Times may have been particularly difficult for atheists at the University, with no real establishment on campus.
The first University Humanist chaplain Barry Klassel, one of four in the entire country, was appointed last spring by the University Religious Life Council.
“Humanism is based on understanding the world not by looking toward gods but observing what goes on around us to reach conclusions,” Klassel said. “We all struggle and feel pain, so we must look toward each other for support.”
The Humanist chaplain’s aim is unique and not duplicated by any other religious group, which is why other religious groups on campus did not see the appointment of Klassel as an issue, said Kerri Willson, associate director of student centers and programs.
“The chaplains of the other religious sections came to the conclusion that a Humanist sect would be agreeable,” Willson said.
Klassel compared the ideas of Humanism to evolution.
“Evolution is a piece of a big puzzle for our survival. We have survived through our ability to understand and communicate with one another,” he said. “These are two characteristics which humanism is all about.”
Gary Brill, a University psychology professor and Humanist, has worked with Klassel for the past five years in establishing a University Humanist chaplain.
“The duties of a chaplain are flexible because each group has their own way of doing things. Barry talks with students, works with other groups and holds meetings,” Brill said.
As a certified Humanist chaplain, Klassel has the legal right to conduct marriages just like religious leaders do, Brill said.
“He does for Humanists what a rabbi or priest does for their religions,” Brill said.
The chaplaincy is intended for students looking for like-minded individuals with whom they may feel free to express themselves, Klassel said.
“The chaplaincy is more permanent than anything we’ve ever had … We want to see each human being recognize their own potential,” he said.
School of Arts and Sciences sophomore William Lopez said he is interested in the Humanists’ point of view.
“It’s a practical concept,” Lopez said. “I’m not sure why anyone could associate it with a negative connotation. It seems pretty reasonable and could have a positive influence here.”
The feature event of the month is a visit from Harvard’s Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein, who will be discussing his recently published book “Good Without God,” on Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m in Hickman Hall on Douglass campus, Klassel said.
“He’s well known throughout the Humanist community and it’s special to have him here at Rutgers,” he said.
But the events are not exclusively aimed at Humanists, Brill said. Other members of the University community are welcome to attend.
“We’re looking to not only serve the humanist community but the entire campus through social events and education events in order to promote awareness, because atheists are traditionally a discriminated group,” he said.
Monthly meetings are held at the Student Activities Center on the College Avenue campus from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Klassel said. This month’s meeting will be held tonight.
Secular morality finds permanent U. chaplain
Published: Monday, October 12, 2009
Updated: Monday, October 12, 2009
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