Aretéanism is a "humanist" religion, which means that rather than worshiping either supernatural or natural phenomena, we believe that as human beings our focus should be on the human experience. Aretéans believe that humans can be both great and good, and we ought to do everything in our power to be so.
Features of Aretéanism
In common practice, Aretéanism has:
Sunday services called "convocations" where we:
Sing together
Listen to uplifting sermons
Develop a close-knit community
Use symbolism and ritual to reinforce our commitments to our philosophy
Three simple tenets around which all of our other beliefs are founded
Be People of Areté
Seek Greater Understanding
The Intent of the Law, Is the Law
We are run by a "lay-clergy"
All community leaders are volunteers who come from the regular body of members
Donations are never required for membership or participation
We regularly engage in charitable and educational activities as these concepts are fundamental to our beliefs
Unlike traditional churches, we do not:
Pray to unseen beings
Worship any kind of supernatural phenomena
Claim a monopoly on truth or offer "salvation"
Teach that we should do anything for any other reason than its self-evident, intrinsic good for ourselves and humankind
Discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, physical or psychological aptitude