What are Ethical Communities, Ethical Societies and the Ethical Movement?
These are fellowships of people who seek clarification of the values of life and a faith to live by. They cherish freedom of the mind and freedom of conscience. Their affirmation is the worth and dignity and possibilities of every person. The common ground is the concern with the relationship of human beings to one another.
How do Ethical Communities and Societies differ from churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions?
The Ethical Culture organizations have no creed of theology or metaphysics, no set doctrines concerning the unknown mysteries of life. There is no claim to a belief in a supernatural universe or Supreme Being, or to a belief in any one scripture as the source of absolute truth or belief in an afterlife or another world. Nor is there any set ritual or form of worship.
The basic viewpoint is one of freedom for the individual to work out one’s own personal formulation of one’s attitude toward the unknown and the mysteries of life.
What is the relationship of the Ethical Movement to the traditional religions?
The Ethical Movement shares the ethical heritage and ethical concern for people with the great ethical religions. It respects the fact that for many human beings an ethical faith without theology may be inadequate. But the members and Leaders of the Ethical Movement find a common ground for cooperative action on ethical problems with members of all faiths.
Is Ethical Culture considered a religion by all its members?
Some members of the Ethical Movement to whom the word “religion” is associated with creeds, rituals, supernaturalism and sectarianism prefer not to use the word “religious” as descriptive of the Movement. They consider it a fellowship based on a philosophy of life, emphasizing education and growth, social service and social reconstruction with the purpose of helping people live better lives and thus fulfill the aims of democratic society and of peace between the nations.
What is the attitude of the Ethical Movement toward religious freedom?
Religious freedom is one humanity’s most precious freedoms. Members of the Ethical Movement treasure religious freedom for all, and above all freedom of individual conscience. Religious freedom requires religious tolerance. The Ethical Movement believes that everyone has the right to worship according to conscience and the right not to worship at all. By refusing to formulate or require acceptance of a fixed and final doctrine, the Ethical Movement strives to keep open-ended the quest for truth.
Does Ethical Culture accept the idea of God?
The Ethical Culture neither affirms nor denies a belief in God. Members are not committed to any theology or set metaphysics. The Ethical Movement is nontheistic, neutral and humanist in emphasis. The affirmation or denial of theistic definition and faith is for each individual to make for himself or herself.
How does one participate in an Ethical Community?
Simply walk in the door! All Are Welcome!