Atheist Movement.

[wildwood]

Seeing there is a lack of new R&S questions..... is there anyone here on AB who has the ability to start a new spiritual Movement. I was thinking along the lines of Atheists who feel the need to express their freedom of religious shackles and celebrate goodness in people.

H.A.M. (Happy Atheists Movement) could open HAM-Halls in every city that wants them, and have meetings on sunday morning. At the beginning of each meeting we could play the "don't worry, be happy" hymn which will be the Movement's signature song. At the meetings we may discuss the good deeds performed in each area and worship a new National Hero each weeks. The bible shall be a collection of clean jokes and cartoons, a new one of which shall be distributed by the National Body each week.

At each Annual General meeting will could have a pie throwing contest for those willing.

Any more suggestions?

[anneasquith]

a closing prayer ?

[sandyRoe]

Is 'happy-clappy' the best way to go? The solemnity of services conducted in Latin, with incense, and richly embroidered vestments, has much to be said for it. Could similar not be included in this new godless church?

[BlackadderV]

//Any more suggestions?//

Plenty,all of which would get me banned.
Just how silly can you get?

[IggyB]

Sounds a not like the sunday assembly http://sundayassembly.com/story/

Not been myself, but know a few who really rate it.

[jim360]

Could be called the British Atheism Convention Organised by Naomi. Everyone loves BACON...

[sandyRoe]

Might be problematic for Jewish and Muslin atheists.

[FrogNog]

Aren't there already spiritual meetings where you can pretend to fix people or speak to ghosties?

[atalanta]

I am prepared to set up the Order of the Celestial Flying Teapot to commemorate our great Prophet Bertrand Russell. We can have a bunfight with the order of Pastafarians who believe in the Spaghetti Monster.
Any offers to join me ?

[wildwood]

//Jewish and Muslin atheists// Is one of those possible?

Yes sandy, I was also in awe of the fancy vestments and pomp of catholic church services when was a kid, and now still like the popular hymns, joining in with gusto at funerals and the like. Our new Movement should be as fancy as the members want.

[vetuste_ennemi]

"The solemnity of services conducted in Latin, with incense, and richly embroidered vestments, has much to be said for it".
If we're searching for a model in orthodoxy I would look to the Eastern Church rather than the Roman one. Its Greek roots make it so much more atheisty somehow. Often used to go to St Basil's in Ladbroke Grove to enjoy the Greek liturgy. Especially the Kyrie Eleison.

[scooping]

May God bless you.

[Khandro]

I suppose the acronym, H.A.M. to the atheist's life could stand for 'Hasn't Any Meaning'.

[vulcan42]

It could also stand for healthy, active mind.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Looked in while getting the refills. I challenge anyone to describe traditional religious concepts of "meaning" in a way which makes either logical or moral sense. We get on our knees and pray towards Mecca spouting nonsense? Is that the kind of thing you mean?
A shameful trivialisation of human intelligence and decency.

[vetuste_ennemi]

But I am in a good mood. So may your God go with you, Khandro. And of course, you others.

[Khandro]

Hopelessness And Monomania!

[vetuste_ennemi]

Learn to forgive yourself, Khandro. God does.

[RATTER15]

And to celebrate the hijacking of the December 25th we could all dine on.....http://whyevolutionistrue.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/atheism-eating-babies.jpg

[RATTER15]

or even http://whyevolutionistrue.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/atheism-eating-babies.jpg

[vetuste_ennemi]

I'm surprised you haven't suggested dancing naked round something, Ratter.