1. Secular and Religious Minority Awareness
Good Without God
Secular and Religious Minority Awareness
Notes before we begin:
Mention religion as one of many aspects that make us unique.
We are here to discuss the importance of inclusion and acceptance – and to be reminded that we need to be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, regardless of our beliefs, and work together to make the world a better place.
In order to respect one another’s beliefs, we evaluate our actions and expressions of our belief systems, and ensure that we are being fair to others and not hurting others, making them feel second-class, or judging them based on assumptions we have about folks with certain “labels.”
While we are here to bring awareness about respecting all individuals who don’t share mainstream religious views, we are going to focus a lot on secularism (define secular, and mention there are a diverse spectrum of non-faith perspectives) – those who do not have any religious affiliation are the most hated (and probably most misunderstood) demographic in America. We’ll talk more about that later.
This presentation will be for all who are interested in exploring respect for religious diversity. At the end, we will talk about the national Secular SafeZone project. If you are interested, you can sign up to be part of that after this course.
NOTE FOR SELF, and to include in intro if relevant data is found: ODI is conducting a survey of other major universities to gauge current efforts to include secular and religious minorities in their diversity conversations.

2. Symbolopoly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D
Let’s start with a game –Who can identify any of these?
ANDREA – PLEASE CHECK REF SHEET. E F

3. Everyone’s faith or non-faith is based on their own introspection, evaluation of information and life experience, interpretation of teachings, etc.
Respect others’ faith decision:
not forcing our own faith or non-faith on another individual, and
not treating someone unfairly because we do not agree with their world view.
Everyone’s faith or non-faith is very personal. This is often the framework for how we understand the world and our values.
How many religions do you think there are in the US (313.9 million / 2012 Census)?
About million.
While folks may share some common traits in a belief system, the internal, personal faith or non-faith is always individual. And what people say out loud they believe (in order to fit in and other reasons) is not necessarily what they truly believe.

4. How do you identify someone who doesn’t share mainstream religious views?
Secularism is an invisible diversity. Even if you are among a group of people claiming to be of a particular religion, there may be individuals among them who have other views but have not spoken up.
Discussion of perceptions / Myths about non-religious folks – What are some things you’ve heard - that may not be true - about Atheists, secularists, and individuals of other religions.
Make sure we capture:
People of other or no faith perspectives are not moral/don’t share my values. Discussion: Values vs. Religious Values and Morality vs. Religious Morality.
Myths about Atheists:
Immoral
Responsible for the world’s ills
Have no reason to live
Angry
Unhappy
Arrogant
Agents of the Devil
Communists
Blind to truth, love, and beauty
There are no Atheists in Foxholes
Common Ask an Atheist Day questions that reflect myths about the non-religious:
How do you get your morals? (Tee was asked once, how do you know to wash your hands after you go to the bathroom?)
How does your life have purpose?
Isn’t Atheism just another religion?’
Do Atheists think all religious people are stupid?
Aren’t you afraid of going to hell? If you believe, at least you are safe.
Do non-theists think religion should be abolished?
Do you think there is an afterlife?
How can non-theists love, since all love comes from god?
Do you know you are going to hell?

5. Facts and Figures Statistics and Terminology
Let’s look at a pie chart and talk little about how many folks are represented in these minority groups and get a general idea of the different denominations of secularists and religious minorities in America.
Have any of you ever heard of the 100 People Project?
Facts and Figures

6. The world in a village of 100
The spirit of this illustrates some of the misconceptions we have about majorities – relevant here is that most – almost 70% - would be non-Christian. Here are a few other statistics (you can visit 100people.org for research info):
If the World (7 billion people) were 100 PEOPLE:
33 Christians
67 Non-Christians:
22 Muslims
14 Hindus
7 Buddhists
12 people who practice other religions
12 secular people
Also:
50 would be female; 50 male would be children; 74 adults; 8 over Asians; 15 Africans; 14 people from the Americas; 11 Europeans would speak Chinese 5 would speak Spanish, English 3 would speak Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese 2 would speak Russian, Japanese 62 would speak other languages would be able to read and write; 17 would not  7 would have a college degree 22 would own or share a computer people would have a place to shelter them from the wind and the rain, but 23 would not  1 would be dying of starvation 15 would be undernourished 21 would be overweight  people would have no clean, safe water to drink
Source: 100people.org

7. 19.5% 17.4% 4.44% 58.66% World Population Global Population Summary:
19.5% - China
17.4% - India
4.44% - U.S.
58.66% - The other 241 Countries

8. The U.S. in a village of 100 Source: Pew Report
About 19% identifying as non-religious or not affiliated with religion in the U.S., and 73% identifying as Christian.
World data:
33% identified as Christian; 67% as non-christians.
Source: Pew Report

9. Secular Identification
US Census Bureau Report: Self-Described Religious Identification, Adult Population
1990
2001
2008
No Religion, Total
14,331,000
29,481,000
34,169,000
Atheist
(incl w/ Agnostics)
902,000
1,621,000
Agnostic
1,186,000
991,000
1,985,000
Humanist
29,000
49,000
90,000
No Religion
13,116,000
27,486,000
30,427,000
Other no religion
n/a
57,000
45,000
The top row shows the growth in those identifying as non-religious in the U.S. , having increased by almost 20 million Americans since 1990.
Ref:
Note to self (not for presentation)
Census Bureau provided this info:
“The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect data on religious affiliation in its demographic surveys or decennial census. Public Law prohibits us from asking a question on religious affiliation on a mandatory basis; in some person or household surveys, however, the U.S. Census Bureau may collect information about religious practices, on a voluntary basis. Therefore, the U.S. Census Bureau is not the source for information on religion, nor is the Census Bureau the source for information on religious affiliation. The Statistical Abstract of the United States program was eliminated as part of our rigorous review of existing programs. In order to secure funding for higher priority programs, we believed we needed to terminate and reduce some existing programs. The Statistical Abstract has a long history but was developed at a time when most information was paper-based and not easily accessible on the web. However, you might browse "Bernan Press and ProQuest" indicated that they would take over the Statistical Abstract and announced that they would produce a 2013 edition. We've included a link below for your reference. This should indicate some data on religions. Cheryl Customer Service Center U.S. Census Bureau”

10. Trends in Religious Affiliation
Pew Research: Religion & Public Life Project
The Pew Research Center conducts polling, demographic research, and other activities to provide a “fact tank” to inform the public about issues that are shaping America and the world.
14-16% / 2.6 to 3 million Floridians are nones/non-religious (ARIS 2008 and Pew 2010)
This 14-16% is on par with the US average.
(There are Million Floridians)
Also on par with Global data:
PEW did a Global Religious Landscape study which indicates:
“The religiously unaffiliated number 1.1 billion, accounting for about one-in-six (16%) people worldwide. The religiously unaffiliated include atheists, agnostics and people who do not identify with any particular religion in surveys.” (Dec 2012, Global Religious Landscape)

11. Fastest growing demographic in America
Pew Research: Religion & Public Life Project
1/5 of the US public do not identify with a religion
1/3 of adults under 30 are religiously unaffiliated
5-year growth - just over 15% to just under 20% of all U.S. adults.
13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6% of the U.S. public)
33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation (14%).
October Pew report: “Nones on the Rise”:
The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling.
In the last five years alone, the unaffiliated have increased from just over 15% to just under 20% of all U.S. adults. Their ranks now include more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6% of the U.S. public), as well as nearly 33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation (14%).
Ref:

12. Fastest growing demographic in America
Pew Research: Religion & Public Life Project
“young adults today are much more likely to be unaffiliated than previous generations were at a similar stage in their lives.”
From the same report, just another look at the age demographic, showing the statistically significant picture of how the university’s students are represented in this study.
Ask Paige at IKM – can we get some UCF data?

13. Terminology - Religions
Advent Christian
Disciples of God
Judaism (Conservative, Humanistic, Haymanot, Karaite, Liberal, Orthodox, Progressive, Traditional, etc.)
Pentecostalism / Full Gospel (Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God, Foursquare Gospel)
Amish
Druze (Juhhāl and ‘Uqqāl)
Anabaptism
Dīn-I Iláhī
Latter Day Saint Movement
Quaker
Anglicanism
Eastern Orthodox
Lutheranism
Rastafarian
Apostolic
Eckankar
Mandaeans
Reformed Church of Christ
Assembly of God
Eden Evangelist
Manichaeism
Russian Orthodox
Bábism
Evangelical / Born Again (Traditionalist, Centrist, and Modernist)
Mazdakism
Salvation Army
Bahá’í
Mennonite
Sanctified
Baha’l
Mithraism
Seventh Day Adventists
Bhakti
Federated Church
Mission Covenant
Shabakism
Baptist
First Church
Missionary
Shinto
Bible Missionary
Gnosticism
Mormonism
Sikhism
Brethren, Plymouth
Grace Reformed
Muslim (Sunni, Shia, other)
Southern Baptist
Carmelite
Greek Orthodox
Mysticism
Taoist
Cavalry Bible
Hinduism (Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism, Vaishnavism)
Native American Religion (Longhouse, Waashat, Shaker, Drum, Earth Lodge, Peyote, Bole-Maru, Feather, Mexicayotl, etc.)
Therādava Buddhist
Chapel of Faith
The Way Ministry
Charismatic
Holy Roller
Tibetan Buddhism
Christ Adelphians
House of Prayer
Universalism
Christian Calvary
Indigenous Traditional Religions (African, American, Arctic, Asian, Eastern, European Ethnic)
United Holiness
Christian Reform
Nazarene
Unity Church
Christian Science
Neopaganism
Wesleyan
Church of the Brethren
New Age
Wiccan
Church of the First Born
Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism)
New Testament Christian
Witness Holiness
Church of the Nazarene
Jainism (Digambara and Svetambara)
Occult
Yazdânism
Church of Universal and Triumphant
Pentecostal (Apostolic, other)
Zen Buddhist
Jehovah's Witness
Pilgrim Holiness
Zoroastrianism (Parsi/ Irani)
Confucianism
Polytheism
Covenant
The next two slides will give you an idea of the number of religious and non-religious perspectives around us. When you leave here you’ll be expected to know all of these categories. ;)
You may encounter individuals from any of these in your social groups, classes, workplaces, families, …or anywhere. You likely won’t know you’re speaking to someone of a different perspective.

14. Terminology - Secular Agnostic Antitheist Apatheist Atheist Atheist+
Bright
Critical Thinker
Deist
Disbeliever
Doubter
Esotericist
Evangelical Atheist
Freethinker
Gentile
Giaour
Heathen
Hedonist
Heretic
Humanist
Humanistic Judaism
Hylotheist
Ignostic
Igtheist
Inclusionist
Infidel
Latitudinarian
Materialist
Naturalist
Non-believer
Nones
Non-theist
Objectivist
Pagan
Pantheist
Pastafarian
Pearlist
Positivist
Pragmatist
Pyrrhonist
Rationalist
Satanist
Scientist
Secular
Secular Humanist
Secular Ministry
Secularist
Skeptic
Solipsist
Somatist
Spiritualist
Truth Seeker
Unbeliever
Unitarian Church (some)
Universist
There are perspective identities for those not aligned with a religion.
Of note, in the 2012 “Nones on the Rise report from Pew”, they asked of those who do not identify with a religion – are you looking for a religion that would be right for you? 88% said no, they are not looking. 10% said they are looking, 2% didn’t know.
There are many people with different faith traditions in their family history that preserve those traditions and identify with them without the belief in God. Culturally Catholic, Secular Jewish.

15. Perceptions and Realities
How we make people feel.
Remind them about our discussion of myths and perceptions
Maya Angelou:
People will forget what you said.
People will forget what you do.
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
Inclusion is about how we treat other people, respecting their individuality, and not making generalizations or assumptions based on misperceptions – and then translating those into discriminatory, bullying, or unfair treatment of others.
Perceptions and Realities

16. These are not representative of actual discrimination case statistics; this is a poll of how people feel - what they have seen and experienced that to them has seemed like people treating people unfairly based on their religious affiliation. And that is one of the most important messages for us all today from this workshop – we are affecting other people.
From Tanenbaum: “Workplaces are a microcosm of America. They are becoming more diverse and, according to the survey, employees in diverse workplaces experience or witness more incidents of religious conflict. In addition, employees at workplaces with a culture of respect and accommodation have a higher level of satisfaction.”

17. Most hated demographics in America
University of Minnesota Research
I would disapprove if my child wanted to marry a member of this group....
Atheist: 47.6%
Muslim: 33.5%
African-American 27.2%
Asian-Americans: 18.5%
Hispanics: 18.5%
Jews: 11.8%
Conservative Christians: 6.9%
Whites: 2.3%
This group does not at all agree with my vision of American society...
Atheist: 39.6%
Muslims: 26.3%
Homosexuals: 22.6%
Hispanics: 20%
Conservative Christians: 13.5%
Recent Immigrants: 12.5%
Jews: 7.6%
University of Minnesota, 2006
2000 participants
The American Mosaic Project, hosted by the University of Minnesota college of Sociology, has been working on “contributing to our understanding of what brings Americans together, what divides us, and the implications of our diversity for our political and civic life.” They are most concerned with “how Americans themselves understand the nature and consequences of diversity for their own lives and for society as a whole.”
Additional studies and statistics are available at the AMP website ( and include broad studies of American’s visions of diversity, anti-Semitism, negative attitudes about Atheists, gender and family in religious communities, and more.
new data will released in 2014.

18. What are some of the advantages?
Religious Advantage
What are some of the advantages?
Though seldom intentional or apparent, there are advantages to being religious in the U.S.

19. Religious Advantage
Public offices, groups, events often shun non-religious
Public offices, groups, events, agencies often require religious affiliation
Public services and charities
Official documents
Lucky holidays!
Freedom of speech, freedom of expression
Benefit of the doubt and trust based on your stated religious affiliation
Many offices, groups, or events are religious (include prayer, references to a specific religion, include religion in their common culture)
Example: Two major local domestic violence awareness/fundraising events – VERY religious. But domestic violence affects everyone. Secular and religious minority individuals attending those events feel marginalized and alienated from public assistance.
Example: Some work meetings or events might start out with a prayer, requiring those in the room who do not share the belief system to either pretend to be like everyone else and “pass” for religious or “out” themselves publicly by not participating.
Some public groups/charitable agencies require or expect a particular religious affiliation
Example: Some charitable agencies require affiliation with religion / open expression of religion in order to participate as a volunteer or even to receive services.
Official documents highlight majority privilege and devalue minorities:
Our Pledge of Allegiance uses the phrase “Under God” (added to the Pledge in 1957)
god is referenced on our money (started in the civil war (coins) and in the 50’s on the paper money)
When swearing an official oath you are asked to express, or pretend to express, allegiance to god.
State holidays coincide with personal religious holidays
Freedom of speech:
Open display religious slogans on shirts/bumper stickers less likely to result in vandalism and other negative consequences
It is “okay” to talk about your religious group, church, etc. – If you say my “Atheist friends” the way folks say “my Church friends” you get a much different reaction
Those who share your worldview give you the benefit of the doubt based you’re your proclamation of sharing their faith.
Comments like “He is good because he goes to my church”

20. Quote from a Central Florida
woman (Jan 2014):
“So difficult! It’s one of my goals to be more open about my lack of religious beliefs in society, but I am a coward too.”
Why people speak up for themselves and others
In this section we’ll talk a little about
WHY some people are vocal about religious diversity, or about their particular minority religious or non-religious perspective.
Consequences people may face when they speak up
Then we’ll talk about resources and responses.
Courageous Voices

21. Speaking Up -Breaking the Silence-
reinforces:
Speaking up
The subject is taboo Exclusive practices – topic should be avoided
The subject has value
Inclusive practices – topic should be open
Discrimination and intolerance of different perspectives
Acceptance and inclusion of diverse world views
Not everyone needs to speak up. But when some people do it helps us to break the silence and bring into conversation things that we can do to help each other and to be more accepting of others.
Some just want to be able to be okay to be discussed and be accepting of others.
Other people may be able to speak out more publicly and stand up for others to promote inclusiveness.

22. Speaking Up -Breaking the Silence-
Reasons individuals come out as not sharing the mainstream religion
Honesty
Self-Identity
Genuine connections
Integrity
Promoting inclusiveness
Normalizing
Reasons individuals come out as not sharing the mainstream religion
Want to be honest about their self identity - Tired of hiding their core belief system
Genuine friendships and connections: To feel closer to those around them who accept them as they are
To pursue personal integrity – be true to who they are
To show that being a non-theist is OK – to create community and let others of similar beliefs know they are not alone.

23. Speaking Up -Breaking the Silence-
We can help reduce discrimination and support others feel included by:
Ways to reduce discrimination and support individuals come out as not sharing the mainstream religion
Be a Secular SafeZone Ally – or just be non-judgmental and aware of resources if someone comes to you for advice.
Be aware of prejudiced actions around us, and speak up for others
If you experience harassment or bullying, what are our campus resources? Ombuds office, Counseling Center, Victim Services, UCF Police Department
Learn more about varied belief systems – like you’re doing today
Evaluate our own misperceptions so that we don’t perpetuate unfair generalizations
BE inclusive – demonstrate including others in your actions
Keep in mind that when you’re in a group, you are among both visible and invisible diversities
If you are in a leadership position – leading a group, an event, a fundraiser, a volunteering event, or a meeting – and you invite the diverse public, remember to include and respect the diverse public.

24. Speaking Up -Challenges-
Labeling oneself takes time, thought, and courage.
Discussion point: What are some of the challenges or discriminations that individuals might face when either coming out as not part of the mainstream religions or even just as someone standing up for them?
Losing friendships
Rejection by family
Speaking up against religion is often thought to be arrogant and unnecessary (“why can’t you just keep it to yourself?” “Do you have to tell people? It embarrasses the family.”
Loss of support from community - feeling left out and without a support system
Complete loss of faith community – complete alienation
Rumors and gossip
Abuse and harassment
Loss of job
Hostile environment (home, work, school)
Impact to self esteem
NEVER OUT ANYONE.

25. Resources Finding support, assistance, activities, and friendships
Let’s talk about resources. Faith communities are often well-established and well-funded so that they can be very visible and organized.
There are communities for minority faith and non-faith individuals also, as well as help with issues from faith questions to volunteering with others to assistance with discrimination.
These are for your own reference, but also to share with others.
All of these resources are either listed in your handout, or listed on the website on your hand-out.
Resources

26. Local (Central Florida) Events State National
Resources
College Campus
Local (Central Florida)
Events
State
National
Campus Resources – SSA
List a few of the local resources in the community
BNMO, HAFree, CFFC, FACTS, COR, RR, SCA, Addiction Recovery
Talk about State and National Programs – resources (how to get more information on
- American Atheists, AHA, FFRF, Skeptic Society, CFI

28. Secular and Religious Resources - UCF
DAVID _ RESEARCH Ombuds Office UCF Office of Diversity Initiatives UCF Counseling Center UCF Campus Faith and Ministries Office Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employee Relations UCF Secular SafeZone Representatives
Discuss relevant assistances provided by each one of these offices.
Ombuds – impartial, confidential solution-oriented guidance
ODI – trainings and guidance for finding groups and resources
Counseling Center
CFM Office – for mainstream religions and some minority religion resources
EOAA – for discrimination complaints (legal, or advice)
Employee Relations – for faculty and staff, regarding workplace environment
UCF Secular SafeZone Representatives – non-judgmental, confidential discussions, providing resources. We’re going to touch on the safezone in a few minutes.

29. This is the final section of the presentation
This is the final section of the presentation. You are not in any way obligated to sign up for this; we are just going to share with you what the national Secular SafeZone project is. If you are interested in being an ally, please see me after this class, or contact me via the information on your handouts. If you do decide to be an ally, this workshop qualifies you.
The National Secular Student Association (SSA) recognizes the need for our secular students (and other individuals) to have individuals that they can speak with safely about their faith issues and folks who can openly provide them with appropriate resources. What do we mean by “Safe”? Non-judgmental; confidential; objective.
SafeZone representatives put out a visible sign to let others know they are approachable.