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With at least 10 clubs and organizations devoted to some type of religion on Miami University's campus, not one club has been dedicated solely to the secular views of students, until the recent establishment of the Secular Students of Miami (SSM).
According to a 2006 survey from the Office of Institutional Research, 79 percent of Miami students believe in some sort of a god. SSM hopes to account for this percentage of students who fall on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to religion. While there is a club representing virtually every religion on campus, there has not been one to represent the students who are skeptical and question its validity, until now.
"By promoting skepticism and encouraging questions, we hope to create tolerance and understanding for people who have a secular worldview, as well as provide a community for atheists, agnostics, humanists, and other secularists," said Eric Frey, one of the co-presidents of SSM.
The club has received positive feedback in the short time it has been established.
"True to the suspicions of all the officers, it seems this club is just what Miami has been in need of," said Abigail Zofkie, co-president of SSM. "Our first meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 29 played host to about 48 interested students. It was standing room only in our little room in Culler (Hall)."
SSM members say their advertising techniques-both Facebook.com and sidewalk chalk drawings-have worked.
"Our Facebook group currently has 65 members," Zofkie said. "Compare that to Ohio State University's group for their secular club which has about 75 members. The other officers and I have been receiving e-mails and Facebook posts from countless members expressing their gratitude for us having started this group."
Lauren Meyer, a sophomore Miami student shares her opinion of SSM.
"I think it's great that someone has taken initiative to create this organization," Meyer said. "It will help encourage students who have previously felt insecure about their beliefs to feel comfortable enough to express themselves."
Throughout the year, the club hopes to have official events that would include speakers, discussions, and anything that helps to spread awareness of their organization. They also encourage any students to join who are curious, regardless of religious affiliation.
Through the formation of SSM, the founders hope to dispel what they believe to be the negative stereotype that has traditionally been associated to people who have secular beliefs.
"Atheists, agnostics, humanists, and secularists are currently the most despised and misunderstood minority in our country today," Zofkie said. "In starting SSM, we wanted to provide a community for secularists where they can come out of hiding and stop feeling ashamed for what they think. We want to prove the many unflattering stereotypes about secularists to be wrong. We are caring, responsible, and compassionate group, and we're ready to join together and make our presence known for the better."
SSM is also drawing in students outside of the secular realm.
Senior Vincent Bugeja, a Campus Crusade for Christ member, attended the first SSM meeting and plans on continuing to do so in an effort to see what the new club is about, in addition to gaining an open perspective.
"I wanted my own perspective and to show them that you can be a Christian and think and rationalize your faith," Bugeja said.
If interested in SSM, meetings are held weekly at 8 p.m. Wednesdays in 220 Culler Hall.
