Secular Humanism - what is it?

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Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 23, 2008 at 8:19pm

I really like the video about "Misconceptions About Atheism" I think it went a long way towards the understanding that I had at what Atheism is. Would you say you are more of an Atheist or Secular Humanist or neither?

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Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 23, 2008 at 8:20pm

Isn't Secular Humanism a Religion in and of itself?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Shoemaker on February 23, 2008 at 9:31pm

Is Secular Humanism a religion? I don't think so. Is it a set of (non)beliefs? Yes.

Check this out...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion

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Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 24, 2008 at 12:50am

.THis is part [2] of the defintion of Religion that you linked me to on WIkipedia: Religion is often described as a communal system for the coherence of belief focusing on a system of thought, unseen being, person, or object, that is considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine, or of the highest truth.

wouldn't The entire site and set of Secular Humanists that develop manifesto's be described as a communal (onilne or otherwise) system for the coherence of belief focusing on a system of thought ( secular humanistic manifesto) of the highest truth. (as those who ascribe to it see fit)

doesn't that fit the definition of religion?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Shoemaker on February 24, 2008 at 9:52am

I think that the fundamental difference between most religions and "Secular Humanism" or "Atheism" is that the latter two CRAVE verification and substantiation by fact.

See... if I challenge your beliefs, you have little but "faith" and my inability to disprove the negative to stand on. If you challenge my beliefs, I have hundreds of years of scientific inquiry to stand on.

If there were a single iota of evidence that could substantiate a supernatural being as the source of the universe, I'd immediately renounce my position. If there were even a shred of evidence that credibly refuted Evolution, I'll eat my hat. AIG and the Discovery Institute don't count. Their "theories" have been routinely discredited.

In the Kitzmiller case, Intelligent Design was kicked out on its ear... by a very Conservative, Bush-appointed, Santorum-supported judge.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Shoemaker on February 24, 2008 at 9:56am

One point: Ben McCann has plenty to say. I'll tolerate his rantings to a point. I make no apologies if I choose to remove him from this list, though. This is NOT an un-moderated forum.

The fact remains that he has most of Western society in which to find support for his beliefs. Most atheists, agnostics and secular humanists don't have such a place of respite. I want this forum to be that: a place to find refuge from the bigotry that many atheists experience out in the world.

That's your warning, Ben. Keep it short. Keep your Answers in Genesis nonsense to yourself. We've seen and heard it all. You have your own sandbox to play in. Play nice here, or I'll boot you.

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Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 24, 2008 at 10:01am

Agreed ;o)

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Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 24, 2008 at 10:07am

Thank you for putting up with my ADD "rants" on other blogs... I submit to your "rules of engagement" in this sandbox :o)... I've got to go to church now... chat with ya'll later ;o)

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Permalink Reply by Justine Jordan on February 24, 2008 at 10:42pm

As a young adult in the United States and particularly Indiana, I often find myself feeling as though I need to defend my non-Christian beliefs. I grew up in a non-religious household and thus am familiar with no religions at all. I am currently trying to learn about the different and varying belief systems of the world simply in order to speak intelligently when these conversations come up.

How much about religion is simply about the need to identify with a group? I must admit that I find some small amount of comfort in knowing there are a group of folks out there that can identify themselves as Secular Humanists and that I feel as though I can share in those beliefs. The same thing can be said for church - oftentimes churches are sources of friends, community and support. It saddens me that the non-religious among us cannot (or simply have not?) participate in a similar type of community gathering.

What are your thoughts on Eupraxsophy, or Unitarian Universalism?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Shoemaker on February 25, 2008 at 10:28am

Glad to hear you sharing, Justine.

There is plenty of data which supports the idea that identifying with a group and finding support within that group plays a huge role in an individual's health and happiness. For some, their church is the first - and for some, only - place to find that connection.

I believe that this is an adapted response/behaviour. It's "evolved" in us. At one point in our history as a species, it became important to remember to stay with the group. Wanderers got eaten. Eaten people can't reproduce.

Much more to chat along these lines...but I do have to get to work sometime today.

Look forward to hearing from the rest of the group.

best to you all....make it a great week.

joe

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Permalink Reply by Heather Brumett on February 27, 2008 at 10:05pm

Aren't Eupraxsophy and Secular Humanism the same thing?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Shoemaker on February 27, 2008 at 10:07pm

smarty pants...

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