Secular Humanism vs. Religion

[Petros Agapetos]

As a philosophy, Humanism is usually defined based on something like the following tenets:

1. Reason, evidence, and the scientific method are the best methods of finding solutions to problems and answers to questions, rather than faith.
2. In consequence of the preceding point, rejection of metaphysics and absolute morality.
3. Fulfillment, growth, and creativity are emphasized for both the individual and mankind in general.
4. An emphasis on making this life the best it can be for everyone, since humanists (especially those who include the word "secular") tend to believe that this life is the only one a person gets.
5. A search for a good system of individual, social, and political ethics.
6. An ultimate goal of building a better world for ourselves and our descendants by working together.
7. Mainstream religions are out of date and do not adequately address contemporary problems.
8. Support for democracy, a secular society and human rights.
9. Actions are judged based on their likely consequences (consequentialism).
10. Support for artistic and creative endeavors.
11. Negotiation is to be preferred over violence.
12. Some more recent manifestos call for a "planetary humanism", including environmentalism, having our concerns transcend national and ethnic boundaries, progressive policies such as universal (global) education, anti-discrimination and anti-intolerance of minorities, economic security and health care.

These points are not a dogma or creed. It is not necessary to agree with every idea or every part of any Humanist manifesto to be a Humanist. There is some controversy as to how broadly should Humanism is defined. Some Humanists prefer a simple broad definition and others use a more detailed narrow description.

[Petros Agapetos]

Theistic Objections to Humanism

Humanism Is A Religion:
A. They have a bible: Humanist Manifesto I & II
B. They have an object of worship: Man himself
C. They have a priesthood and missionaries: Public educators
D. They have seminaries: teachers colleges
E. They have temples: schools colleges and universities
F. They are intolerant of other religions

Which, if any, of these positions do you believe in?
Which claim against humanism is most persuasive for you?

[Petros Agapetos]

From its origin, Humanism had religious influences, particularly in the United States. The 1933 "Humanist Manifesto I" was explicitly written to promote a movement that intended to replace existing religions. However, Humanism has evolved since then to distance itself from any specific religious institution, belief or practices but it remains compatible with membership of those other religions. While some Humanists exist within religion, when taken as a whole, Humanism has no set rituals, metaphysical beliefs or scripture. If Humanism is called a religion, we would have to ask if the definition of religion has been stretched so far as to be rendered meaningless. In many ways, this is just an argument over semantics.

Humanists don't actually worship "man himself" or consider schools to be places of worship. Humanists base their actions on different values than traditional religion, but that is not itself an act of worship.
The manifestos are not scripture for Humanists as the documents specifically state they are not a creed or unchanging revealed truth. This is an frequently used straw man attack.
Even if Humanism is a religion, this does not disprove it or have any particular consequence.

"In fact, I consider myself part of this group, as I would never self-identify as “religious.” Nevertheless, there are those within the humanist community who, though as godless as they come, consider humanism to be their religion. And while we could easily spend hours debating which approach is right, most of us realize that, at the end of the day, it’s simply a matter of personal preference"

By using this argument, the tactic of apologists seems to be to aggravate non-religious Humanists rather than actually say anything about Humanism.

[Petros Agapetos]

The Humanist Manifesto states that contemporary religion is at risk of becoming irrelevant in light of the great strides made in human knowledge and religion's failure to address current problems. Religion should aim to assist in "realizing the satisfactory life". Religion requires updating by being a "synthesizing and dynamic force". The following points are affirmed:

1. The universe was not created but is "self-existing".
2. Humans are part of nature.
3. Rejection of Cartesian dualism
4. Religion is a product of culture and humans' interaction with the natural world.
5. Values cannot have a supernatural origin. They are based on the "relations to human needs".
6. Rejection of theism, deism, etc.
7. Religion should be entirely concerned with human actions and experiences.
8. Religion should develop and fulfill the human personality.
9. Religion should be expressed by a "heightened sense of personal life" and social improvement rather than prayer.
10. There are no uniquely religious emotions or attitudes.
11. Support for education and rejection of wishful thinking. It speculates that some form of social order will be necessary.
12. Support for creativity and achievement.
13. Institutions, particularly religious ones, should be reformed to encourage the "fulfillment of human life".
14. Profit motivated society is inadequate. It should be replaced by a "socialized and cooperative economic order".
15. Affirm life, explore the possibilities, "satisfactory life for all, not merely for the few".

[Petros Agapetos]

Do you consider yourself a Humanist?
Are you a secular or religious humanist?
Do you think humanism is like a religion?

Do you consider secular humanism to be a religion?

Do you consider yourself a humanist?

Do you consider yourself to be a secularist? Why and why not?

Please vote on the poll. Thanks, in advance.

[Poise n Pen]

Secular humanism = cuck and extinction, it's as simplle as that.

[Petros Agapetos]

Secular humanism = cuck and extinction, it's as simplle as that.

What does 'cuck' mean? I have heard right wing people use this term often lately. Is this an Alt-Right expression?

[Bezprym]

Sort of, but I was never really thinking about it.

[Petros Agapetos]

Members, do you consider yourselves humanist? if not, why not?

[Petros Agapetos]

As a philosophy, Humanism is usually defined based on something like the following tenets:

1. Reason, evidence, and the scientific method are the best methods of finding solutions to problems and answers to questions, rather than faith.

2. In consequence of the preceding point, rejection of metaphysics and absolute morality.

3. Fulfillment, growth, and creativity are emphasized for both the individual and mankind in general.

4. An emphasis on making this life the best it can be for everyone, since humanists (especially those who include the word "secular") tend to believe that this life is the only one a person gets.

5. A search for a good system of individual, social, and political ethics.

6. An ultimate goal of building a better world for ourselves and our descendants by working together.

7. Mainstream religions are out of date and do not adequately address contemporary problems.

8. Support for democracy, a secular society and human rights.

9. Actions are judged based on their likely consequences (consequentialism).

10. Support for artistic and creative endeavors.

11. Negotiation is to be preferred over violence.

12. Some more recent manifestos call for a "planetary humanism", including environmentalism, having our concerns transcend national and ethnic boundaries, progressive policies such as universal (global) education, anti-discrimination and anti-intolerance of minorities, economic security and health care.

These points are not a dogma or creed. It is not necessary to agree with every idea or every part of any Humanist manifesto to be a Humanist. There is some controversy as to how broadly should Humanism is defined. Some Humanists prefer a simple broad definition and others use a more detailed narrow description.