1. Can you have a religion that doesn't involve a belief in God?
A lot of people equate religion with a belief in God and the
supernatural. But we say that Ethical Culture is a religion because
of the role it plays in our lives. Our members include believers and
non-believers. We take part in Ethical Culture in order to examine
our place in the world and to support one another in living moral and
purposeful lives.
2. Why is Ethical Culture considered humanistic?
It is humanistic because we rely on reason and other human capacities
rather than on supernatural powers and holy scriptures. And it is
humanistic because we focus on the challenges and possibilities of
this life rather than a belief in an afterlife.
3. Is Ethical Culture non-denominational?
You could argue that we are non-denominational because we function
without scriptures or creeds. But we avoid the term
non-denominational because it is often used to describe fundamentalist
Protestant churches which are not associated with established
denominations, councils, or associations.
4. Is Ethical Culture a liberal organization?
Since its inception, Ethical Culture has been actively involved in
working for social, economic, and political justice. We have played a
leadership role in the creation of kindergartens, visiting nurse
associations, and public housing. We have marched for racial
integration, and we have spoken out for gay and lesbian rights. But
in all that we do, we prize clear thinking, the free exchange of
opinions, creative problem solving, and an openness to ideas from all
sides.
5. Does Ethical Culture observe religious holidays such as Christmas,
Easter, and Passover?
Instead of celebrating traditional religious holidays, we hold our own
seasonal celebrations--a fall festival of thanksgiving, a winter
festival of sharing, a spring festival of hope and peace. In addition,
we have other observances--such as ceremonies honoring ethical heroes
and remembrance Sundays dedicated to those who have a special place in
our memories.
6. What kind of ethical education do you provide for children?
Our Sunday School is currently "under construction." At the present
time we have only a small group of children. But have an all-purpose
educational room and a special room for crafts, and we are eager to
grow. Ethical Culture Sunday School classes deal with subjects such
as human diversity, comparative religions, awareness of the needs and
feelings of others, fair play and social justice, environmental
responsibility, and ethical decision making.
7. Do I have to be a member to participate in the Baltimore Ethical
Society's meetings and programs?
No, we love having visitors at all our activities. Their presence
enlivens our programs, and it's the best way for us to get to know one
another.
8. Is it permissible to belong to another religious group and to an
Ethical Society?
For most of us, Ethical Culture is our religion, but we realize that
some people may want to maintain other religious ties even while they
are participating in Ethical Culture, and we have no rules against
membership in other religious organizations.
9. How can I join the Baltimore Ethical Society?
We encourage people who are interested in membership to attend several
Sunday meetings and then to discuss membership with our Leader or a
member of the Board before requesting a membership application.
Applications are approved by the Board, and new members are welcomed
in a special ceremony at a Sunday morning meeting.
10. What are the benefits of membership in the Baltimore Ethical
Society?
The most obvious benefit is participation in our educational, social,
and ethical action activities--including those which may be organized
on short notice. But there's also the assurance and satisfaction of
taking part in a community where people unite in celebrating life's
joys and support each other through life's crises.
11. What are the responsibilities of membership?
The Baltimore Ethical Society is supported by the financial
contributions of its members and by the time and talent they
contribute to the Society's programs and activities. We encourage
members to give as generously as they can based on their own
circumstances.
12. Who runs the Baltimore Ethical Society?
The Baltimore Ethical Society is a democratic organization governed by
a Board of Directors elected annually by the membership. Our
activities are carried out primarily by committees which report to the
Board on a regular basis. The Leader is chosen by the total
membership.
13. What does a Leader do?
A Leader is the Ethical Culture equivalent of clergy. Our leader
speaks regularly on Sunday mornings and he conducts adult education
activities. He contributes to BESpeak, our monthly newsletter, and he
provides his professional services to our committees. He is
responsible for life crisis support and pastoral services and, with
the aid of his assistant leaders, conducts weddings, commitments,
namings, memorials, and other ceremonies..
