FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A FREETHOUGHT OASIS?
Freethought is thought unrestrained by traditions or established beliefs, especially when it comes to religion. Oasis provides a place where all people can come together and feel accepted — wherever they are on their journey — and be part of a non-faith-based community.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT OASIS?
Sunday mornings bring a compassionate community of freethinking individuals together for coffee and live music. Each gathering presents a different topic of discussion—usually something inspirational or motivational, about the human experience, and grounded in reason. For those who wish to continue the conversation, feel free to join us for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Outside of weekly gatherings, we’ll have other social activities, interest groups, and volunteer opportunities.
DOES OASIS HAVE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN?
We’re sorry, at this time we are not able to offer activities for children. We would welcome volunteer energy to make that happen!
WHAT IS THE ATTIRE?
We wouldn’t be a freethinking community if we didn’t say anything goes! Wear whatever makes you comfortable. This is a non-judgmental environment.
HOW IS OASIS DIFFERENT FROM SUNDAY ASSEMBLY?
Sunday Assembly broke new ground in organizing secular families and people. We have much affinity for them, but our vision for achieving community is different. Sunday Assembly meets once a month, whereas we meet weekly. We consider the primary goal of Oasis is building community, and we think more frequency will better achieve that goal. We also want the freedom to decide our own programming and format. This gives us the freedom to let our community shape Oasis—instead of Oasis shaping our community.
HOW IS OASIS DIFFERENT FROM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST?
Although we will probably have a lot in common with Unitarian Universalists, we will differ in our lack of supernaturalism and spiritualism. We love the inclusiveness of the Unitarians, but our goal is not to offer another outlet for spiritual expression. We believe critical thinking, freedom of inquiry, and the scientific method are the best paths to truth.
SO, IS THIS ESSENTIALLY AN ATHEIST CHURCH?
Being devoid of supernaturalism seems to allow the impression that this is just an “atheist church,” but are public schools just “atheist schools” since they are also without supernaturalism? No. The phrase “atheist church” is an oxymoron. Atheist implies a lack of dogma, and church implies dogma. It’s like saying our dogma is a lack of dogma, which is silly. Furthermore, agnostics, deists, and even questioning theists are members of our community, and the phrase “atheist church” neglects their presence and importance. There is no litmus test in joining with us. But again, our goal is not to provide another outlet for spiritual expression.
IS OASIS EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATHEISTS?
Not at all. As mentioned above, we are an all-inclusive community. We cater to anyone and everyone who identifies with the terms Agnostic, Humanist, Freethinker, Atheist, Skeptic, Deists, and questioning Theists. Wherever you are in your freethought journey, you can feel welcome here.
IS OASIS RIGHT FOR ME?
Only you can answer this question. Are you up for celebrating life? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you looking for an inclusive community of like-minded people? Love science and the freedom to think independently? Then yes! Please keep in mind that Oasis is a positive environment. So, if you’re looking to denigrate religion, or preach your favored beliefs, then this probably isn’t the place for you.