TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, July 12, 1962. Letter to Mr. Alan R. Lichter answering the recipient’s question, “Do you consider active affiliation with an organized religion to be a positive or negative factor in the development of a mature individual intellect?” In part: “Most religions are based upon supernaturalism and dogmatism, and I think that active affiliation with an organized religion of this sort is in general a negative factor…because it forbids thought about certain questions and requires the acceptance of authoritative, dogmatic statements….Most organized religions…are backward in this respect. I am a member of the American Humanist Association and a member of the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles. These memberships do not require a belief in God or acceptance of any other dogmatic, supernatural, or revelational beliefs. Both…are rational philosophies, which reject the mysticism and supernaturalism of the revealed religions, but are based upon the principle of service for the good of all humanity, of application of new ideas, of scientific progress, for the benefit of all man—those now living and those still to be born. These organized religions (if it is proper to call them religions) encourage independence of thought and support ethical principles. I believe that association with them can be a positive factor in the development of a mature individual intellect.” In fine condition. RR Auction COA.
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