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SSM has meetings every other Tuesday in 220 Culler Hall.
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What does "secular" mean?
A simple definition of "secular" is "not belonging to a religious order". More specifically, secularists reject belief in the supernatural, the divine authority of people or texts, and other such things. Secularists don't agree on everything, but we are united in that we all subscribe to non-religious worldviews. We also promote:
- The need to test beliefs. A conviction that dogmas, ideologies, and traditions (whether religious, political, or social), must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
- Reason and evidence. A commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
- Growth and creativity. A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
- The search for truth. A constant search for real truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experiences constantly alter our perception of it.
- A focus on this life. A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
- Viable ethics. A search for individual, social, and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
- Building a better world. A conviction that with reason, an open exchange of ideas, good will, and tolerance, humankind can build a better world for ourselves and our children.
What are our goals?
- To promote and practice a healthy skepticism in all things, including the open, rational, and scientific examination of the universe and our place in it.
- To promote a humanistic morality based on reason and compassion for others, rather than on holy books or divine revelation.
- To foster tolerance and understanding for people who have a secular worldview through education, and to provide a community for atheists, agnostics, humanists, and others.
- To advocate for the separation of church and state.