FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about The Fellowship of Science, our beliefs and practices, The Book of Science, becoming a TFOSian, and participating in our community.
Why was The Fellowship of Science (TFOS) created, and what inspired its creation?
TFOS was created because its founder, Nick Afanasiev, appreciated the practical benefits religions can provide—including community, belonging, shared identity, moral and ethical guidance, rituals, and meaningful practices—but did not accept the supernatural claims taught by many religions. He therefore founded TFOS to provide many of the practical functions of religion without relying on claims about gods, supernatural realms, divine revelation, reincarnation, or an afterlife.
What makes TFOS a religion?
TFOS identifies as a religion because it brings together a distinctive worldview, shared beliefs and values, moral guidance, symbols, rituals, practices, a foundational text, and an organized community. It also serves functions commonly associated with religion, including fostering belonging, establishing a shared identity, encouraging reflection and ethical conduct, and bringing individuals together through communal activities.
Is TFOS an atheistic religion?
No. TFOS is best described as non-theistic rather than atheistic. It does not require TFOSian to identify as atheists or make the denial of gods a central condition of membership. TFOS itself does not affirm or worship any gods, however, and its teachings are grounded in a naturalistic worldview rather than supernatural claims.
Does TFOS believe in any gods, supernatural beings, supernatural realms, or supernatural forces?
No. TFOS does not teach that gods, supernatural beings, supernatural realms, or supernatural forces exist. It adopts a naturalistic worldview in which everything that exists is understood as part of the natural world. Claims about reality should therefore be evaluated using evidence, reason, and reliable methods of investigation.
How can a religion be based on science?
TFOS begins with stated ethical priorities, including promoting sustainable flourishing, supporting health, and preventing or reducing avoidable harm and suffering. It then uses scientific evidence to identify behaviors, practices, and conditions that are likely to advance those goals.
Science also informs TFOS’s understanding of the universe, life, the body, the mind, relationships, health, and other subjects addressed by the religion. Scientific evidence does not by itself select every moral value or settle every ethical question, but it can help reveal the likely consequences of different choices. In this sense, TFOS is built upon a foundation of scientific knowledge while remaining a religious and communal framework.
Does TFOS treat science as a religion?
No. Science is a collection of methods and practices for investigating reality, developing explanations, and testing claims against evidence. TFOS is a religion that uses scientific knowledge and methods as its primary evidential foundation. It does not portray science as supernatural, divine, infallible, or an object of worship.
What is The Book of Science?
The Book of Science, abbreviated TBOS, is the foundational and guiding text of TFOS. Written by Nick Afanasiev, it presents the religion’s worldview, beliefs, purposes, moral guidance, rituals, practices, and perspectives on living.
Unlike texts claimed to have resulted from divine revelation, TBOS is not presented as having been written or dictated by a supernatural entity. It is also not considered infallible or beyond revision. Its contents may be corrected, expanded, removed, or otherwise revised in future editions as scientific knowledge advances and better evidence becomes available.
What topics does The Book of Science cover?
TBOS covers a wide range of subjects relevant to a science-based religion. These include the emergence and development of the universe, the evolution of life, the history and fundamentals of science, TFOS’s core beliefs and purposes, its Guiding Principles, and the Threats to Thriving.
The book also addresses the body and mind, healthy living, morality, good and “evil,” common myths and misconceptions, rituals, meditative practices, mantras, prosocial behavior, mortality, grief, bereavement, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future. It includes science-themed stories, parables, and poetry, as well as an invitation to become a TFOSian and guidance for participating in TFOS.
Is The Book of Science considered a sacred or infallible text?
No. TBOS is set apart for religious use and is treated as the foundational and authoritative guiding text of TFOS, but it is not considered holy, divine, or the product of supernatural revelation. It is also not considered infallible. If strong evidence warrants a correction, addition, removal, or other revision, the relevant content should be reconsidered and updated.
Can The Book of Science change as scientific knowledge advances?
Yes. TBOS is expected to change as scientific knowledge advances. Its content may be added to, removed, corrected, or revised so that it remains as consistent as reasonably possible with the best available evidence. This openness to revision is one reason its first edition is explicitly identified as the “First Edition.”
Is buying The Book of Science necessary to become a TFOSian?
No. Neither buying nor reading The Book of Science is required to become a TFOSian, although reading it is strongly recommended. It provides the most complete explanation of TFOS’s beliefs, purposes, Guiding Principles, Threats to Thriving, rituals, practices, and moral guidance.
Prospective TFOSian may join before finishing the book and continue reading it afterward. Reading it before requesting admission, however, can help someone make a more informed decision about whether TFOS is right for them.
What kinds of beliefs does TFOS encourage or discourage?
TFOS encourages individuals to proportion their beliefs to the available evidence, remain open to questioning and revision, and use science to inform consequential decisions. It supports the pursuit of individual and collective flourishing, health, knowledge, constructive relationships, and the prevention or reduction of avoidable harm and suffering. It also promotes intellectual humility, curiosity, critical thinking, and a naturalistic understanding of reality.
TFOS discourages unsupported supernatural and paranormal claims, pseudoscience, misinformation, hatred, evidence-free fatalism, and choices that sacrifice substantial long-term well-being for minor short-term gratification. It encourages purposeful action when action can improve an outcome, while recognizing that uncertainty, limitations, and legitimate disagreements must sometimes be acknowledged.
Additional beliefs encouraged or discouraged by TFOS are discussed in The Book of Science.
What does TFOS teach about morality?
TFOS begins with the ethical commitments that flourishing, health, and well-being are generally desirable and that preventable harm and suffering should, where reasonably possible, be avoided or reduced. Scientific research can then help identify how particular behaviors, habits, environments, and decisions tend to affect these outcomes.
Science alone cannot select every moral value or automatically resolve conflicts among competing interests. Ethical reasoning, context, uncertainty, fairness, and the effects on different individuals must also be considered. TFOS brings scientific evidence and ethical reasoning together to develop practical guidance intended to promote individual and collective thriving while preventing or reducing harm and suffering.
Where can I find TFOS's moral teachings and Guiding Principles?
TFOS’s Guiding Principles and most of its moral teachings are presented in The Book of Science by Nick Afanasiev, the foundational and guiding text of TFOS. The book also explains the Threats to Thriving—conditions, behaviors, and influences that can undermine individual or collective thriving and that should, where reasonably possible, be avoided, reduced, eliminated, or mitigated.
Particular Guiding Principles, Threats to Thriving, and other moral lessons may also be discussed during Weekly Gatherings and through other TFOS materials. However, The Book of Science contains the most comprehensive presentation of TFOS’s moral guidance.
How does TFOS decide what is morally right or wrong without belief in a god?
TFOS does not depend on divine commands to establish moral guidance. It begins with the ethical priorities of promoting individual and collective flourishing and preventing or reducing avoidable harm and suffering. It then uses scientific evidence and careful reasoning to evaluate how behaviors, choices, habits, and social conditions are likely to affect those outcomes.
This does not mean that every moral question has a simple scientific answer. Ethical decisions may involve uncertainty, competing interests, and difficult tradeoffs. TFOS therefore combines evidence about likely consequences with thoughtful consideration of context and the well-being of those affected.
What are some of the rituals and practices of TFOS?
TFOS has a variety of rituals and practices intended to foster fellowship, reflection, gratitude, awe, kindness, well-being, and continued learning. One of the simplest is the use of SAPIENTIOR ESTO, which may be spoken or written when greeting another TFOSian, used at the conclusion of a Weekly Gathering, or used more generally as TFOS’s motto and sign-off. It means “Be wiser” or “Be more wise.”
Weekly Gatherings provide opportunities for TFOSian and visitors to meet, learn, reflect, discuss TFOS teachings and scientific subjects, strengthen community, and participate in other rituals and practices. TFOS also recommends gratitude journaling at least once each week.
Other rituals and practices include Awe Walks, the Breathwork Practice, the Monthly Act of Kindness, the Psilocybin Ceremony, and Discovery Day rituals. Their purposes and instructions are explained in The Book of Science. Effects can vary among individuals, and no practice should be treated as a substitute for appropriate medical or mental-health care. Participation in any practice involving a controlled substance must also comply with applicable laws and appropriate health safeguards.
Are TFOS's rituals and practices mandatory?
No. TFOS’s rituals and practices are voluntary, although participation is generally encouraged because they are intended to promote flourishing, support well-being, and strengthen fellowship and belonging.
Not every practice will be appropriate for every individual. TFOSian should consider their health, circumstances, preferences, and applicable laws when deciding whether to participate. No one should undertake a practice that would be unsafe, medically inappropriate, or unlawful.
Why does a science-based religion have rituals?
Rituals do not have to be supernatural. At their most basic, they are structured or repeated activities that can serve psychological, social, practical, commemorative, or symbolic purposes. Certain shared rituals and intentional practices may strengthen social bonds, encourage reflection, cultivate positive emotions, and help translate values into action.
TFOS does not assume that a ritual is beneficial merely because it is a ritual, nor does it claim that every TFOS ritual has been experimentally tested in its exact TFOS form. Its rituals are adopted or designed because they have a rational purpose, are informed by relevant evidence where available, or serve valuable communal and symbolic functions without requiring supernatural explanations.
What is a TFOSian?
A TFOSian is a member of TFOS whose request for admission has been approved. There are currently no levels of membership; all admitted members are considered TFOSian. Becoming a TFOSian means choosing to join TFOS as a religion and community and making the good-faith commitment described on the Become a TFOSian page.
After someone submits a request, TFOS may approve it, ask the applicant to revise or clarify part of it, or decline it.
How do I become a TFOSian?
You can request to become a TFOSian through the Become a TFOSian page of this website. There, you can review and complete the Statement of Intention and Good-Faith Commitment and submit your request for admission. If your request is approved, you will receive confirmation that you have become a TFOSian of TFOS.
Before requesting admission, you are strongly encouraged, but not required, to read The Book of Science. You may become a TFOSian before finishing the book and continue reading it afterward. Reading it beforehand, however, is the best way to understand TFOS’s beliefs, moral framework, rituals, practices, and expectations before deciding whether Fellowship is right for you.
Does it cost anything to become a TFOSian?
No. There is currently no fee to request admission or become a TFOSian. Purchasing The Book of Science is also not required, although reading it is strongly recommended because it is TFOS’s foundational and guiding text.
What are the benefits of becoming a TFOSian?
Becoming an active TFOSian may provide community, belonging, social support, shared identity, opportunities for learning and reflection, structured practices, moral guidance, and ways to contribute to the well-being of others. TFOSian may also participate more fully in Weekly Gatherings, discussions, and Fellow-only areas of the TFOS community.
Research involving established religious communities has found associations between active participation and outcomes such as social connection, civic engagement, well-being, and some measures of health. However, these findings do not prove that religious participation alone caused the outcomes, guarantee benefits for every individual, or establish that participation in TFOS will produce the same results. The benefits experienced by a TFOSian will depend on the individual’s circumstances, level of participation, and compatibility with the community
Do I need to attend Weekly Gatherings to be a TFOSian?
No. Attendance at Weekly Gatherings is not a condition of becoming or remaining a TFOSian. Participation is strongly encouraged, however, because Weekly Gatherings are intended to provide many of TFOS’s principal opportunities for fellowship, discussion, learning, reflection, and shared practice. TFOSian may participate as their circumstances reasonably allow.
What happens during a TFOS Weekly Gathering?
Weekly Gatherings have not yet begun, so their structure will continue to develop. The first Weekly Gathering, which is scheduled to be held virtually in December 2026, will provide an opportunity for TFOSian and visitors to greet one another, receive an introduction to TFOS, participate in a brief ritual or practice, and offer feedback and ideas that may help shape future Weekly Gatherings.
Future gatherings may include discussions of TFOS teachings, presentations on scientific subjects, guided practices, community announcements, questions and answers, and opportunities for TFOSian to connect with and support one another.
Are Weekly Gatherings held online or in person?
Weekly Gatherings are initially planned to be held online so that individuals can participate from different locations. In-person gatherings may be organized in the future as TFOS grows and local communities develop.
Can someone participate in TFOS without becoming a TFOSian?
Yes. Individuals do not need to become TFOSian to read The Book of Science, use its guidance, participate voluntarily in its rituals and practices, or attend Weekly Gatherings that are open to visitors.
Some areas of TFOS, including the TFOSian-only Discussion Board on this website, are reserved for admitted TFOSian.
Can someone belong to TFOS while also belonging to another religion?
Yes. TFOS does not prohibit someone from remaining a member of another religion while becoming a TFOSian. However, TFOS cannot guarantee that every other religion, denomination, or congregation permits dual affiliation or that all of its teachings will be compatible with TFOS’s naturalistic worldview. Prospective TFOSian should consider any conflicts between the beliefs or obligations of the two religions.
TFOS welcomes both individuals who belong to other religions and those who do not. TFOSian and visitors should not use TFOS gatherings or community spaces to pressure others to convert to or join another religion. Respectful comparative discussion may be appropriate when it is relevant and welcomed, but unsolicited proselytizing or recruitment is discouraged.
Do I have to agree with everything TFOS teaches to become or remain a TFOSian?
No. TFOSian may question, disagree with, or propose revisions to TFOS’s teachings. Intellectual independence and evidence-grounded disagreement are consistent with TFOS’s scientific foundation.
TFOSian are nevertheless expected to understand the basic identity and purposes of TFOS and to make a sincere, good-faith effort to engage with its principles. Personal disagreement does not require formal proof, but proposals to change an official teaching should be supported by relevant evidence and sound reasoning rather than personal preference alone.
What happens when a TFOS belief conflicts with new scientific evidence?
The belief should be carefully reviewed in light of the new evidence and the larger body of relevant research. A single study will not always justify an immediate change; the study’s quality, methods, relevance, replication, and consistency with other evidence should also be considered.
If the best available accumulated evidence genuinely conflicts with a TFOS belief, the belief should be corrected, qualified, expanded, or retired. Corresponding passages in The Book of Science or other TFOS materials should then be revised when appropriate.
Who determines the beliefs and teachings of TFOS?
Science provides evidence, but people must evaluate and interpret that evidence when developing religious teachings. TFOS leadership is responsible for establishing and revising the organization’s official beliefs and materials, with the goal of relying on broad bodies of high-quality scientific evidence rather than personal preference or the findings of a single study.
As TFOS develops, relevant experts, TFOSian, and other qualified contributors may help inform this process. Official teachings should remain open to scrutiny and revision, and the evidence and reasoning supporting substantial changes should be explained as clearly as reasonably possible.
Does TFOS have doctrines, commandments, or dogma?
TFOS has doctrine in the broad sense of beliefs, principles, and teachings presented by a religion. Its primary doctrinal text is The Book of Science. However, neither the book nor the teachings it contains are considered holy, divinely revealed, infallible, or beyond scrutiny.
TFOS does not have commandments presented as orders from a god or enforced through threats of supernatural punishment. Instead, it has Guiding Principles—recommended rules for living—and Threats to Thriving, which identify conditions, behaviors, and influences that should, where reasonably possible, be avoided, reduced, eliminated, or mitigated.
TFOS does not have dogma if dogma is understood to mean teachings that cannot be questioned or revised. Strong evidence may justify correcting, changing, removing, or adding to any TFOS teaching.
Does TFOS have a position on the meaning or purpose of life?
Yes. TFOS teaches that no reliable evidence establishes a single, externally assigned meaning or purpose that applies indiscriminately to every life. Evolution helps explain why living organisms possess traits related to survival and reproduction, but it does not dictate any individual’s personal purpose.
Individuals can discover, develop, or choose purposes based on their values, relationships, abilities, interests, and circumstances. Research has associated a stronger sense of purpose with several favorable health and well-being outcomes, although having a purpose does not guarantee those outcomes.
TFOS encourages individuals to pursue purposes that support sustainable flourishing and avoid or reduce unnecessary harm and suffering. The Book of Science provides guidance that may help readers identify and develop meaningful directions for their lives.
What does TFOS teach about death and mortality?
TFOS approaches death and mortality according to the best available scientific evidence. Death is a biological reality and, with present capabilities, an unavoidable end to the lives of members of our species. TFOS does not teach that an immortal soul or personal consciousness continues after death, nor does it present reincarnation or another afterlife as established fact. There is currently no reliable scientific evidence demonstrating that personal consciousness continues after the permanent loss of the brain functions necessary to sustain it.
Because TFOS does not promise another life after this one, it places particular importance on making the most of the life we know we have. TFOSian are encouraged to pursue individual and collective flourishing, cultivate meaningful relationships and experiences, care for their health, continue learning, contribute positively to the lives of others, follow the Guiding Principles, and avoid or mitigate the Threats to Thriving wherever reasonably possible.
TFOS also encourages an honest approach to mortality, grief, and bereavement. Recognizing that life is finite can give greater significance to how we use our time, how we treat other beings, the relationships we form, and the effects we leave behind. The Book of Science explores these subjects in greater depth.
Does TFOS believe in an afterlife?
No. TFOS does not teach that there is an afterlife or that personal consciousness continues after death. Consciousness, as far as the available evidence indicates, depends on the functioning of the brain, and there is no reliable scientific evidence that a soul or personal consciousness survives the permanent loss of the brain functions necessary to sustain it.
As with other TFOS teachings, this conclusion remains open to revision if strong, reliable, and reproducible evidence warrants it.
What does TFOS teach about happiness, well-being, and living a good life?
TFOS teaches that happiness and well-being can be cultivated, although no one can control every circumstance or expect to feel happy all the time. Scientific research indicates that relationships, behaviors, habits, health, activities, and environments can meaningfully influence well-being.
Living a good life involves more than pursuing momentary pleasure. TFOS encourages close and supportive relationships, participation in community, care for physical and mental health, meaningful and rewarding activities, continued learning, constructive ways of coping with adversity, and choices that support both individual and collective thriving. Physical activity, gratitude, mindfulness, compassion, and intentional acts of kindness may also contribute to well-being, although their effects differ among individuals.
Close relationships are especially important. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, a long-running study that began in 1938, has found strong associations between satisfying relationships and healthier, happier lives. Such research does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it supports investing in meaningful social connections.
TFOS’s Guiding Principles, Threats to Thriving, rituals, meditative practices, and healthy-living guidance are intended to help individuals build lives characterized by greater health, connection, meaning, resilience, well-being, and happiness.
Does TFOS have symbols? What do they mean?
Yes. Among TFOS’s principal symbols is the Fellowship Circle, which depicts two stylized hands forming a circle with an open center. It represents individuals coming together, fellowship, cooperation, collaboration, continuity, and related ideas.
The Ginkgo biloba tree is another important symbol. It represents growth, stability, longevity, resilience, accumulated knowledge, and the continuation of life across generations. It is also used in the Legacy Tree ritual, in which a ginkgo tree is planted and named in remembrance and honor of someone who has died. The tree serves as a living memorial without implying that the deceased individual’s consciousness continues after death.
The meanings and uses of these symbols are explained more fully in The Book of Science.
Why is it called “The Fellowship of Science”?
The name reflects two central elements of TFOS: fellowship and science. “Fellowship” refers both to friendly association among individuals and to a community united by shared purposes, values, and practices. TFOS is intended not merely to present ideas, but to bring individuals together through mutual support, shared activities, and a sense of belonging.
“Science” refers to the primary evidential foundation upon which TFOS is built. Its understanding of reality and much of its guidance concerning health, well-being, behavior, and flourishing are grounded in scientific knowledge rather than supernatural revelation or unquestionable religious authority.
Together, the words describe a community brought together by a shared commitment to understanding reality through science and using that understanding to help guide how we live.
Is TFOS a political organization?
No. TFOS is a religious and community organization, not a political organization. It is not affiliated with any political party or ideology, and individuals may participate regardless of their political views.
Some subjects addressed by TFOS may have political or public-policy implications. When those subjects are discussed, TFOS seeks to approach them through scientific evidence, ethical reasoning, and practical considerations rather than allegiance to a political party or movement.
Does TFOS tell TFOSian how they should vote or which political views they should hold?
No. TFOS does not tell TFOSian how to vote or require them to hold particular political views. TFOSian are expected to reach their own conclusions through independent reasoning.
TFOS may examine scientific evidence and reliable information relevant to public-policy questions, but such discussion is intended to inform understanding rather than direct anyone’s vote. TFOS does not require adherence to a particular political party, candidate, or ideology.
What is TFOS's position on pseudoscience and misinformation?
TFOS discourages the acceptance and spread of pseudoscience, misinformation, and disinformation. Because it is grounded in science, TFOS encourages TFOSian to evaluate claims critically, seek reliable evidence, distinguish credible findings from unsupported or misleading claims, and remain willing to revise their beliefs when warranted.
Misinformation and disinformation are identified in The Book of Science as Threats to Thriving because false or misleading information can distort people’s understanding of reality, contribute to harmful decisions, undermine trust, and negatively affect individuals and societies. TFOS therefore encourages responsible communication and the correction of false claims when adequate evidence is available.
TFOS also recognizes that people can be mistaken in good faith. Misinformation can be shared unintentionally, whereas disinformation involves deliberate deception. Uncertainty, legitimate scientific disagreement, and the revision of earlier conclusions are normal parts of science. TFOS therefore favors careful evaluation of claims over automatically labeling unfamiliar or controversial ideas as misinformation.
Is TFOS trying to replace traditional religions?
No. TFOS is not trying to eliminate traditional religions or compel anyone to abandon them. It is intended to provide an additional option for individuals who want community, guidance, rituals, practices, meaning, and other functions commonly associated with religion without relying on gods, supernatural revelation, or other claims that lack adequate evidential support.
TFOS hopes to grow substantially if individuals find value in it and may eventually become a major religion and community. That ambition is about making TFOS widely available as another choice, not eradicating other religions. Individuals should remain free to decide which religious or secular worldview they find most compelling.
Do I have to call myself religious to be a TFOSian?
No. TFOS is a religion—specifically, a science-based, non-theistic, naturalistic religion—but TFOSian may describe their personal religious identities in whichever accurate way feels most appropriate to them.
For example, a TFOSian might say, “I am religious but non-theistic,” “I belong to a non-theistic religion,” or simply, “I am a TFOSian of The Fellowship of Science.” Someone who does not ordinarily identify as religious may explain that they belong to TFOS without practicing a theistic or supernatural religion.
What matters for Fellowship is not adopting a particular personal label, but sincerely choosing to participate in TFOS and making a good-faith effort to live in accordance with its principles and purposes.
Where can I learn more about TFOS before deciding whether to become a TFOSian?
The best way to learn about TFOS in depth is to read The Book of Science by Nick Afanasiev, the foundational and guiding text of TFOS. It explains the religion’s beliefs, purposes, Guiding Principles, moral framework, Threats to Thriving, guidance for living, rituals and practices, meditative practices, stories, parables, poetry, perspectives on mortality and the future, and much more.
Prospective TFOSian are strongly encouraged to read the book so that they understand what TFOS teaches and what becoming a TFOSian represents. You can also learn about TFOS throughout this website, including on the About Us, FAQs, and Weekly Gatherings pages. These pages provide useful introductions, but The Book of Science offers the most complete account of TFOS and its teachings.