Non-religiosity and mental health

24 December 2025 by

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There has been a lot of debate over the relationship between religion and mental health.

One common misconception that the non-religious face, is that without religion, the non-religious individual will not have sufficient psychological and emotional support in life, leading to increased risk of mental health issues.

The 2021 IMH Study

In 2021, a local study done by a team from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, set out to build upon research on the mental health benefits of religion, especially in the context of multicultural Asian populations like Singapore’s. Their findings were reported in the Straits Times – “Religion linked to better mental health, says study done in Singapore”, published on Aug 03, 2021.

Published in the International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health in March, the study assessed the positive mental health (PMH) of 2,270 adults in Singapore and identified trends relating to their religious affiliations. The data was collected from August 2016 to April 2018 as part of the larger Singapore Mental Health Study 2016, which aimed to find out the state of mental health in Singapore’s adult population.

In this study, PMH was measured using six markers: General coping, emotional support, spirituality, interpersonal skills, personal growth and autonomy, and global affect, which is the experience of being calm, happy, peaceful, relaxed or enthusiastic. In an interview with The Straits Times, lead researcher Janhavi Vaingankar described PMH as “a person’s attitudes towards themselves, ability to handle life’s surprises and ability to reach their true potential and resist stress”.

Zeroing in on predominant religions in Singapore, the study evaluated respondents affiliated to Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Sikhism, which made up about 78% of those surveyed. Participants with these religions scored significantly higher in total PMH compared to those without a religion, the study found. The total PMH score did not vary much between people of different religions.

The picture is more nuanced

The Humanist Society argues that the picture is more nuanced, and there are other papers with a different conclusion. 

For example, there is a paper titled “Is religion beneficial for mental health? A 9-year longitudinal study” published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology (Volume 24, Issue 3, July–September 2024)

The abstract from the paper:

“Using a large sample of adults residing in Germany from the GESIS Panel study (N = 8146), the random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. Data on six dimensions of religion (i.e., membership in a religious community; attendance at a place of worship; frequency of prayers; importance of religion in life; and participation in a religious organization) and three indicators of mental health (i.e., depression symptoms, happiness, and life satisfaction) were collected.

The findings revealed that there is almost no evidence of lagged effects of religion on mental health and limited evidence regarding the role of mental health in influencing the dimensions of religion. Moreover, at the between-person level, there was some evidence of significant covariance between the trait-like components, indicating stable, trait-like differences between persons on religion and mental health.

The beneficial effect of religion on mental health may have been exaggerated in previous research.”

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There is also another study published in 2025, and it studies the relationship between religious service attendance (not just having a religion) and mental health.

Using modeling techniques that tracked relationships over time within individuals in the joint relationships between religious attendance and mental health outcome measures, the Italian researcher came to one surprising conclusion. In contrast to the prior literature suggesting mental health would benefit from religious attendance, the effects simply weren’t there.

The actual study can be found here.

Photo above: The Humanist Society organises events every month. The picture above is a hike along the southern coast of Singapore.

We need to exercise caution

Mental health issues can be very complex and have multiple root causes.

Some mental health issues are genetic and clinical, and simply cannot be attributed to having a religion or not. Some mental health issues are caused by circumstances in life, which also cannot be attributed neatly to religiosity or non-religiousity. 

There is no doubt that supporting communities can be helpful in providing support to people who have poor mental health. And it is widely acknowledged that religious communities are often the most organised and consistently available in many countries.

Nonetheless, attributing better mental health to simply having a religion causes the following risks:

  1. If widely believed, this attribution contributes to stigma for non-religious individuals, especially faith-leavers pressured by their family and community to return to religious communities they were born into.
  • If a person’s mental health is affected by religious trauma, then more religious exposure might actually worsen the situation, rather than help. (Note: Religious trauma can be defined as a psychological condition that occurs when religious teachings and practices become sources of emotional distress.)
  • A non-religious person facing mental health issues might be pressured — even by those who are well-meaning — to join a religious community because they feel that non-religiosity is the root cause of their mental health issues.
  • A person facing mental health issues could see religion as a solution, bypassing professional diagnosis and help. While religious communities can provide a supporting community, they are ultimately not the best place to get evidence-based diagnosis and treatment.

Photo above: The Humanist Society organises the Humanist Cafe which provides peer support to people at different stages of life.

Our experience on the ground

Over the years, the Humanist Society (Singapore) has organised events for many non-religious participants, and met people from all walks of life. Like any community, we have also engaged individuals with underlying mental health conditions.

We do have small numbers of participants who come from conservative religious family backgrounds and had a challenging experience growing up. They can come with religious trauma and take many years to recover.

The Humanist Society strives to build communities to support these people, although it can be challenging given that we are an all-volunteer organisation. But from our experience, attributing better mental health to simply having a religion is most harmful to those with religious trauma.

Future studies on the relationship between religion and mental health should take into account this group, to provide a fuller picture.

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters

The non-religious should not be forgotten

30 August 2025 by

Statement by the Humanist Society (Singapore)

On 20 Aug, the Straits Times published a report titled “Religion growing in importance for Singaporeans: IPS study” (20 August) on religion becoming a more important part of Singaporeans’ identity in recent years, according to latest findings by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

The Straits Times’ summary are as follows:

1) Singaporeans increasingly view religion as vital, influencing their perspectives, as shown in IPS surveys (2013, 2018, 2024) with spirituality giving meaning to life.

2) Religious practices are evolving; more Singaporeans are engaging with religious media and individual practices like meditation, while fewer attend gatherings.

3) A stronger religious identity could lead to groups seeking greater influence in policymaking, requiring careful management to maintain religious harmony in Singapore.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) views are as follows:

On 1), Singaporeans increasingly view religion as vital, as shown in IPS surveys (2013, 2018, 2024).

Based on the Singapore census, the share of residents with no religious affiliation rose to 20% in 2020, up from 17% in 2010, and 15% in 2000. Detailed census data in 2020 also shows non-religiosity is more pronounced among younger age groups. For example, 24.2% of those aged 15-24 reported having no religion, compared to 15.2% of those aged 55 and above.

So it is not true that, for Singaporeans as a whole, religion is growing in importance. It may just be growing among those who are already religious. It is important that this nuance is captured, as the non-religious form a significant proportion of the resident population. They should not be forgotten.

On 2), religious practices are evolving; more Singaporeans are engaging with religious media and individual practices like meditation, while fewer attend gatherings.

Meditation is not necessarily religious. Sam Harris, the American philosopher and neuroscientist who wrote the book The End of Faith (2004), is one prominent atheist public figure who supports meditation. Over the years, he is a promoter of meditation practices without the need for any religious beliefs.

On 3), a stronger religious identity could lead to groups seeking greater influence in policymaking.

In an increasingly polarized world, eroding the secular nature of the state will not be good for Singapore. Religious fundamentalism can significantly impact policymaking, often leading to tensions between religious values and individual rights. In the United States, debates over reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues frequently involve conflict between religious beliefs and personal freedoms. Recently, in Malaysia, recent state policies like mandatory prayer attendance demonstrate the potential consequences when religious fundamentalism heavily influences governance.

We need to maintain balanced approaches that respect both religious diversity and individual liberties. And such a balance is not possible without secularism.

Conclusion

We need to uphold our secular common space and be inclusive of non-religious perspectives, which are crucial in ensuring that Singapore remains a harmonious, multi-faceted society.

Singapore’s strength lies in its diversity, and this diversity should extend beyond race and religion to include those who identify as non-religious. While we are a relatively silent minority, we still need to be heard, our concerns addressed.

Featured Articles/Letters, Press

Coverage of International Humanist Conference 2024

15 May 2025 by

The following articles were written following the International Humanist Conference 2024, hosted by the Humanist Society (Singapore) from 30 Aug to 1 Sep 2024.

“One of the big takeaways was how much research and how many projects exist related to secularism and interfaith harmony. It often seems like atheism and secularism are not interesting topics for study, as religious scholars tend to focus on new ways of understanding spirituality and religiosity. But at this conference, I saw excellent speakers presenting fascinating research on secularism and interfaith projects and sharing real-life experiences. They offered practical, perhaps diplomatic, approaches to handling interfaith projects.”

“Singaporeans are lovely people, especially older people. For some reason, I connect more with older people because I’m always seeking wisdom from those more experienced than me. I had great conversations with Nora and Peter from Humanists International. Nora has been exceptionally kind and helpful, always going out of her way to assist the attendees. Peter, in particular, was very interested in Ghana and how things are going here. I had many enjoyable conversations with both of them. I also met another remarkable woman, Gerda. It’s quite impressive how we are not alone in our activism. Even though we may have different experiences, the underlying principles—equity, empathy, and so on—remain the same. I enjoyed that aspect of my interactions with everyone.”

“Humanist Society (Singapore) did a fantastic job hosting the dozens of delegates who came by preparing six enlightening talks surrounding Interfaith Dialogue and tapping the Ministry of Home Affairs to give us three tours tackling the history of the city’s social diversity. The Society also gave us plenty of time to mingle and befriend one another during several social nights, which my extroverted side (trust me, it’s usually not that active) appreciated!”

“I met people from the Humanist Society (Singapore) without knowing they were staff or in leadership positions. Just meeting them as members of the tour was amazing to me. I emphasize relationality, one of the main frameworks I’m constantly trying to embody, practice, and center in my work and life.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) curated various tours from various organizations. They were ushering us into a world that isn’t my own and listening to how they frame their histories. They live in a relatively young society, yet the design, intentionality, and work that went into building what they have is impressive. That speaks to human creativity and capacity—what can be achieved in what some might call a modern world.

That leads me to the Humanist Society (Singapore) itself. We were able to come in and see the work they’ve done and are still doing, especially in collaboration with Humanists International, to put together this international conference. I’m still reflecting on and cherishing that in my work here and in conversations with peers.”

It was refreshing to be on the road again and to reconnect with fellow humanist friends. The experience may not have been as new or surprising to me as it was for others. Still, I did appreciate the warm Singaporean welcome, generous hospitality, and positive, energetic way of speaking. The honesty in how Malaysians and Singaporeans express themselves resonates with me. The welcome from the humanist community in Singapore was fantastic.

In the lead-up to the conference, there were some concerns about government oversight, surveillance, and their interest in our activities—particularly about speaker visas—which might have conflicted with the human rights values held by many of us. While some concerns did come up, they didn’t overshadow the event. The immigration process was smooth, and the friendliness and dedication of the people immediately struck me.

As for my takeaway, I was particularly pleased that interfaith dialogue and harmony were central themes at this conference. The International Humanist Conference (hosted by Humanists Society Singapore) and the Humanists International General Assembly took place over the long weekend. Interfaith dialogue is a significant aspect of my Humanism and is why I joined the humanist movement. I am a humanist ambassador, someone who engages in dialogue with other faiths and beliefs rather than being inward-looking. Singapore embodies that spirit, and I left with renewed motivation and inspiration to continue my interfaith work. That message truly resonated with me.

“It was quite an experience. It was the first time we hosted such a large conference. We’ve had events like the Asian Humanist Conference, but that was on a smaller scale. That event was back in 2015 and lasted only a few days. But when we bid to host this event, we had our doubts. However, everyone on the committee unanimously said, “Let’s go for it.”

If other countries like Australia and New Zealand can do it, why not us? So, we took the opportunity and won the bid. Initially, it wasn’t very comforting because it was such a challenge. But we eventually came together as a team, and everyone played their part.

For the first time, people from all different countries came together. It was overwhelming, exciting, and yet nerve-wracking because we didn’t want to disappoint anyone. We wanted to ensure that everyone who came to Singapore would have an unforgettable experience. What we learned from organizing such a big event is invaluable. It was a great experience, and we’re glad we did it. It’s a challenge, but you’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t take that first step.”

“The Humanist Society Singapore, whose motto is: “Guided by reason, informed by evidence, and driven by compassion,” were gracious hosts. They started events on Friday, August 30th, with a guided discussion and tour of the nation’s Harmony in Diversity Gallery, where we learned that Singapore is the most religiously diverse country globally but also sees some of the least religiously motivated conflicts. This is no accident. As their presentation showed, they intentionally create shared pluralistic spaces, encouraging engagement between people of differing beliefs and educating about religion and nonbelief to reduce othering and bring people together positively.”

Other articles

Featured Articles/Letters

A Christian among Humanists: A Chat over Easter #3

9 May 2025 by

Over the long Easter weekend, Christians worldwide commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter, the Humanist Society (Singapore) also occasionally carries out interviews with a handful of Christians have been regularly attending our events for years. They are independent-minded, well-read, and supportive of many Humanist causes. Their perspectives are valuable as a bridge between Christian and non-religious communities.

Previous interviews are with John Hui (2017) and Mathia Lee (2020) and a summary of both interviews are found at the bottom of this post.

This year, we feature Angela Ow (photo below, first from left), who has been participating in Humanist Society (‘HumanistSG’) events for the past seven years. Her favourite events were the hikes at nature parks, as well as our Humanist Cafe series.

Q: What is your religious faith and what religious services do you attend regularly?

Angela: I identify as a Catholic Christian. My father was an agnostic atheist and my mother was Roman Catholic, so I grew up with a mix but went through Catholic formation from a young age. These days, I go to a non-denominational community church, but I still attend Catholic Masses on many occasions.

Q: When did you start attending Humanist Society events? And what attracted you to our events?

Angela: I can’t remember exactly, but I think it was sometime around late 2018? That’s when I started going to the monthly Humanist Cafés and joined the hikes whenever they were held (I love hiking!). Back then, the Cafés didn’t have set themes, so the conversations just flowed naturally. I remember some interesting discussions on history, astronomy, and science. There was even one on quantum physics that totally went over my head – haha!

Q: What is your first impression of HumanistSG?  What was the biggest surprise to you?

Angela: One of the things that really stood out to me was how intellectual and analytical everyone was! I remember thinking, “Wow, these guys can really discuss very cerebral topics!” It was a little intimidating at first, but I also learnt a lot during the Humanist Café conversations.

Back then, I also noticed that there weren’t many women around – it was mostly a male-dominated space. That was a surprise to me! But it’s been really great to see more women joining Humanist Society events nowadays. It feels more balanced than before, and it’s nice to have a wider mix of perspectives and experiences in the discussions.

Q: How did the humanists, atheists and agnostics etc. react when they learnt you are a Christian? How did you respond to them?

Angela: People are usually surprised when they find out I’m Christian. Some get curious and ask why I’m volunteering with the Humanist Society. Right now, I help out as a Humanist Café facilitator as well as organize bimonthly hikes.

I volunteer because I find these events meaningful – they bring HumanistSG people together and help create a sense of community and friendship. This is especially important since most in the Society do not join religious groups, so they may not have access to the many fellowship and bonding activities that religious groups offer.

Photo above: Angela (standing, 2nd from right) at a HumanistSG hiking event.

Q: Did you feel hurt whenever the Humanist Society releases statements that are critical of religion/religious institutions?

Angela: I don’t think I’ve come across the Humanist Society putting out any statements that were openly critical of religion or religious groups. From what I’ve read, the statement releases have always come across as fair and balanced. What I like is that they highlight the perspectives of non-religious people – views that sometimes get overlooked in our society as Singaporeans with religions still largely outnumber those without.

Q: What is the biggest misunderstanding that many atheists, agnostics, humanists have about Christians?

Angela: I think a lot of non-Christians tend to see Christians as one monolithic group – like everyone believes the same things and acts the same way. To be fair, we all kind of do this sometimes with groups we’re not a part of (I think the term for it is “outgroup homogeneity bias”). It’s common for people to mainly come across Christians who are really active in converting non-believers – whether in public or within their own circles – so it’s easy to assume that all Christians are like that. But that’s not the case. Different Christians choose to live out their faith in different ways, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.

For me, one thing that stood out in the stories of Jesus was how he was always on the lookout for people in the margins of society, people who didn’t fit in, and actively reaching out to them, even if it meant breaking social norms of the time. This aspect of Christianity resonates with me and living out my faith as a Christian means seeking to do the same. That is quite different from seeking the conversion of others, which is often considered by many to be the mainstream or core pursuit of Christianity.

Q: What is the biggest misunderstanding that many Christians have about non-religious people? (atheists, agnostics, humanists etc.)

Angela: I’m not sure if it’s the biggest misunderstanding, but I’ve come across some Christians who think that people without religion don’t have a moral compass – or worse, that they’re amoral and don’t care about doing what’s right.

From what I’ve seen, that’s just not true! Religion and sacred texts can be an important source of guidance, but they’re not the only ones. A person’s sense of right and wrong is also shaped by many other things – their upbringing, the values of society, culture, their lived experiences, and an education that encourages critical, rational and moral thinking.

Take my father, for example. He’s an agnostic atheist, but he’s one of the most honest and considerate people I know – especially for the less abled. Not having a religion won’t make a person less moral or amoral. We all have a conscience, and life is about following one’s conscience to the best of our ability.

Q: How do you think our mutual misunderstandings can be resolved?

Angela: I believe having an open and honest conversation is the best way to go. If we are willing to set aside our preconceived notions, make the effort to see things from the other person’s perspective, and perhaps the hardest part – the courage to be wrong (let’s face it, we all have blind spots and biases), I believe a lot of our misunderstandings can be resolved.

The point of a conversation isn’t about agreeing on everything. We may not see eye to eye as we are all shaped by different lived experiences, ways of thinking and personalities. But that should not preclude us from working together for good. 

Whether it’s doing good because of one’s faith in God, or doing good for goodness’ sake, we all have something to contribute to our shared humanity.  I believe religious and the non-religious have a lot more in common than we think.

Past Interviews

John Hui (2017): John is drawn by its commitment to critical reasoning, secularism, and support for the non-religious community. Despite holding Christian beliefs, including in the resurrection of Jesus, John uses evidence-based reasoning to reconcile his faith with humanist values, engaging respectfully with atheists and agnostics who often question his stance. He sees the Society as a valuable platform for promoting rational discourse and pluralism in Singapore, and believes it can empower progressive religious individuals to stand against religious fundamentalism.

Mathia Lee (2020): Dr Lee sees her faith as a personal moral compass rather than a set of Western-influenced rituals, and appreciates HSS’s respectful but critical stance on harmful religious practices. She highlights the importance of mutual understanding through dialogue, emphasizing that both Christians and non-religious people often hold misconceptions about each other that can be resolved through open, respectful engagement.
Blog, Featured Articles/Letters

ST Forum: Beyond counter-terror drills, people have a vital role to play

4 April 2025 by

The Humanist Society (Singapore) submitted a letter to the Straits Times Forum:

In the letter, our President Nora expressed concern over the recent cases of self-radicalised individuals in Singapore.

She suggested NGOs, including various interfaith groups, can conduct closed-door table-top exercises to simulate first responses to various scenarios of terrorism aimed at weakening social cohesion. And if such exercises already exist, these exercises can be expanded to involve more NGOs and self-help groups.

She added that “scenarios can be based on past attacks that have happened abroad. Scenarios should also change according to how terrorists are adapting to the latest security measures.”

“During an exercise, NGOs and self-help group leaders can take the lead as “social first responders” in the information space, simulating and coordinating their statements and publicity materials, including both social media and mass media,” she said.

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters, Press

Secular Assembly – Jan 2025

27 January 2025 by

On 25-Jan-2025, our Secular Assembly offered an inspiring mix of creativity, personal growth, and collective sharing. The event kicked off on a high note as everyone united in singing “Firework” by Katy Perry, setting an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere right from the start.

Our highlight speaker, Bertram, then took the stage to share his journey as a coach. With enthusiasm and authenticity, he detailed the evolution of his career and introduced his innovative AI Ikigai webapp—a tool designed to help individuals uncover their life’s purpose. The interactive demo invited the audience to try the app firsthand, sparking engaging discussions about the blend of technology and personal development.

The session continued with heartfelt personal stories from our community. Koi Hin recounted his experiences from a personal retreat, sharing valuable insights on balancing mind, body, and spirit. His reflections resonated deeply with many, encouraging us all to embrace holistic well-being. Adding another layer to the tapestry of experiences, Lionel also shared his personal journey. His story, rich with challenges overcome and transformative insights gained, provided a unique perspective that underscored the power of resilience and self-discovery.

Overall, the Secular Assembly was a celebration of individual narratives woven together by a shared commitment to growth and community support. The day reminded us that every personal story enriches our collective journey, inspiring us to keep exploring new paths towards a more fulfilled and balanced life.

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters, Press, Secular Assembly

Conversation on Humanism: Irreligiosity and Mental Health

27 January 2025 by

On 25-Jan-2025, we hosted an insightful session as part of our Conversation on Humanism series on Irreligiosity and Mental Health.

This engaging discussion explored the intersection of secular values and mental well-being, addressing key questions like: How does irreligiosity influence mental health, and how can we, as humanists, foster resilience and support?

Key Highlights

Understanding Humanism and Mental Health:

The session began with a broad exploration of humanism, emphasizing its values of compassion, reason, and community. Participants discussed how these principles shape mental well-being in secular contexts.

Insights from Mental Health Statistics and Research:

We delved into local mental health statistics, including findings from the Institute for Health Metrics and Sofia Wellness Clinic, highlighting the growing challenges faced by Singaporeans.

Studies on the relationship between religion and mental health, such as the Straits Times report, were discussed alongside the unique experiences of irreligious individuals.

Debunking Stereotypes:

There is a common misconception that irreligious individuals lack purpose or face higher rates of depression and suicide simply because they don’t adhere to a faith community. However, mental health is influenced by a variety of factors genetics, environment, social support, and personal life experiences rather than religious affiliation alone.

Irreligious people, like those with a religion, can find meaning in family, friendships, personal goals, or ethical and humanitarian values. This highlights that a lack of religious belief does not inherently lead to poor mental health; well-being is shaped by complex, multifaceted influences.

Interactive Activity:

An engaging session on values and coping mechanisms encouraged participants to reflect on their personal approaches to mental health and how their values shape their resilience.

A Humanist Approach

We discussed the “three-prong approach” to mental health which emphasises a holistic framework. It involves three key dimensions:

1. Psychological: Humanism and Mental Well-being

Focuses on fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness through reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices like journaling, mindfulness and therapy to build a supportive communities were shared as effective tools for maintaining mental well-being.

2. Existential: Building Meaning and Purpose

Humanists seek answers to life’s big questions—such as existence, morality, and the afterlife—through reason, critical thinking, and shared human experience rather than doctrine. They value personal growth, embracing evolving perspectives shaped by curiosity, compassion, and fairness.Meaning is often found in relationships, creativity, scientific exploration, and contributions to society. Whether through deep personal connections, artistic expression, activism, or altruism, humanists recognize that purpose is self-created and enriched by the positive impact we have on others and the world around us.

3. Social: Supportive Community

Providing a safe and inclusive spaces where irreligious individuals can openly share beliefs, experiences, and support. Rooted in empathy, reason, and respect for autonomy, these communities help combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging.Beyond social connections,  we should promote secular mental health initiatives, including access to non-religious therapists, peer support groups, and evidence-based well-being programs. By encouraging open dialogue and resilience, these efforts ensure that individuals can seek help and thrive without religious judgment.

The session concluded with an open discussion and a call to action, acknowledging that Compassion is at the heart of building strong, supportive secular and humanist communities. By fostering meaningful connections, we create inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and understood. We encourage everyone to seek support when needed and extend kindness to those around them, reinforcing the humanist commitment to mutual care, empathy, and shared well-being.

A quote by Robert G. Ingersoll beautifully captured the essence of the evening: “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here.”

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, including the next session in the Conversation on Humanism Series!

Blog, Conversations on Humanism, Events, Featured Articles/Letters

HSS Socials: Movie and Game Night

25 January 2025 by

On 24-Jan-2025, a member initiated a movie and game night, and it was a resounding success! The event brought together a delightful mix of new faces and long-time members, some of whom we were thrilled to welcome back after a long absence. It was heartwarming to see everyone reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere.

The evening kicked off with games—many of us learned how to play mahjong and sharpened our skills at pool. Laughter and cheers filled the room as participants discovered hidden talents or simply enjoyed the camaraderie.

After the games, we gathered for the feature movie of the night, Heretic, which did not disappoint! Hugh Grant’s chilling portrayal of a psychopath kept us all on edge, while the unexpected plot twists had the group collectively gasping with “aahs” and “oohs.” It was refreshing to share the thrill of such a gripping film together as a community.

Of course, no movie night would be complete without food, and we indulged in a feast of pizza and KFC, perfectly complementing the electrifying atmosphere. Sharing a meal while engaging in lively post-movie discussions made the night even more enjoyable.

This event marked our first movie and game night, but it’s certainly not the last! The success of the evening reminded us how vital and rejuvenating it is to gather as a community, share experiences, and create lasting memories.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the night so special. We look forward to seeing you at our next event! 

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters, HSS Socials, Press

Hanging Out with Humanists Updates

15 January 2025 by

These are updates from Hanging Out with Humanists from Sep 2024 to Jan 2025, starting from the most recent.

Jan 2025

Eugene’s Rare Appearance and The Case of the Empty Plates!

On 04-Jan-2025, our hangout session got a delightful twist when our revered veteran, Eugene, graced us with his presence. Although he pops in only once in a blue moon, when he does, his wise words and cheerful vibes remind us that our society is on the right track.

Joining our usual merry band—and a few eager newcomers—everyone gathered for an evening of hearty laughs, thoughtful advice, and a touch of mystery. Speaking of mystery, if you took a peek at the group photo and wondered where everyone went, fear not! The empty plates on display are not evidence of a ghost town but a clever nod to our camera-shy members, who prefer to let the plates (and their appetites) do all the talking.

A big shout-out to Eugene for the nuggets of wisdom and to everyone who made this session unforgettable. Until next time—keep the empty plates ready for more fun and unexpected appearances!

Dec 2024

December was our last hanging out session of the year at Han’s Union in Springleaf, and it was a pleasure to welcome several new faces to our circle. As always, the conversation was delightfully loud and full of laughter — just the way we like it! The energy in the room was tangible, and it was wonderful to see newcomers quickly feel at home among us.

We’ll continue to make Han’s Union our go-to hangout spot for as long as they’ll have us. It is also in a convenient location, close to the MRT and bus stations, making it easy for anyone to pop by without fuss. On top of that, the food there is both tasty and reasonably priced, and the friendly staff often let us claim our usual corner to ourselves. It’s the perfect backdrop for our lively discussions and good-natured banter.

If you haven’t joined any of our socials yet, we’d love to see you at our next gathering. Bring your curiosity, your sense of humor, and be ready for some engaging conversations with fellow humanists. We’re always eager to meet new people and share ideas in a fun, relaxed atmosphere!

Nov 2024

We had our regular crew plus two new faces, who were brave enough to join us. As always, the night was a perfect mix of laughs, chatter, and just enough decorum to remind us we’re not a stand-up comedy club… yet!

Oct 2024

We welcomed our regulars alongside four new guests, including two ladies – one an expat opera singer, who surprised us with a beautiful rendition of The Name of the Rose theme. True to our lively spirit, the night was filled with laughter and good company, as usual, but with that signature dose of respect for all!

Sep 2024

September’s Hanging Out with Humanists session was a lively gathering as always, with the usual crowd joined by two new faces. One was a familiar friend of HSS, resurfacing after a two-year hiatus, and the other was a newcomer curious to learn more about who we are and what we do. We spent some time explaining our society’s work and values to her.

As always, the chatter was loud and enthusiastic, with our signature pink T-shirt draped over a chair, signaling our presence. The discussions covered the conference that was held in August with a briefing for those who couldn’t make it, and a buzz of excitement around our Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner on 26-Oct-2024. Look out for this announcement!

The topic of the night? The Pope’s visit—yes, even Humanists get excited about that! Meanwhile, another group engaged in a serious debate about the truth: the ultimate truth versus the perceived truth.

It was another memorable evening of connection, conversation, and, of course, a lot of laughter.

Blog, Featured Articles/Letters, Press, Uncategorized

Secular Assembly – Dec 2024

28 December 2024 by

Our last event of the month was the lively Secular Assembly held at HDG on 28 Dec 2024, complete with an optional 45-minute excursion through the HDG gallery. For those who arrived early or simply wanted to explore, the gallery tour offered a fascinating look at the venue’s history, exhibits, and art pieces that beautifully complemented the spirit of our gathering.

Year-in-Review Reflection
After the gallery excursion, our co-founder and Secular Assembly Programme Director, Dan Thio, led a guided reflection session on three key areas: health, relationships, and meaningful work or passions. Through a series of thoughtful prompts, participants took a moment to identify their personal achievements, challenges, and the valuable lessons they learned over the course of the year. This introspective exercise allowed everyone to connect more deeply with themselves and to consider how they might carry these insights into the new year.

Sing-Along Session
Rounding out the evening was a sing-along led by our enthusiastic member, Lava. We sang two tunes that captured both the festive mood and the sense of togetherness at this time of year:

• Christmas Is a Time to Say I Love You

• Auld Lang Syne

Voices rose in unison, bringing a heartwarming close to our December events. Whether you joined for the gallery tour, the reflection, or simply for the good company, we appreciate everyone who made this final Secular Assembly a memorable one! We look forward to welcoming you at future gatherings as we continue to foster community, personal growth, and humanist values.

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