EthicalStL.org

Human beings are animals, and our evolutionary history has an enormous impact on our lives. Yet so often we think of ourselves as fundamentally different to other animals: elevated, distinct, special. How does our animal origin affect our daily lives, and how can we work with, rather than against, our animal nature?

What would it look like to organize a year based on a humanist understanding of the seasons and core ethical values? Come learn about our 2016-17 monthly themes, as well as about the new annual Ethical Society goals for increased growth and engagement and how we can each play a part in them.

Each August we look at the similarities and differences between the Ethical Society tradition and a philosophical or religious cousin. This year we will explore some of the history and lessons of Taoism as compared to Ethical Humanism.

We may be free to choose what we believe, but how do we exercise our choice responsibly, with appropriate attention to evidence, reasons, and the views of others? This Platform suggests that while freedom of choice in belief is important, it must be balanced with a We may be free to choose what we believe, but how do we exercise our choice responsibly, with appropriate attention to evidence, responsibility to provide public reasons for those of our beliefs which affect others.

When developing a more sustainable society, we have discovered nature provides the best ideas and practices. Evolutionary forces created biological designs and efficiencies that result in natural communities that are adaptable, resilient and sustainable. Biomimicry utilizes nature’s design to help solve human problems. The outcome is innovative, but often beyond the scope of sustainable personal actions. By incorporating six major ecological tenets into one's life, we can achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. We'll examine how biomimicry results in new technology and how nature can guide our own choices in living lightly on our planet.

Our Core Value for August is: “I am free to choose what I believe.” But what is the ethical way to respond when a child comes to believe differently from his or her parents? Two of our members discuss their personal experiences with different aspects of this question.

Kyle Nienhaus tells about his relationship with his parents when he moved away from their traditional ways of thinking. Kelly O’Donnell tells how her daughter is a staunch vegetarian, while Kelly is a somewhat guilty meat eater.

Many of the world’s greatest religious traditions are anchored in scripture: a set of texts which tell stories, give guidance, and address the perennial questions of life. Scripture can be a source of strength in trouled times and an inspiration to good deeds – but it can also cause religious adherents to miss their ethical obligations and, sometimes, to cause harm. In this Platform we’ll delve into the dark side of scripture, exploring why it’s problematic to base ethical judgments on any text.

This talk examines the FBI's historic relationship to American faith communities during the directorship of J. Edgar Hoover. The FBI's surveillance of faith communities is well known; however, its public and private cooperation with faith communities, clergy, and religious professionals is not. Dr. Martin of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics examines this little-known but significant history and explains how such cooperation shaped America's religious landscape.

Join Ethical Humanists from across the country in our very own building for the Sunday platform of the AEU Annual Assembly.

In the past two years the Ethical Society has been working closely with Metropolitan Congregations United, an interfaith organization that empowers communities to transform themselves and the public arena to care for the common good. David Gerth will share some of MCU’s current campaigns for justice; he will also explore how religions use and misuse stories, how culturally dominant narratives can undermine ethical messages, and some of the promises and challenges of interfaith work.