Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY FREETHOUGHT?

Freethought is the idea that opinions about religion should be formed on the basis of reason and independent of tradition, authority, or established belief. Freethinkers include atheists, Humanists, religious skeptics, and those who choose “none of the above” when asked what their religion is. For more information on the labels and the words we use to describe ourselves, see the additional FAQs below.

Why do Freethinkers need Community?

Regardless of religious beliefs, many people have the need to gather with others who have a similar outlook and worldview to their own. The CFFC is doing just that in Central Florida.

See more about our worldview and beliefs below and check out our Facebook events page or Meetup group for information on upcoming events.

do You have membership dues?

We do no currently have a membership dues structure, but we would still appreciate your support. You can find out how to support our work on our Support page.

What is meant by the separation of religion and government?

The United States was the first nation ever to create, in the words of President Thomas Jefferson in his “Danbury Letter,” a “wall of separation between church and state.” This wall is similar to the metaphor used by the founder of the first Baptist church in America, Roger Williams. He described, “…a hedge or wall of separation between the garden of the church and the wilderness of the world.”

Freedom of religion cannot exist in a society unless that society’s government is free from religion. Our constitutional framers, most of whom were religious themselves, knew this. They foresaw a nation that would be more fair and more just for everyone if the government were free from the influences of religion. They drafted a godless constitution along with a Bill of Rights that ensured us a government that would remain secular (the Establishment Clause) where its people were free to practice the religion of their choice (the Free Exercise Clause) or no religion at all.

How does the CFFC help keep religion and government Separate?

The community we are building in Central Florida along with our allies and allied organizations across the state are partners in what we sometimes refer to as “State/Church activism.” This activism involves educating the public about what is and is not permitted when it comes to religion in government. You can read about many of the concerns we have with religion in government at our parent organization’s page here: State/Church FAQ

The CFFC receives dozens of questions and complaints each year regarding religion in government among other related issues. Possible violations are reported to our parent organization’s attorneys who can advise and respond appropriately. When possible and appropriate, we answer questions on topics with which we have become familiar in order to help the public understand their rights.

When you see something, say something! Let us know by messaging us at our Contact us page here.

What groups are you affiliated with?

We are a chapter of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, an affiliate of the American Humanist Association and an affiliate of American Atheists. We have observer status on the Executive Committee of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, we are a volunteer team for the Foundation Beyond Belief, and we are proud supporters of the Florida Humanist Association.

Additionally, we distribute literature and work closely with several other national organizations including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Secular Coalition for America, the Center for Inquiry, The Humanist Society, the Center for Freethought Equality, the Secular Student Alliance, and others.

For a complete list of local freethought groups in Central Florida as well as state and national organizations, check out our Local Allies page here.

How can you be Moral without Belief in a God?

This question can be rejected out of hand for two reasons. First, the assumption that religion or god-belief is needed for someone to be “good” is born out of discrimination against atheists and has no basis in fact. Additionally, if individuals are “well-behaved” because a god has mandated such behavior, they are not moral. They are simply obedient.

However, there are good resources on this subject. Since we are not experts in this area of study, we would refer you to information from other sources. Here are some topics you can research:

• Biological altruism

• Consequentialism

• Humanism

• Secular ethics

WHAT IS ATHEISM?

Atheism (and theism) describes one’s beliefs regarding a god. Simply put, atheism is a lack of belief in the existence of a god. In logical terms, atheism is the rejection of the claim that a god exists. In other words, an atheist remains unconvinced.

While some atheists may believe that no gods exist, this is not typical. The term atheism does not necessarily describe the affirmative belief that no god exists.

Many of the people involved with the CFFC identify as atheists, but because of discrimination against non-believers they might not do so with friends or family who are theists.

What is agnosticism?

Agnosticism describes one’s knowledge. More specifically, it means a lack of knowledge of the existence or non-existence of a god.

Many atheists will describe themselves more thoroughly as agnostic (adjective) atheists (noun).

What is humanism?

Humanism is a positive affirmation of our values as they relate to the lives we live and the decisions we make each day. Unlike atheism, which refers solely to a lack of belief in a god, secular Humanism is a way of describing who we are as opposed to who we are not.

See our page on Humanism for more information.

What is Secularism?

Secularism, as it pertains to public policy, is the idea of the separation of government agencies (including those persons mandated to represent the government) and religious institutions and religious doctrine. Described more specifically, secularism means a government that does not promote religion over non-religion or favor one faith over another.

Do I have to RSVP for events to attend?

It is very important that you RSVP on Facebook, Meetup, or as otherwise requested for CFFC events you are attending. Letting us know that you are attending can ensure that there is enough seating for everyone. If you do not RSVP, your spot at the event is not guaranteed.

You do not have to RSVP using more than one method for each event. For example if the event is listed on Meetup and on Facebook, you need only to RSVP on one site.

Are kids welcome at CFFC events?

Generally speaking children are welcome to attend all CFFC events unless otherwise indicated in the event description. However, there are usually no activities or designated areas for children. Children under age 16 may not be left unattended. Parents or guardians are responsible for their behavior at all times.