The Humanists of BU are a collection of freethinking, inquisitive people with many labels–humanists, atheists, skeptics, nones, nonreligious, agnostics. We simply apply the same method of inquiry to god(s) as to Santa Claus and unicorns. Most conclude that there is simple no evidence for the existence of any of the aforementioned beings. We find the natural world , with its myriad mysteries–abiogenesis, event horizons, social insects, and human altruism–fascinating enough, and discard the erstwhile belief that morality is based on religion and instead assert the opposite.
All in all, we’re all agreed that what you believe about the world has a great deal to do with the way you act. We approach religion as a natural phenomenon, taking its adherents at their word and examining it as we would any other naturally occurring phenomenon. This isn’t a God-bashing club, but we do often enter contentious territory and broach taboo topics.
So what do we actually do?
1. We hold member-generated discussions–if you’ve got an issue to talk about, lead us in a discussion! Recent topics have included the ethical implications of boiling a lobster, the status of atheists and agnostics in America, framework for a religious-nonreligious dialogue, and an exploration of death.
2. We sponsor speakers who know what they’re talking about. Through this, we get a chance to hear from and dialogue with the brightest speakers in their respective fields. For the fall 2011 semester, we’re looking at Bill Baird, Richard Pillard, Dave Niose, PZ Myers, and Jay Wexler. Eventually we’re looking to recruit nationally recognized figures: Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, Susan Jacoby, Rebecca Goldstein, Jerry Coyne, Michael Shermer, James Randi, etc.
3. We do community service together. Most of us find ourselves ethically obligated or prodded by our conclusions about morality to help those who are in need, and we don’t believe good deeds should be done for any other reason than that they are good deeds. Food in tough times should not be dependent on a profession of faith.
New members can expect a 30-day guarantee of mental stimulation and humor, varied topics, and a chance to become personally invested in a genuine group of compassionate people. If you have not received these at the end of 30 days, your presidents will convert to Scientology. You can thus see how confident we are that this group of lowly apes are eminently interesting and provocative. They’re good people. Good without god.
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