Welcome to the Secular community of sw florida
We are a community of atheists, agnostics and skeptics.Our mission is to defend and support the principles of free speech and the separation of church and state through activism, education and community outreach programs.
We are a community committed to advancing the use of reason, logic and science in the areas of education and public policy. We believe that ethical values shaped by secular humanism offers the best way to achieve a world that is free of prejudice, discrimination and harmful religious indoctrination. We are committed to expanding the influence, reputation and impact of secular people.
We see Christian Nationalism as a danger to Our Civil Society and Democracy Christian nationalism strikes at the heart of what it means to live in a free and democratic society: the rise of Christian nationalism. This movement, which seeks to blend a particular interpretation of Christianity with the identity of our nation, presents serious dangers to the principles we hold dear—principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Let us be clear: this is not a critique of Christianity or any other faith. Our nation thrives because of its commitment to religious freedom, which ensures that all people—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist, and beyond—can live according to their beliefs without fear or interference. Christian nationalism, however, threatens to undermine this sacred principle by elevating one religious perspective above all others and weaving it into the fabric of our government. A Threat to Religious Freedom and Pluralism Christian nationalism seeks to remake our democracy in the image of a single faith, dismissing the incredible diversity that has always been our nation’s strength. It marginalizes non-Christians, those of other faiths, and even Christians who reject its narrow vision. This exclusion undermines the bedrock of our democracy: equality under the law. When we allow any one religion to dominate our public institutions, we jeopardize the freedom of every individual to worship—or not worship—as they choose. Freedom of religion becomes freedom for only a select few, turning what should be a shield for all into a weapon of division. Erosion of the Separation of Church and State Our Constitution enshrines the separation of church and state to protect both government and religion from undue influence. Christian nationalism defies this principle, demanding that laws and policies reflect specific religious doctrines. This undermines the neutrality of our government and erodes trust in public institutions. What happens when the government legislates morality based on one interpretation of faith? We see the restriction of personal freedoms, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and the imposition of religious values on those who do not share them. This is not the path of democracy—it is the path of authoritarianism cloaked in piety. A Catalyst for Polarization and Extremism Christian nationalism thrives on the dangerous rhetoric of "us versus them." It divides our communities into insiders and outsiders, patriots and traitors, believers and nonbelievers. This division feeds a toxic cycle of fear and resentment, deepening cultural and political divides. History has shown us that when religious fervor is weaponized in service of nationalism, it can lead to extremism. We’ve seen acts of violence committed in the name of this ideology, and the risk of further radicalization grows when we fail to stand against it. A Barrier to Progress Our nation has achieved great things by embracing innovation, diversity, and progress. Yet Christian nationalism often opposes these ideals, rejecting scientific advancements and resisting efforts to build a more inclusive society. Whether it’s denying climate science, opposing education about evolution, or undermining policies that promote equity, this movement drags us backward when we should be moving forward together. Preserving Democracy and Justice for All We must ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to be? Do we want a government that belongs to all of us, or one that serves only those who conform to a narrow religious ideal? Do we want laws based on reason, justice, and equality, or decrees dictated by theological interpretation? To preserve our democracy, we must recommit to the principle of separating church and state. We must defend the rights of all people—religious and nonreligious alike—to live free from coercion and discrimination. And we must call out Christian nationalism for what it is: a threat to the fabric of our civil society. Conclusion The strength of our nation lies in its ability to embrace diversity and uphold the rights of every individual. By resisting the influence of Christian nationalism, we honor the best of our democratic traditions. Together, we can ensure that America remains a land of freedom, where faith is a personal choice, not a government mandate, and where justice truly serves all. |
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
|
communityWe host social events that build a sense of community. We meet to socialize in-person every month.
|
activismThoughts and prayers aren’t enough, so it is important for us to show what actually makes a difference in the lives of people who need help. We take a proactive stance at the local and state levels by proposing smart, targeted legislation and policies that move the needle toward equality in ways that impact the day-to-day lives of our communities.
|
serviceWe support organizations devoted to social justice such as food pantries and homeless shelters.
|
educationWe are curious about the world and how it works. We host educational meetings in-person to discuss topics in the areas of politics, biology, evolution, psychology, sociology, philosophy, religion and technology. In addition, we sponsor student scholarships to help students understand the importance of the First Amendment.
|