfriends writing to each other as "dear sister"), that non-believers don't really share in the same way. I admire the Sunday Assembly's attempt to create this. Whether or not it has health benefits (the NHS is sceptical of the recent Swedish study reported in the media) singing in a group can be uplifting (although given my complete lack of musical talent, perhaps less so for anyone who hears me sing!) I like the idea of a gathering to celebrate life, celebrate the here and now, possibly with a little thought provoking discussion. (In an ideal world, in my view, any such gathering should also include a bit of dancing - another great release and joy giver and natural high). I don't even have a problem with the Sunday Assembly meeting in a church building - appropriate architecture - whether secular or religious - can be inspiring and create the appropriate mood. I think there's something about soaring arches, lofty vaulted ceilings that lift the "spirit" e.g. the magnificent entrance hall in the RCJ on the Strand, the Houses of Parliament, or a little further afield the wonderful Sulemaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Suspect Sunday Assemblies might find themselves more often in musty village halls, rooms above the pub etc in practice. What has put me off "organised humanism" in the past is the fear that it would be, as Pete1950 describes, more of a committee meeting than an uplifting experience. My grandparents had humanist funerals, and the humanist celebrants do a great job for those types of occasions, but it's not the same as a regular get together. I share the concern that any organisation with a charismatic founder, particularly if operating in the philosophical/spiritual domain, risks descending into a cult of personality, but someone has to make a start. I certainly don't hold Sanderson Jones's long hair and beard against him. (Would have rather hoped bikers wouldn't be so quick to judge on appearances!) Good luck to him for trying.
Mrs '72 - there seem to be plenty of these things springing up, or why not try and get one set up yourself can see the attraction too, I'm firmly agnostic (why take chances ;-) ) but its human nature to be part of something
Well each to his or her own taste. I am with you on the thought-provoking discussions, but we part company on the singing. As far as dancing is concerned, to me dancing is just annoying, stressful, embarrassing, humiliating, and utterly pointless. I have never heard any explanation of why anyone even likes doing it. One of life's incomprehensible mysteries.
Totally agree. I took ballroom dancing lessons when I was in my late teens (I thought it would enhance my potential to woo the fairer sex). After several weeks of lessons, the lady who ran the school told me I should stop wasting her time and my money. I took her advice. Dancing is pointless. Fact.
People often take comfort in the company of others whom they assume are like minded. Get a big enough group, you will get a large enough cross section to have predators, followers, politicians, criminals, pacifists, aggressors and so forth. The reason they originally grouped together will vary, human nature will prevail regardless. Roll on christmas, we can have brazil nuts, dried figs and dates.
Yes ! we are aaaalll individuals... and still so much cattle. Cattle with a brain that is too large and that needs to be kept occupied... so, once all primiray needs taken care of, we philosophise.... and eventually will end up doing this sort of stuff.. no harm in it... those susseptible of being abused will eventually end up being abused in some or other form... from the clergy V2.5 or by shopper TV or their boss or spouses..
Sounds completely ball-achingly cringeworthy, I have a natural aversion to anything that's organised, to spend a couple of hours with a load of pretentious pseudo intellectuals singing along with a guitar is my idea of complete and utter hell.
I am an atheist, but I've really not ever felt the need to join a commune or sing happy clappy songs to celebrate the fact. Unless maybe there was a fit bird in the group, then I may reconsider. Why do some people feel the desperate urge to be part of a group? This humanist thing is no different to a regular Sunday Box Hill rideout, surely? Only with happy hands...
