Everything but the Bible: Nonbelievers to hold first humanist assembly in Chattanooga

Developing Story

There will be no God and no Bible, but it may feel a little like a Sunday service. People will gather in a church, hear a message, listen to some music and enjoy fellowship over a potluck supper.

Jumping on a national trend, Chattanooga will hold its first formal gathering of atheists, humanists and agnostics on Sunday afternoon. As Americans increasingly call themselves nonreligious, many are looking for a way to replicate the community of a church while leaving behind the dogma.

In this part of the country, “Where do you go to church?” is often one of the first questions asked among the newly acquainted. Local humanists say there’s a pronounced need for this kind of organized disbelief in the Bible Belt, where church membership often feels central to identity.

It’s an attempt to put a kind face on atheists, who often are typecast as angry nonbelievers like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. The local group doesn’t want to convince churchgoers they are wrong, but does want to push for acceptance.