Part of a Series: American Humanist Retreat Center
“I’m free, And freedom tastes of reality, I’m free-I’m free, AN’ I’m waiting for you to follow me.” — The Who
For those of you who are just joining the conversation…. This is my second blog post discussing the idea of an American Humanist Retreat Center (AHRC). I appreciate the comments I’ve received and PLEASE if you are reading this feel quite free to comment and join in the conversation. As in the lyric quote above, freedom tastes of reality. And to me that taste is just the best.
I’d considered location or philosophy as topics for this blog entry but I’ve decided to focus this time on The Who… no not the band but Who Is This Retreat For?
I think the first people to take advantage of the AHRC will be people who are already involved in one or more Humanist or Humanism-related groups either on a local or national level. These people already have some commitment to Humanism and are looking for a deeper learning experience, more extended social experience or just a retreat from the religiously infused day-to-day world. These people know what Humanism feels like and they want to feel it some more.
Group number two consists of the religiously disaffected who have heard about Humanism or Humanist-related groups but have no current affiliation. These people are looking for information about what Humanism is, how good a “fit” it is for them. They want to know what Humanism feels like.
Group number three is people who may not yet have given much thought to a secular lifestyle but who are interested in a particular topic that we may be offering at the Center such as a lecture on the origin of the universe by Lawrence Krauss or a week of Self-Expression through Crafts or a musical concert by a steel drum band. Those people aren’t coming specifically for the Humanism but their opinion of non-believers may be affected by what they experience at the AHRC.
I see us making efforts to attract people of all ages, backgrounds and economic circumstances by offering a variety of programs, amenities and lodging. I want to be as inclusive as Humanism is…. Inclusive of everything and everyone (but religion).
If you think this is something you would enjoy, write a reply and let me know your vision for an American Humanist Retreat Center. And PLEASE share this on Facebook, in your own blog or via e-mail. Join me in this, feel free… because freedom tastes like reality.
