Attended my first Humanist Meeting

Spirogyra

It felt in some small way like a 'coming out' of sorts. It was good to spend time with like minded people. It was nice to tentatively link up with a ' community'. I know Church goers who 'don't really believe in God' but go for the routine and social interaction it provides. Its nice to see alternatives emerging. Just wanted to share ☺.

looksee

What was the format? What happened? Where was it?

Akrasia

I've never been to an atheist or humanist meeting, I have this mental image of it being like a support group with people sit around in a circle agreeing with each other about how hard it is to be a non religious person...

How wrong am I?

Cabaal

Akrasia wrote: »

I've never been to an atheist or humanist meeting, I have this mental image of it being like a support group with people sit around in a circle agreeing with each other about how hard it is to be a non religious person...

How wrong am I?

Never been either,
Doubt its about how hard it is, but more about dealing with injustices in our society and how these can be overcome and changed for the betterment of our country.

Michael OBrien

Akrasia wrote: »

I've never been to an atheist or humanist meeting, I have this mental image of it being like a support group with people sit around in a circle agreeing with each other about how hard it is to be a non religious person...

How wrong am I?

Its important to note that going to a humanist meeting and an atheist meeting is not the same thing even if the same people might go to both.
I attended Cork Humanists for a couple of years, filmed some of the guest speakers for the website, etc. Very varied, mostly educational, sometimes social, including book clubs.
I also attend A.I. events in Cork and have a lovely meal with anyone who wants to show up. Again topics can be anything. Sometimes it is good to have somewhere to talk about problems religion causes. Sometimes it is about related stuff that is not theistic, like new age woo.
Other things can include general conversations about health, travel or hobbies.

Generally I advise anyone (atheist or not) to try a meeting at least once to see what it is like. I had a blast and look forward to future meetups when possible.

Michael OBrien

For anyone wanting to meet up with possible non-believers, keep an eye on Cork Humanists or Atheist Ireland Cork facebook groups. Pub nights, meals and tables are happening all the time in Cork and I am sure something similar happen in other counties. Also meetup.com can be useful for searching for meetups too. Search for Secular Sundays too.

looksee

Akrasia wrote: »

I've never been to an atheist or humanist meetingchurch service, I have this mental image of it being like a support group with people sit around in a circle agreeing with each other about how hard it is to be a non religious person...

How wrong am I?

Try that.