What do you look for in a Free Thought group?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paulette Harris on December 19, 2009 at 7:37pm

Location...if one was in close distance to my home. I would travel a certain distance if my son was older. But being active on-line only is no problem. I just find it extra special to see others like myself talking freely about being a nontheist...can relate more.

Permalink Reply by animus on December 20, 2009 at 12:59am

1. There is the "FREE" in Freethought, IMO being an atheist is hard enough, then to add that when you do find blacks who think outside the boxes, many want to shove you right back in it.
2. Theists have spirituality, but that's not what we want from those "Free" thinkers. IMO if you are free, then be free every way possible.
3. The right to agree to disagree IMO, if we were lucky enough to find each other, (Needles in a haystack), wouldn't be OK then to say I disagree without tearing out eyes hair or ripping off our faces?
4. I'm just saying, is all.
5. We "Blacks" IMO have borne the brunt for long enough without many accolades or appreciations and it's time to honor those before us, with us and the future us. I'm just saying.

Permalink Reply by Gabriel on December 30, 2009 at 3:57pm

I was looking for a word that encompassed all non-religious. Secular and freethought was the only things that came to mind.

Permalink Reply by Double Standards??? on December 30, 2009 at 3:37pm

If I had a choice, I'd only work with Black organizations exclusively on every issue that is important to me. Unfortunately most Black folks are not interested in those issues and visa versa.

A secular movement or atheist group isn't at the top of my list of causes however if it was:

1. Solidarity and trust.

WE experience the same racism in atheist and theist groups. I am tired of trying to organize and deal with THEIR racism in an organization/movement at the same time. Most North Americans are racist and I don't trust most of them to address racism when it comes up in an organization or any movement. Most of THEM who say they are anti-racist until they have to confront one of their white colleagues or friends about their racist behavior or organizing. It is not the responsibility of the oppressed to educate the oppressor.

2. I don't follow direction from North Americans on any issue that affects the Black/New Afrikan community. Many of THEM think WE need a white savior to lead US.

3. Leaving the word African-American out of the name of the group. That ethnic distinction is a creation of the black petty-bourgeoisie.

That's just off of the top of my head for now. That was a bit of a rant, I may have gone off topic, but I hope people understood what I meant and where I'm coming from.

Permalink Reply by Clarence Dember on January 26, 2010 at 2:13am

I think if the "Black Humanist Group" understood volition and logic were factors in determining whether altruism was necessary in a given situation or not I would be more comfortable joining such a group. Also, because I am of a fairly mixed ethnicity inclusive of Black, I think ethnicity is just one part of why I would be comfortable joining any such group.

Permalink Reply by Anwar Diamante on January 26, 2010 at 5:22am

I think its because of the use of the word free-in freethought. Not to mention, knowing that I am not "the only one," in this world. However, the only thing is that we realize that we are not the only "others" of the world. This nexus for example, incorporates minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community...