The April Hanging Out with Humanists session was nothing short of meaningful. As conversations flowed across the table, what emerged was more than just dialogue—it was a shared moment of reflection, openness, and connection.
On Religion as Story and Culture
Yew Hwee Ong shared a deeply thought-provoking perspective that emerged right at the end of the evening. While firmly identifying as an atheist and secular humanist, he expressed a new appreciation for the influence religion holds—not as truth, but as a powerful narrative form deeply embedded in culture.
“To me, religion should be seen like fiction—much like One Piece, Attack on Titan, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter,” he said. “These stories, while fictional, offer guidance, inspiration, and commentary on real life. Rituals, then, become simulations of those stories—like walking through a living museum of mythology.”
He acknowledged the undeniable impact of religion on human behavior and the structures of society—both positive and oppressive. The key difference, he noted, is that religious believers equate their stories with reality, while secular humanists treat them as cultural narratives that still deserve thoughtful engagement.
On Morality, Disagreement, and Mutual Respect
Melvin added that the evening was lively, especially with the presence of three newcomers who each brought unique perspectives. He mentioned the “merry, respectful disagreements” with Yew Hwee, especially around how we define and measure morality.
In response, Yew Hwee reflected with sincerity:
“I truly respect your points. They made me think seriously about how we can make better decisions by balancing morality, utility, and the well-being of people in different contexts.”
It was a beautiful example of how disagreement, when held with respect, can deepen understanding rather than divide.
On Connection, Care, and Reaching Out
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, Lava shared insights into the emotional and social outreach strategies of religious institutions. He pointed out how adept these institutions are at making people feel seen—stepping out of their own spaces to meet others where they are, and building genuine human connection.
“We talked about how religious institutions blur the lines between secular and sacred, reaching into marketplaces and even influencing the upper echelons of society. There’s a lesson here for us: we, too, need to step out of our comfort zones.”
Lava emphasized the importance of noticing members of our own society who may be silently struggling. A simple check-in message or an open ear can mean the world. He reminded us that:
“Sometimes the conversation becomes more important than the person—but it shouldn’t be. The person should always come first.”
What made the evening truly special, he reflected, was how personal the conversation felt. “I got to know some of our members more deeply than I ever have since joining,” he said.
A Night of Thoughtful Connection
The HOH reminded us of what makes humanist spaces meaningful: not just the sharing of ideas, but the care and curiosity we extend toward one another. Whether through challenging perspectives, respectful disagreement, or heartfelt conversation, we continue to learn not just how to think—but how to be human, together.
