Community
As society has changed over the last few hundred years to have a more secular nature the common focus of community has, perhaps, become more fractured. Our aim is to return to providing a community heart that can be enjoyed by all members, and not based upon particular beliefs or perspectives, but upon rationality and science. Whether anyone wants to join in is left open as a choice for the individual and not expected or demanded; as is the case with religions.
There are exciting opportunities that can be provided to those of us who are community minded that seem to have been lost due to the monopolisation by religion. We can regain these areas and be far more progressive, inclusive and open-minded due to the lack of restrictions under which we operate.
Below are details of the Dogon community meetings, get-togethers and gatherings. Currently these are within the London and Berkshire areas of the United Kingdom, but please do get in touch if you would like more information, or are interested in providing these in other locations. Alternatively add you own comments.
Celebration |
There are many times we as humans want to get together to celebrate
important milestones in our lives, which can and should be provided in a
non-religious context. Here are some of the celebrations we wish to provide.
- Weddings - Couples, of any sexual orientation, who wish to form a
union usually like to do so with an official ceremony and party, which can
be of a format and style of their own design.
- Baby naming - A new child entering the world is an important event
worthy of celebration and a suitable public time to do this is with an
official naming ceremony.
- Coming of age - The transition from child to adult is a
significant time in anyone's life and can be marked by a celebration.
- Funerals - The life of someone who has died can be celebrated for
what has passed and the significance for the memories of the relatives and
friends.
Some of these celebrations are already catered for by
humanist
organisations. |
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| Saturday 03 January 2009 18:04:38 |
Commemoration |
 In addition to individual and family celebrations there are also areas where
it important or significant to come together for commemoration as a wider
community, which we may not recognise or of which we may not be aware as
individuals.
- The new year - Each new year brings new opportunities, hopes and goals.
Marking this as a community in a service of commemoration is a way of
expressing common aims which are of benefit for the whole of humanity.
- People - There are many people both alive and dead who have made
a significant contribution to the progress of humanity or of scientific
knowledge and their lasting legacy can be commemorated on the anniversary of
their births or deaths; for example, Charles Darwin, Nelson Mandela and
Albert Einstein.
- Sacrifice - The continuation of human freedom has been aided by
the sacrifice of those who have lost their life in wartime or acts of
heroism or compassion in peacetime; all worthy of community remembrance.
- Events - Often there are significant or tragic events, such as the
Asian Tsunami, that we can get together to mark and for which to show our solidarity
and compassion.
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| Saturday 03 January 2009 18:12:33 |
Fellowship |
In the increasingly individualistic society many people live on their own
and may not have much human contact. In addition to meetings for
celebrations and commemorations with regular meetings we hope to provide a
space where people will feel they are not alone; with the following sort of
activities.
- Singing - Communal singing seems to have very positive,
therapeutic effects for individuals and groups. The type of music can be
of many different varieties such as upbeat gospel-type songs or even the
life-affirming music of Abba!
- Meditation - Non-religious group meditation can help people share
in a common goal of a feeling of a tranquil and a peaceful state of mind.
- Social enterprise - Helping those who are disenfranchised or in
need of assistance is beneficial to both parties, and to the general
community.
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| Saturday 03 January 2009 18:15:13 |
Understanding |
To have an open-minded and progressive perspective on ourselves and the
world, that is most beneficial to our own development, and to that of
humanity, it is necessary to have a realistic and rational understanding
based upon scientific knowledge and sound philosophical argument; rather
than reliance on ancient myths. Our meetings will also include those topics to
extend such awareness.
- Lectures - On scientific understanding of topics such as evolution,
psychology and cosmology.
- Discussions - On arts, philosophy, positive and rational thinking, the
evaluation of knowledge.
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| Saturday 03 January 2009 18:20:22 |
