I have been involved in soccer clubs my whole life and you get the same sense of community intermingling with different religions and cultures as everyone has that one thing in common - the love of the game and the club.

If anything I get the feeling that it's divisive, even divisive amongst Atheists. It may have that inner circle type feel and anyone on the outside religious or not might be looked down upon.

This.

If it's encouraging the community to get together and get to know each other then it has at least some merit. But doesn't it defeat the purpose if you're going to a weekly gathering to not be religious? I mean, if you need something like that to do join a sports club or some other community activity.

The leader?


Well this awkward...



Edited by Davstar: 28/11/2013 08:04:21 PM

It's an interesting concept and definitely better than people going to sunday assemblies to worship magic supernatural bullshit and the associated mindless dogma.

But time could be far better spent studying science or philosophy to further our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, or meeting up with friends/atheist groups to gain a sense of community and belonging rather than imitating those cringe-worthy cultish mega churches.

Just my 2c

Atheism is not a religion or belief system, and it takes a special brand of tedious fuckwit to continue to assert it is so.

One of the most annoying things to argue against is people deflecting away from serious issues of harm caused by superstitious & supernatural belief by pointing to the "intolerance" of the religion of Atheism, and while it was never intended to be referred to as Atheist Church, Sunday Assembly makes it too easy for said idiots to push their fallacious logic.

There are already plenty of atheist meetups, groups, meetings, conventions etc. I fail to see why Sunday Assembly is anything other than something that plays into the hands of people making bad arguments and distracts from real issues.

Agree. I think they're just borrowing some of the good things about organised religion (yes there are some) and running with that while cutting out the other BS.

How is Sunday Assembly changing atheism into a religion?
Do chess players gathering together for a chess club make chess a religion?

The point is, if you're seeking to turn atheism into a religion, then perhaps it is religion you are seeking. There are many groups available for people where you can seek that sense of community (isn't that what we get from being football supporters), coming together in a mega church style and singing classic rock songs is sad and pathetic in itself. It's taking pub culture and sticking it to ideals of religion and that is just wrong.

It's not my job I'll agree with that, but it doesn't stop me from having an opinion. you don't have to agree with it but I'm also not going to stop having it and saying it when it is brought up in discussion.

That's some judgmental bullshit right there.
Some people have different needs than just the need to expand their knowledge.
Some people suffer from feelings of isolation and loneliness. Or some couples just want to make friends they can both hang out with. Or any other number of reasons.

On top of that it's just good for mental health to be involved in a community of some kind. Not everyone is as lucky as assumably you or me to already have that and be able to take it for granted.
Point is it's not really your job to tell people what they "should" be doing when you haven't walked in their shoes.

And if it upsets you so much that it paints a different public picture of an atheist to what you would like, then it might be a good idea to base your self image a less on the fact that you're an atheist.


Interesting point.
It's annoying but if the Sunday Assembly helps some people then I think we can overlook those particular religious idiots broadly labeling us like that. Do we actually care what people like that think anyway?

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster bro

There is no "atheist code".

The major issue that events like Sunday Assembly create is the notion that Atheists do have a code past not accepting the assertion that a supernatural deity exists.

Don't fully understand this.

Did you listen to the podcast? Right near the end, when John Saffran & that chick came on, the chick said it really well - these Sunday assembly people are celebrating life, as opposed to people at a church celebrating life given by a higher being. There is absolutely nothing in "the atheist code" that says atheists must not celebrate life, must always further information/education, etc.

Some of these atheists will go to these assemblies for various reasons: some to say FU to religion, others to get a sense of community with like-minded people, others because they're bored.

In general though, I fail to see how this sort of gathering is embarrassing to atheists in general. It's like saying active support embarrasses the community/town the football team represents - people are doing a similar thing, just expressing themselves in different ways.

Even though I don't think it's for me at this stage, it sounds like a good idea if it brings people together and creates a sense of community that offers support to people who need it.

One of the modern problems of the western world is a lack of community and people feeling isolated and lonely in populated areas. Church is a great solution to this for Christians so I see it as a good thing that non-religious people now have something that can fill this void too.

Also great if it encourages philanthropy. Christianity has always had the organisation of church's to act as a platform for charities. Could do the same again and we might see more atheist run charitable organisations popping up from this.

Encouraging people to live their life according to positive healthy philosophy in the talks could be beneficial too.
All depends how well these things are run I suppose.

Edited by neanderthal: 27/11/2013 02:25:22 PM

It's ridiculous in my opinion, just people further seeking the same alcoves of cover and protection as those of people who go to a Mosque, Synagogue, temple or Church.

rather than going and imitating a mega church, these people should use their time to go to educational seminars, talks by noted and published authors on Science and humanity. read learn and discuss issues that you're interested in, or feel will help you to better articulate what you are seeking to learn.

Frankly it gives atheists a bad name.

I would have to agree. It has 'good intentions' for now. Does sound a bit culty and not my thing at all.

I think it's ok to have friends and family with contrasting beliefs just so long as they are your friends and not trying to preach to you.

No, I won't be taking my family along. I don't go to church anymore (unless my dad is preaching and he needs a lift). We can sing classic rock songs at home just fine.

Personally I think the idea is misguided. I understand the reason that it began, but I agree with this as much as I agree with De Buttons "Religion for Atheists"... Which is not at all.

Frankly I think it's dangerous.

Yeah I only caught the beginning of it driving home from work. I'll be listening to the rest some time today.

Edit: and at the 14 minute mark someone text in with almost the same comment as me :x

The easiest part about being atheist is I need not do a thing because there is nothing to prove.

At least they sound like they are having fun but I wouldn't be bothered each week.

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/stories/s3898650.htm

Heard this on triple Js Hack program. Though not all atheists are for it, it makes for interesting discussion.

Getting popular in Melbourne and Sydney.

I wonder if notorganic will be taking his family along...?