I remember his TED talk. I understand his point I don't entirely agree with it. I have been looking for a few replacements myself. I'll list a few ideas:
1) Shared goals: VOLUNTEER! There are lots of organizations where you can have and act out these shared goals. You can really have a nice mini community. In some organizations the children can participate.
2) Ritual: Ritual happens in places other than a church, temple, Bethel, tabernacle etc. I've noticed football fans joining in group cheers, doing the wave, dressing up and having a grand ole time.
3) Architectural awe. Go to a museum.
4) Community: can be a bit more difficult but it can be done. I'm looking into hobby groups that can be fun for the whole family. I am part of a local hiking group. The whole family joins in on that. There are other groups as well. Meet up groups work also.
5) Wonder: Contemplate the universe from a scientific perspective.
These are just a few ideas. Most of these things have to do with extroverted things. What atheism seems to lack is the inner life (perhaps it doesn't, I just haven't discovered this yet). Inner contemplation, meditation, a sense of awe, and a humble respect for things greater than you seem to be too steeped in religion. I think these things are important for the non religious as well. Listing to oneself is a way to check if your outward behavior is in line with your inner feelings and beliefs. Meditation is a great way to relax. A sense of awe is humbling. It teaches respect and puts people in a position to listen.
Anyway that's just my two cents worth.
1) Shared goals: VOLUNTEER! There are lots of organizations where you can have and act out these shared goals. You can really have a nice mini community. In some organizations the children can participate.
2) Ritual: Ritual happens in places other than a church, temple, Bethel, tabernacle etc. I've noticed football fans joining in group cheers, doing the wave, dressing up and having a grand ole time.
3) Architectural awe. Go to a museum.
4) Community: can be a bit more difficult but it can be done. I'm looking into hobby groups that can be fun for the whole family. I am part of a local hiking group. The whole family joins in on that. There are other groups as well. Meet up groups work also.
5) Wonder: Contemplate the universe from a scientific perspective.
These are just a few ideas. Most of these things have to do with extroverted things. What atheism seems to lack is the inner life (perhaps it doesn't, I just haven't discovered this yet). Inner contemplation, meditation, a sense of awe, and a humble respect for things greater than you seem to be too steeped in religion. I think these things are important for the non religious as well. Listing to oneself is a way to check if your outward behavior is in line with your inner feelings and beliefs. Meditation is a great way to relax. A sense of awe is humbling. It teaches respect and puts people in a position to listen.
Anyway that's just my two cents worth.
I have studied the Bible and the theology behind Christianity for many years. I have been to many churches. I have walked the depth and the breadth of the religion and, as a result of this, I have a lot of bullshit to scrape off the bottom of my shoes. ~Ziploc Surprise
