Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville - August Platform Meeting

17 Aug 2014

A year after its members voted to do so, the Ethical Society of Asheville has completed the process for affiliation with the American Humanist Association. The Society will unveil its new name, The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, with a presentation by renowned author and ethical leader Dale McGowan, whose books include Parenting Beyond Belief, Atheism for Dummies, and In Faith and In Doubt, the first book on religious/nonreligious mixed marriages.

McGowan will speak at the Society’s monthly platform meeting August 17 on the topic “Why Ethical Culture May Be Right for You.” The meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road near UNCA.

According to McGowan, the religious landscape of the U.S. is transforming rapidly and powerfully, creating a cultural opportunity that Ethical Societies are uniquely positioned to meet. McGowan will discuss how the ethical humanist movement can rise to the challenge of attracting the growing number of “nones”—citizens who have no religious affiliation but still seek community and opportunities for growth.

Recently appointed National Director of Ethical Education for the American Ethical Union, McGowan is also founding Executive Director of Foundation Beyond Belief, an organization that facilitates charitable giving and volunteering in the freethought community, and Managing Editor of the Atheist Channel at Patheos.com. In 2008 he was named Harvard Humanist of the Year for his work in nonreligious parenting. He lives with his wife and three children near Atlanta.

A discussion period will follow the presentation, after which there will be time for informal conversation. All are welcome! For more information contact: asheville@aeu.org, www.aeu.org, ethicalsocietyasheville@gmail.com or 828 687-7759.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville is a humanist, educational, philosophical, non-theistic alternative to traditional religions. It is affiliated with the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association, both of which are members of the International Humanist and Ethical Union. Members are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society. Their commitment is to the worth and dignity of the individual and to treating each human being so as to bring out the best in him or her.