Clarifications of Humanism, Secular, Religious and otherwise

[Az]

There seem to be some confusion in regards to the philosophy of humanism. Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. There are a number of structures that have formed up to try to organise this philosophy into some productive. Amongst these are the Council of Secular Humanists chaired by Paul Kurtz. It is this specific group which brought us the Humanist Manifesto. This is specific to their particular organisation.

There are a number of other Humanist associations that may or may not be connected to Kurtz's group. The Manifesto does not speak for all Humanists. This is particularly noteworthy when you consider that there are Humanists that combine Religious traditions with their practice of Humanism. Individuals such as Rabbi Sherwin Wine represent such Religious Humanists.

The Secular Humanists are a group that attempt to place themselves as an alternate to religious groups. Ironically in so doing the create a bit of a linguistic paradox by posessing some qualities that can be construed as a religion if less common definitions of religion are used. Association with any resemblence to religion is clearly not the Secular Humanists intent and thus they reject this notion.

Humanism has become an integral part of our society starting from the dawning of the Age of Enlightenment. With the signing of the Magna Carta the founding principles of humans deciding the paths humans would walk was set in motion. The force that humanism carried within its concepts was revolutionary. Before this time human rights were an unknown concept. The rights of doctrine and kings took precidents over anything so trivial. But once the torch was lit it would not be put out.

Religions that have encounted the humanist revolution have had to incorporate its ideas within their structure. Where once churches had the power of life and death over people they now must bow to Secular government. This is a key difference within western society and Islamic society. Islamic culture never underwent a humanist revolution. Thus their political structure is still shackled to theological dictation.

The presense of oil and power within the Islamic nations has had a chilling effect on what would have otherwise been the natural development of a humanist ideal within their society. Constant struggle and class warfare within the western society gave rise to the conditions by which the people rose up to demand their rights in the face of the church. The social and economic chaos that different sects and factions route upon society weakened the dogmatic hold on secular power.

The Islamic nations would be on path to have undergone such a transformation if it had not been for the discovery of oil under their land. The sudden influx of money and power has effectively staved off the loss of power the theologically based rule would have experienced as the intertribal conflicts rose. By dumping money and weapons into the situation it has halted the progress that would have naturally occurred.

Thus it is that we in the West enjoy the a society based on humanist ideals while religions that oppose such concepts are able to thrive within its embrace. It is the seperation of church and state that allows us our rights and our religions side by side.

[JNelson6563]

1. I never considered it a religion

I consider myself to be a Secular Humanist and I thought it to mean that I believe in working to contribute to the greater good but hold no religious beliefs. I do it simply for the sake of the greater good.

When I came across the Affirmations I found it very interesting that it pretty much summed up my views on things and went on my merry way. I don't belong to a group or attend meetings or continue learning some dogma, doctrine or study manifestos. Just doing the life thing. Don't know why it has to be called a religion.


Julie

[Az]

2. There are groups

That attempt to form up around various humanist ideals. It is these groups that tread into potential religious(depending on how you define religion) territory.

The opposite is also problematic. Does an individual that recieves their belief structure initially from a religious institution but then swears off the structure but keeps the beliefs still refered to as religious? Religion is a remarkably flexible word.

[Pillowbiter]

3. Secular Humanist here also

I've always viewed it more as a philosophy. Just because a bunch of people with the same philosophic beleifs congregate, it doesn't make it a religion. Then again I view theology as philosophy that is intertwined with myth and allegory.

PB

[Trajan]

4. Academically ....

There are about 7 different schools of Humanism ....

The PRIMARY groups we talk (argue) about are considered 'Modern Humanism' and include BOTH Religious Humanism and Secular Humanism traditions .... they are NOT the same .....

On the OTHER thread: ... a manifesto devised by RELIGIOUS humanism was presented as a SECULAR version, which it was not ....

THat whole thread was based on a false premise ...

Oh the HUMANITY ! ....

Chuckles ... good to see you straightening things out Az .....

[Az]

5. Lol

If you ever frequent www.memepool.com ... well lets just say that your "Oh the humanity" comment just set off a bit of a laugh fest over here.