Belonging without Believing: Building Community Outside of Religion

Institutional religions may offer individuals a framework for community-building and finding inspiration—but they often fail to meet us as we arrive, with all of our doubts and questions. How can we connect with others, find purpose, and change society outside of a religious framework without simply reacting against religion? Bringing our 2015-16 Humanist Haven speaker series to a close, author Kaya Oakes will lead a gathering where we will reflect on these questions, share examples, and most importantly, share stories from our own lives.

Kaya Oakes is the author of four books, most recently including The Nones Are Alright: A New Generation of Believers, Seekers, and Those In Between. She teaches writing at the University of California, Berkeley. She is also a contributing writer at Religion Dispatches, America, Commonweal, and many other publications, and a contributing editor and writer at Killing the Buddha, “a religion magazine for those made anxious by churches.”

We invite you to join us for Humanist Haven, a gathering for atheists, agnostics, searchers, the nonreligious, the unaffiliated, believers, or anyone interested in exploring human-centered ethics. Hosted by the Yale Humanist Community, we are open to the public and welcoming to all—no matter how you identify.

All Humanist Haven meetings feature a thought-provoking guest speaker and take place on the first and third Sundays of the month at 1 PM at The Grove—760 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT—unless otherwise noted. Metered street parking is free in downtown New Haven on Sundays, but please email and let us know if you’re interested in learning more about discounted lot or garage options.