To more fully cement the bonds of a naturalistic community.
Morality is the key to attaining this objective. The emotional bonds between members of a society are based upon a shared value system or moral contract. Through this moral contract, members understand the limits of acceptable behavior and therefore can trust each other implicitly. The shared exemplification and exposition of these moral values create strong bonds of fellowship.
The purpose of this group will be to delineate those moral values which we hold in common with theists but also those values that are unique to a naturalistic community. The result will be an organization whose core attribute is a system of ethics.
To create the basis for a positive Naturalistic philosophy and culture.
This can be achieved by asking questions about what we do believe in instead of what we don't believe in. By defining and delineating our shared ethical values we achieve unity. The expression and celebration of this unity will result in a naturalistic culture.
To articulate a fully Naturalistic "Spirituality"
How we feel about life is the engine for what we accomplish in life.
Therefore we dedicate ourselves to attaining emotional well-being and happiness. Spirituality is the quest for this emotional well-being. The spiritual quest is a psychological quest.
To liberate Humankind from the shackles of supernatural belief.
We can achieve this by being exemplars of the Naturalistic way.
<<<To me the word "choice" implies morality; on what are my choices based?>>> I think that our choices improve over time. But choices always comprise a dynamic
Will, Very interesting. I especially like the list of cognitive distortions you present. I really like this. Two thoughts, building upon thoughts and not
From the pdf at the end of the article: "The point of departure for our 1988 article was the widely accepted belief that accurate perceptions of oneself and
Will, There is a famous Spanish author who wrote about a priest of a village which believed in the spirits inhabiting the wells (or the sea). He discovers
The question is, is it possible for a therapist to help patients to develop coping skills that do not involve self-deception? If it is argued that it is