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.