Topic Tuesday #117 2014/10/14 "Sundays"

As my readers have likely figured out by now, I'm one of those atheists that you've been warned are angry, sinful, good for nothing heathens. As you might have also figured out, atheists are not really that angry, sinful, or good for nothing. Don't get me wrong, I sin as much as the next theist, but I don't feel guilty about it.  Anyway, something that came to my attention this week was what new apostates do with their Sundays now that they are not tied up in worship. Folks, it might surprise you what atheists do on Sundays.

Most, sleep in. Many will head to a long breakfast in an otherwise uncrowded restaurant beating the after mass rush. Sunday movie matinees are always a treat. Taking care of shopping or housework, are necessary drudgeries. But ya know... Some of those crazy "nones" actually miss the community that comes along with being in a church.

Enter: Sunday Assembly

Stand-up comedians Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans started the first Sunday Assembly in North London in January 2013. Their project has blossomed into a worldwide movement.

 From their charter:

The Sunday Assembly is a godless congregation that celebrates life. Our motto: live better, help often, wonder more. Our mission: to help everyone find and fulfill their full potential. 

We are here for everyone who wants to:

• Live Better. We aim to provide inspiring, thought-provoking and practical ideas that help people to live the lives they want to lead and be the people they want to be

• Help Often. Assemblies are communities of action building lives of purpose, encouraging us all to help anyone who needs it to support each other

• Wonder More. Hearing talks, singing as one, listening to readings and even playing games helps us to connect with each other and the awesome world we live in

Often these "congregations" are led by members of The Clergy Project. Since March 2011 the Clergy Project has been a confidential online community for current and former religious leaders in vocational ministry, who do not hold supernatural beliefs and are struggling with deconversion and finding Hope after Faith (a book by the first Alumni of the Clergy Project, Jerry Dewitt).

One that occurred near me was reported in the Orlando Sentinel, here is a couple excerpts from attendees. 

"I wanted to come here and find other people who thought the same way I did that you could do good and be good without believing in God," said Diane Gulley, 50.

Atheists don't need God, but they do need community, said Carlo Adair, 36, another Sunday Assembly organizer. It's the gathering of a tribe splintered into the Orlando Humanist Association, Generation Atheists, Black Nonbelievers, Central Florida Freethought Community, Florida Atheists, Critical Thinkers and Skeptics.

They are popping up all over the world. Check out their page, and the sub pages of the individual chapters to see what they are all about.

You may find that the lack of divinity makes the experience all the more human.