The Evidists (a draft)
Who are Evidists?
- Evidists believe that only opinions based on scientific reasoning and evidence are valid. Everything else is bull shit or baseless speculation.
- Evidists require scientific evidence as the basis for their beliefs and spirituality.
- Evidists avoid folk wisdom and empty theorizing.
- Evidists understand their ethical and moral responsibilities to humanity, society, and the environment.
- Humanity includes parental responsibilities.
- Society includes their work, community, nation, and other nations.
What are Evidist principles?
- 1) Pursuit of knowledge based on evidence.
- 2) Pursuit of ethics and morality based on responsibility to humanity and the environment.
- 3) Pursuit of discovery and curiosity with the scientific method of inquiry and reasoning.
- 4) Pursuit of improvements to ourselves, society, government, and the environment.
- 5) Pursuit of well-being through positive friendships and lifestyle selections.
- 6) The recognition that what affects our lives are:
- a) The laws of physics, chemistry, and biology.
- b) Our attitude and health.
- c) How we find purpose and meaning in life through our work, personal relationships, and interests.
- 7) The recognition that secular spirituality includes awe and wonder about nature, exploration and discovery of new knowledge, and finding purpose and meaning in life.
- 8) The recognition that mysticism and dogma are counter to responsible and healthy reasoning and judgment.
- a) Dogma-based beliefs are a threat to peace, humanity, society, and the environment.
- 9) To create a welcoming and supportive community that welcomes converts from religions.
Where are Evidists?
- Potentially world-wide. The philosophy and concept is still in development and there is no membership drive at this time.
Why are there Evidists?
- To bring people together world-wide to advocate for our principles and help people build productive and meaningful lives with the benefits of rational thinking.
- To actively push-back against non-evidist based belief systems for the well-being of individuals, society, humanity, and the environment.
- To raise money to advance these goals, including a paid staff and extensive use of media.
How to join the Evidists?
- For now signup for the newsletter and check the boxes for your interests. We will set up social network software on this site for the membership once organizing gets underway.
- Members are expected to help support the movement with some combination of time, expertise, and/or money. Some activities cost no money and little time but can be a huge help.
What are the benefits of an evidence-based world view?
- More effective decision-making at all levels from personal to social to business to government.
- Better human relations.
- Better morals and ethics.
- Where is the evidence for the benefits? To be assembled here by the members.
How is Evidists.org different than other secular and atheist organizations?
- Evidists will actively evangelize rational thinking using media and direct methods. We will work with other secular organizations and support their projects and goals whenever possible.
- Evidists will raise money for specific projects and some of those projects could be with other secular, scientific, or related organizations.
- Evidists vote for projects and have control over how their donations are spent.