Secular group offers niche

“Question with boldness even the existence of a god.”

The quote by Thomas Jefferson that is branded on every business card belonging to members of IU’s Secular Alliance should give any newcomer an idea about what exactly the group offers to IU.

Secular Alliance is an organization for any secularists people who are atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists, skeptics and others.

“People just like to talk to other people and discuss ideas in secular terms, not necessarily Christian terms,” said Eoban Binder, a graduate student and treasurer for the organization. “Also, it alerts people to the fact that we’re here.”

The alliance invites all students to join in its broad discussion of questioning faith and religion.

“We’re always interested in different opinions,” Binder said. “We don’t believe any religion is above scrutiny, so be prepared for a discussion.”

One of the goals of the group is to offer a community for those who doubt religious beliefs and practices and  to provide a place for believers and nonbelievers to convene and understand their differences.

“My first day, as soon as I sat down, I was having a discussion,” said freshman David McGrayel. “It’s a gathering of like-minded people.”

It also offers a platform for activism within the community, giving secularists representation.

“One of things that upsets me is that religion permeates the government,” said junior Sarah Kaiser, president of the organization. “People of reason need to have a voice in government to say there is separation of church and state.”

Secular Alliance offers weekly discussions known as Russell’s Tea Party. The theme derives from philosopher Bertrand Russell’s teapot analogy in the article, “Is there a God?” Along with discussions, the organization goes on trips, is host to lectures and even a casual movie night.

Students with religious beliefs might be surprised to realize the questioning of religion does not mean the lack of compassion, members said.

“We believe in morality without the aid of spiritual guidance,” McGrayel said.

The group might have alternative ideas, but there are still students and faculty who are active in the community.

“Our members are really great people. They are in the community, and they are in service,” Kaiser said. “Not being religious has not defined their lives.”

For more information on the Secular Alliance of IU, visit http://saiu.org/.