FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is your organization about?
End of the Line Humanists is a local chapter of American Humanist Association. Humanists are people committed to living ethical and compassionate lives without religion. Our motto is “good without a god.”
What does your organization do?
The purpose of our organization is to provide community for non-theists, including social activities, philosophical discussions, and programs on areas of interest, volunteering in the community, and working for non-theist rights and interests. We do this through social gatherings, discussions groups, a speaker series, and volunteer activities.
What do you believe in? What are your values?
It depends on what you mean by the word, "believe." We do not “believe” in the sense of taking things on faith without evidence. If, however, you use the word “believe” in the sense of trusting something you have previous experience of, then our beliefs and values are similar to most people’s: family, friends, country; honesty, integrity, freedom, justice, compassion, human rights. We also strongly support the separation of church and state.
More particularly (as stated on the American Humanist Association' s website) we maintain that:
· Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation and rational analysis
· Humans are part of nature, the result of unguided evolution
· Ethical values come from human need and interest as tested by experience.
· Fulfillment comes from participation in the service of humane ideals.
· Humans are social in nature and find meaning in relationships.
· Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.
Where do you get your morals?
Our morals come from humans and are shaped by human need and experience. Humans have evolved to understand the individual and group rewards of empathy and compassionate behavior.
Are you Satanists/devil worshippers?
No. We don’t believe in supernatural beings.
Are Humanists atheists?
Our chapter, End of the Line Humanists, is comprised of atheists, agnostics, skeptics, even a few deists. That being said, however, yes, officially Humanists are atheists, if you go by the American Humanist Association definition. What we share with atheists is our lack of belief in supernatural beings. We are atheists in the way that Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, etc. are all theists. However, we are more: Humanists are committed to living life with integrity and compassion. While the word atheist says what a person is not, the word Humanist says what a person is.
Does it cost anything to join your group?
Our public and social events are always free. We encourage (but do not require) people to join End of the Line Humanists. Dues are only $30 per year ($55 for two), and membership entitles an individual to vote in ELH elections, and attend a few members-only functions. Dues money helps to fund our programming, maintain our web presence, and support humanist causes. We also encourage members to join the parent organization, American Humanist Association.
Do you seek to convert believers?
Our organization does not actively seek to convert believers. We offer an alternative to religion for those so inclined and a sense of community for like-minded non-theists. We educate the public on humanist ideals and values and let them make up their own minds.
Where do you stand on birth control, abortion, gay marriage, climate change, evolution, etc.?
We have members with varying opinions on many subjects, however our organization stands in favor of equality and civil and human rights.
What do you do for society?
We educate the public about humanism through speaker programs and other events. We often provide dinner for homeless shelters through Housing Forward. We have an annual food and funds drive for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry and some of our members regularly volunteer there. In 2019 we also did a garage sale fundraiser for the pantry. We volunteer as book sorters at the Oak Park Public Library book sale every year.
What do you do to change the world?
Within the guidelines of our non-profit 501(c)3 designation we support humanist, humanitarian, social justice, and environmental issues, interests, and causes. We do not support or endorse specific political parties or candidates.