For a long time I didn't want to attend Atheist gatherings because it seemed similar to going to church with a bunch of the same minded people. However I have been living in a very religious community now for over a year and feel deprived of scientific discussion/events and am now planning to attend a local Atheist meetup group.
Are there any tips you have about attending these types of groups? I hope it's cool people chilling and having well rounded discussions rather than conversation where everyone falls back on one another because they believe the same. I have met my share of annoying Atheists online
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You are bound to feel like it's the same as going to church if you gather enough atheists in one room. Not believing in any relgion or god is also a belief. Atheists dont beleieve in believing, but like i said, if you gather many of them in meetings, you're creating your own liuttle church of non believers.
I can think of many reasons why someone would want to do such a thing. At least here the churches are given tax shelter and the ability to do things from a non-profit vantage point. It would be nice to have an organization that enabled, non-believers to be able to do the same things that believers can do using the churches they have. I have said it before there are many good things religious organizations do, it would be nice to able to do them and more without the relation of believing in a God! Some trinity or other supernatural entity! But honestly it has been done!
I agree that one of the nice things about church is that you congregate with people and develop relationships so why not have that option? I would like to be a part of a community myself. I am not seeking out an Atheist group specifically, I'd be happy to go to any science related group in the area but the Atheists happen to be the most organized when it comes to science (at least I am assuming they discuss science related topics). Will see how it goes, hopefully make some new friends.
Have fun Lauren, and let us know how it went.
Okay this Atheist group was off the hook. I was told that I came in at the wrong time.. To make the story short apparently the leaders of the group had a huge fall out and decided to suddenly leave which left a few members to step up to the plate to keep it going. Their FB and Meetup.com pages are flooded with drama and comments of pointing fingers. I have no idea what exactly went on but I am left wondering if I want to get involved with such a group?
Wahahahow! What a first impression. Was there were some differing beliefs when it cam to this congregation of non-believers? Thank goodness some were able to pull things back together again. You should most probably give it another try! Nice to see you back on the message boards again though!
All of what I just explained happened a few days before I attended the meeting. The meeting was pretty fun, I was with a group consisting of an older couple and an insightful young man. They were all able to make observations and comments on various topics involving day to day living. I think our conversation was a bit cliche since we had all met each other for the first time but I think the second time will be better when I see them and can say hello.
Keep us posted. Hope things improve.
lol Zaphod. I cannot say for certain how exactly this conflict came about but I did hear that a particular person became involved, started taking over the group and dictating what was going on. Sometimes admins would delete comments from members on the FB group so it escalated to this big control deal. Quite sad to see coming from a group I was assuming I would respect.
The group is splitting into two - Atheists and Freethinkers. I am not exactly sure what the difference is? I think "Freethinker" is less associated with a narrow mindset?
May I suggest you join meetup.com and look for a local Flying Spaghetti Monster group. We tend to be easy-going about our lack of belief and very much a social organization. It helps if you like beer, but it is not required.
Hmm, I have not heard of that group. Where are you located? I actually learned about this Atheist group I've been speaking of through MeetUp.com and I am located in a fairly populated area of Southern California.