For those who ask what was accomplished in the Sixties and whether the gains from that time have eroded, who wonder if our nation today, with Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and climate strikes, is built on the lessons of the Sixties, a new book, “Our Sixties, An Activist’s History,” by Paul Lauter, offers answers.Read More
Recent News And Opinion
An Ethical Blueprint for America
Although politics feels all consuming right now, behind the focus on policies and platforms rest our moral values, which at the deepest levels bind our society together and will be the foundation on which we rebuild, says Leader Joe Chuman in this column.Read More
Change is in the Air
The brilliant colors on the trees, the opportunities to vote, the retirement of our Society’s leader, and new ways of coming together for platforms and socializing all point to change, says Susan Lesh in this month’s column.Read More
America, the Exceptional Nation: Are We, Should We Be, Can We Be?
Today, our exceptional nation is put to the test, but what we are experiencing now, however trying, may lead to the maturation of American society. In this column, leader Joe Chuman says our exceptionalism may be rooted in the ability of America to renew itself.Read More
New Member Gail Farber Introduces Herself
New Society member Gail Farber was a practicing pediatrician for 50 years, has a Quaker and secular humanist background, and has discovered a love of photography.Read More
Peter Kasturas Rejoins Society
After moving from North Jersey to South Carolina last year, Peter Katsuras has rejoined our Ethical Culture Society. In re-introducing himself, Peter talks about his teaching career in Oradell as well as his new adventures. Read More
Society Starts Planning for Transition to New Leadership
While our Society celebrates the remarkable leadership of Joe Chuman as he prepares to retire after nearly 50 years with us, we are laying the groundwork for a careful and thoughtful transition to eventual new leadership.Read More
From Idea to Test Launch, Houseboat Jersey Girl Holds Five Years’ Worth of Lessons
Like many things in life, boatbuilding is an exercise in problem-solving, says boatbuilder, problem solver, and Society member Jim Norman as he shares the story–so far–of Jersey Girl the houseboat. Read More
Showing Up
RBG kept showing up, even with all of her setbacks…I need to show up, too, says Society President Susan Lesh. In this column, she says she is ready to show up and fight for the things our Ethical community cares about, including systemic racism, voting rights, and climate change. Read More
Our Sunday SchoolToddlers through Teens
We provide a sense of belonging in an established community of people actively living according to their ethical ideals.Read More...
You've got FAQsWe have Answers
What is the Ethical Society and the Ethical Movement? Which goals are stressed when developing curriculum? How are parents involved in the classes?Read More...
Youth GroupAges 14 to 22
Our Youth Group is a place for our Sunday school graduates (usually aged 14 to 22) to do good work and hang out.Read More...
Our longest-running Adult Ed program is an official chapter of the Socrates Cafe movement to bring philosophy outside the academic setting. It started in Montclair, NJ to help those of us who are not professional philosophers develop our critical-thinking skills by interacting respectfully and actively with others who share a love of ideas.
Socrates CafeLast Monday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up
We show all kinds of films, including Indies, Lost Classics and some mainstream Hollywood productions to provoke discussion. Some are pure fluff - but really good fluff! We follow the film with a discussion. But this isn't a classroom and the discussions aren't academic. There is an opportunity to share your reaction with others informally.
Bergen County Film SeriesFirst Friday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up
Come spend an evening developing any true personal story - 15 minutes or so – about a real event or experience, big or little, that you might like to share with an audience. Workshops are led by members who have MOTH development training. Learn:
How to select a life event, frame the story, develop it, and share it in an entertaining way.
Do Tell! True Stories NightUsually 2nd Friday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up
iChildhood
In this column, Janet Glass explores the challenges of raising children in a wired world, which requires a new type of awareness from parents.
The Spread of Democracy
Democracy is spreading. This column by our representatives to the UN describes what that means for human rights.
Religion and Religious Violence
Leader Joseph Chuman discusses how religion relates to violence in general and to terror in particular.
The Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Each Side’s Contrasting Narratives
Each side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its own narrative. What is important for understanding of both sides is to know what they leave out.
How to Tell the Difference Between Right and Wrong
Let us make up a myth to provide ourselves with moral backbone. As long as we are careful to bear in mind that it is a myth, the overall effect should be positive.
Ethical Dilemmas of Globalization
Some say globalization has created a runaway world. Our UN correspondent looks at the contentious issue of globalization in trade and its effects on the poor as well as the rich.
Darwin’s Challenge to Religion and the Religious Response
Leader Joseph Chuman looks at why creationism is so popular and offers a proper religious response to Darwinism.
Free Will: The Last Great Lie
Robert Gulack assembles all the available evidence, which has piled higher and higher in the last 100 years, to refute the notion of free will.
What to Do When Life Is Not Fair
The antidote to injustice is action. Take unfairness and transform it into a task, says Leader Joseph Chuman.
