WHO WE ARE

We are a group of people thirsty for boundless inquiry into every possible aspect of the universe. We do not place any limits on where our curiosity takes us, and what we can question.

We advocate use of reason and logic to identify and deal with the world around us.

We attempt to educate those that have many stereotypes towards atheism and skepticism. We want to make clear to the campus and the community at large that atheists/humanists are just as capable of being good, moral people as anyone else.

We promote the knowledge and appreciation of the ideas of rationalism, freethought, atheism, humanism, agnosticism, and related subjects.

We seek to support and participate in services to the community, in a show of our appreciation and love for humankind. We realize the secular nature of our lives, and strive to make the best of the only existence we have: here, on earth, amongst our fellow man.

We have a very positive view towards our lives. We find meaning in the family and environment around us, and are satisfied with reality as it stands as an awesome and wonderful thing unto itself.

We feel that all beliefs and ideas should be open to question. We will search for truth no matter how unpleasant and uncomfortable it may be to us. We are incapable of holding a pleasant fantasy over reality, no matter how harsh it may be to face up to facts.

We are moral people. Each of us have our own personal (and differing) moral codes, derived through common sense, respect for others, and a desire to function productively in society. Our moral codes are not enforced by fear of external punishment or hopes of reward, rather by our own inner conscience, human understanding and empathy.

We are students that enjoy thinking, sharing ideas, and having fun! We are not a bunch of stuffy nerds angry at the world. Our meetings are filled with plenty of challenging discussions, but also smiles and humor!

WHO WE ARE NOT

We are not Satanists. We do not believe in any kind of supernatural divine being.

We are not anti-God. Atheists have a lack of belief in a God, not a strong belief in the non-existence of a God.

We do not attempt to "convert" anyone to atheism. We respect all other people's belief systems, as long as they respect our lack thereof.

We do not hold any "atheist dogma." There is no concise expression of "atheist codes," every atheist is an individual with many different belief systems and convictions. No one atheist can or should ever speak for all atheists.

We are not a support group for atheists. We provide a forum for critical thinking and debate, not one for whining and self-pity.

We are not close-minded or hardheaded about the non-existence of religious beings. We simply have had no proof of such. We're always open to students with different beliefs to join our discussions and share their ideas with us. We are not hostile in our discussions and make every effort to have fair and amicable exchanges of ideas.

OUR HISTORY

AHA was founded by Kate Martin in the fall semester of 1998. Despite many initial hardships regarding acceptance at the college, the club is into its sixth year stronger and more enthusiastically than ever. AHA has strived to provide an open-minded environment where many students gather to discuss and debate issues of skepticism, science, and other topics utilizing logic and reason. Community service is encouraged in an attempt to end the pervasive stereotype that atheists and skeptics are evil and cannot be productive - or moral - members of society. We invite you to participate in our discussions or debates, to come to our frequent showings of thought-provoking movies, or listen to some of the sponsored speakers we've invited to visit the campus. Christians, Buddhists, Hebrews and everyone else are invited and welcome to our non-threatening discussions. You do not have to be an atheist to come to a meeting, and we do indeed have many non-atheist and non-humanist members currently. An open mind to different ideas, beliefs, and tenets is the only requirement. We have always held that a diversity of beliefs and ideas are what make a university a true place of inquiry and exploration.

INTERESTED?

...Disgusted? Curious? Come to a meeting! You don't have to become a member, there will be no spewing of any dogmas or coercing of any beliefs on our part. Best of all, there will be plenty of pizza from Papa John's, sodas, and snacks for everyone! Also, speakers, debates, and conferences are planned for the upcoming year.
For more information, to get on our mailing list, or to discuss anything you would like, contact Nagao McCarthy or drop us a note in the AHA mailbox on the second floor of the Stern Center.