Platform Video: The Rise of Poetic Atheism

The following ECS/Bergen Platform address was delivered on Sunday, May 31, 2009, by Jennifer Michael Hecht (introduced by Ken Karp):

Jennifer Michael Hecht: The Triumph of Poetic Atheism from Ethical Culture Society Bergen on Vimeo.

Platform Video: Child Survivors of the Holocaust

The following ECS/Bergen Platform took place on Sunday, May 17, 2009, and featured Carl Hausman, Goldy Hess, Evelyn Ripp, with moderation from Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader:

Child Survivors of the Holocaust from Ethical Culture Society Bergen on Vimeo.

Parents gather to nurture nonbelief

As the number of non-believers continues to rise, the needs of non-believing parents do, too. A group of families in Raleigh-Durham, NC, have formed a congregation called Parenting Beyond Belief (Parents Gather to Nurture Nonbelief), named after the eponymous 2007 book. These parents, like parents everywhere, feel the need to come together to raise and nurture their children in a community of like-minded people.

An article from the book Parenting Beyond Belief will be the subject of an August 30 Summer Platform; Dale McGowan, author of the book, will conduct a Parenting Beyond Belief seminar on October 17; and deliver a Platform on October 18. All three events will take place at the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County. The seminar will also be given on November 7 at the Religious Education Conference and Family Weekend of the American Ethical Union in Stony Point, NY.

Carl Schlesinger: Tap Dance Hero

ECS/Bergen member Carl Schlesinger is featured in today's Bergen Record (Rutherford dancer, 83, is a tap hero). As much as Carl talks about his career in the printing industry, who knew he was a tap dance hero?

Platform Video: Reaching the Tipping Point: Why I’m Optimistic About the Next 20 Years

The following ECS/Bergen Platform address was delivered on Sunday, May 17, 2009, by Jan Meshon of FreeThoughtAction (introduced by Ken Karp):

Jan Meshon, FreeThoughtAction : Reaching the Tipping Point from Ethical Culture Society Bergen on Vimeo.

Platform Video: The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization

The following ECS/Bergen Platform address was delivered on Sunday, May 10, 2009, by Dr. Richard W. Bulliett, (introduced by Azar Gordon):

Professor Richard W. Bulliet: The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization from Ethical Culture Society Bergen on Vimeo.

My Ethical Culture: Diane Koszarski

As delivered to the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County on Sunday, May3, 2009:

I believe a congregational framework is essential for the expression of our humanist values.

I suppose a humanist with great discipline might engage in worthy social action, ongoing philosophical study and the improvement of interpersonal relationships, all on their own hook – me, I need group support.

I enjoyed seeing the recent New York Times article, “Atheists Shout It From the Rooftops” which covered the formation of a new humanist group in North Carolina. But then I read through the online reader responses – so many, self-identified as atheists, were extremely dubious about the possibility of a group approach. ..

very “Don’t Tread on Me”! in their attitude.

Their reactions made me particularly grateful to have a thriving humanist congregation at hand in which I can participate and from which I can benefit.

For example: I am not a natural student of philosophy, but through

our Platforms, the occasional classes, even coffee-hour discussions, I can take confidence in Ethical Culture’s respectable intellectual pedigree, and get help in fine-tuning my own understandings.

Again, although I believe in our duty to help the less fortunate, I am not a natural front-line activist. But through the outreach projects sponsored by this congregation, there are endless opportunities to make contributions toward the social good.

Finally, in a smallish group like ours, there are so many ways to support the smooth functioning of our community, there is a venue for every talent. Not ready to lead the Finance Committee? Volunteer for coffee next Sunday! I truly believe it is this “behind the scenes” work that leads to our most rewarding connections and friendships.

Those are just three of the ways a congregational approach helps me be a better humanist.

As we support each other in our growth as humanists, as fellow members of a congregation, we create a very special validation of humanism. Our group is a demonstration to the world that humanism is a viable spiritual choice in this day and age. Welcome to the Ethical Culture Society, a humanist congregation.

Platform Video: Liberty and the Inquiring Mind

The following ECS/Bergen Platform address was delivered on Sunday, May 3, 2009, by Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader (introduced by Ed Gross, President):

Dr. Joseph Chuman: Liberty and the Inquiring Mind from Ethical Culture Society Bergen on Vimeo.

NY Times: Defecting to Faith

NY Times Op-Ed columnist Charles Blow points out in this article that many people seem to need "spiritualism" even if it encompasses merely (nontheistic) transcendence from everyday life. Many who are raised outside of traditional religion gravitate to it, but not because of dogma. Rather, it is the sense of community that draws them in. Put another way, it is the pomp, potlucks and picnics that people need, not the father, the son or the holy ghost.
Dale McGowan, who will be offering a Parenting Beyond Belief seminar and a Platform at the Bergen Society in October, is quoted in the article.