Ethical Humanist Society

Bait and switch. My child has an interest in sewing and fashion, so we went to hear a local costume designer speak. The event was posted on a local news website. Behind the Scenes: A Career in Theater Costume Design, Sunday 10:30am-12:00pm. Upon arrival, a member greeted us and asked if I was interested in Sunday school for my child. I said no, her interest is in sewing. I asked if we were in the right place to hear the costume designer. She said yes and lead us to the auditorium. At the designated start time song books were distributed to all of the attendees. Again, I asked if I was in the right place or if this was a service. At *that* point I was informed that the program would start AFTER the service. We promptly left. I find it ironic that «ethical» humanists did not disclose the true nature of the program. Ethically, the program ad should have read something like «Services at 10:30am. Speaker at 11:15am». Instead of costume design, my child learned about Proselytism.

I know the prison system is flawed. But I got a much better understanding of exactly how inhumane our criminal justice system really is to people. Im glad I came to this talk.

I’m on the Vision Committee of Chicago IONS, and for the past two years we have had the good fortune of being able to rent the Ethical Humanist Society’s building for our monthly programs. We have been delighted with the beautiful, spacious yet intimate energy of the building. While our vision differs only slightly from the Society’s, we find that their welcoming attitude and their kindness add value to the experience of being in their special space. I recommend visiting them or considering hosting an event or workshop in their lovely building.

I’ve been a member since 1998, and my kids have grown up in the Society’s Golden Rule Sunday School. I’m on the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and facilitate the Men’s Group. In the past I’ve been a Sunday School teacher and a YES (youth) adviser. It’s a great place for those of us who aren’t much interested in worshiping a god, but are still very interested in treating others the way we want to be treated.

My family loves coming to the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. The speakers are almost always interesting and the people are friendly and accepting. It’s great to belong to a community of caring people, seeking enlightenment that is not religious. It is also great for my daughter to be be around kids like her, so she doesn’t feel like she is the only kid of atheists parents in the world.

I have been a member of the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago for more than 8 years, though I have attended various Ethical Societies all my life. This Society is a home for my values and an extended family for my heart. I have made some amazing friends here and I really feel valued and cared for. Our two sons have attended the Sunday School here since we joined and they have made good friends and learned so much. If you are looking for a rational, caring, and inclusive community that is based in humanism, this really is the place.

What a warm and genuine group of people. I met the Humanist Society while looking for an officiant for my wedding this August. Exactly the attitude my husband and I were looking for. They are a caring, open minded, and smart organization. Mr. Hoeppner was our officiant, and he was perfect. Our family of catholics, lutherans, atheists, and everything else under the sun all were quite pleased with the program.

I’ve been a member of the Society since 1991 or 1992, and am on a few committees. The Society is Chicago’s «Ethical Culture» outpost; EC is a non-​creedal «religion», focused on living better lives here on earth, from an Enlightenment rather than scriptural perspective. It’s a place where non-​theistic types can get many of the community benefits of a church or temple, and it’s a good place for lifelong learners (I especially get a lot out of preparing for and attending the fiction and non-​fiction book groups, which I convene). In other words, it lets me be me, and provides learning opportunities for me in concert with others. The Ethical Society’s Memorial Day weekend retreat in Williams Bay, WI, is a great way to get to know people.