Understand humanism

[RyGuyFly]

I was researching humanism and I'm a little confused.

 

Is it a religion? Ideology? Philosophy?

 

I understand that there are "humanist organizations" Do they have meetings? Churches? Congregations? Literature? Do they preach?

 

I guess what I'm looking for too is it like an organization that people belong to? Like "baptized into" sorta thing? Like do you become a member? Or is it just like saying that you are of a certain school of thought?

 

Your help us appreciated :-D have a good day.

[Phi for All]

Or is it just like saying that you are of a certain school of thought?

 

For me, Humanism is more like this. I don't see any need for god(s) as an explanation for anything. I'm not anti-god(s), but since I see no real evidence to make me think otherwise, I prefer to invest my time and efforts in my fellow humans, with an idea towards a society where humans are considered more a part of nature, benevolent custodians by right of intellect, responsible for making sure we behave responsibly.

 

Rational thought is needed for solving our problems, but religion is mostly emotional appeals. Emotions have their place, we base our morality on emotions a lot, but reason is needed when trying to discover what reality is. Humanism attempts to adjust our perspectives so we focus more on what's known, and how build on that to know more, rather than wasting time on supernatural wishes and guesswork.

[RyGuyFly]

I recently watch a youtube video with a speaker named AC Grayling. I was impressed because I felt similarly about most everything he was talking about. I had never heard anyone speak about these things before. So im oddly surprised that there might be other people out there that share my world view. I feel that I am a bit of a philosopher at heart and that these things are important to me. It seems like the people around me don't seem to care about these things.

 

Its almost as if the entire purpose of religion is to suppress your capacity to learn, reason, or do. If there is a God that imbued us with these special gifts why would he forbid their use? That's essentially what religion does. Its just whitewashed with emotions. I was thinking religion/God is almost like a parent gifting their child a box of crayons and forbidding its use. And telling them the punishment for using the crayons is death, or worse eternal torment. And they say to the child that they themselves are the personification of love...

 

That's not love. That's abuse!

 

My other questions for you;

 

Do you observe religious holidays? Like Christmas?

Do you call your self a "humanist" like someone might call themselves a "catholic"?

How do you find others of like mindset?

Edited October 28, 2015 by RyGuyFly

[Phi for All]

Do you observe religious holidays? Like Christmas?

Do you call your self a "humanist" like someone might call themselves a "catholic"?

How do you find others of like mindset?

 

1. I observe the time off, the giving of gifts, the festivities and decorations with friends and family, the thankfulness and thoughtfulness of the season. I don't do anything remotely religious.

 

2. I do call myself a humanist if someone else uses a religious descriptor for themselves. I do it as a way to explain I'm not religious.

 

3. Don't bring up religion, try to use rational thought whenever possible, and pay attention to those who listen.

[RyGuyFly]

Thank you.

 

Very interesting. I personally have never observed Christmas so I find it odd that the majority of the non-religious don't see any hypocrisy in being involved with Christmas festivities and traditions. On one had I suppose if there is no God to judge you then what does it matter what you do. On the other hand it appears to me that Christmas is the product of centuries of lies and, in the past 100 years at least, heavy commercialism. I would think people would feel it was contradictory to the principles of humanism but it seems many people don't feel that it is.

 

Its interesting that in the past when I was religious it seemed as though the people around me were very non-religious. But now it seems that everyone around me is highly-religious lol. Perhaps its just my perspective that has changed.

 

I was there was an organization that one could belong to or a community that one could associate with.

[Phi for All]

I personally have never observed Christmas so I find it odd that the majority of the non-religious don't see any hypocrisy in being involved with Christmas festivities and traditions. On one had I suppose if there is no God to judge you then what does it matter what you do. On the other hand it appears to me that Christmas is the product of centuries of lies and, in the past 100 years at least, heavy commercialism. I would think people would feel it was contradictory to the principles of humanism but it seems many people don't feel that it is.

It's a time of shared camaraderie with fellow humans. I don't participate in anything that would be against my principles. If I make the mistake of judging all these humans based on the religions or traditions of their parents, then I won't be able to interact with them at all at a time when most people are in a fairly compassionate, sharing, cooperative mood. I would be the guy on the outside beating on the door of the church, telling them the warmth they feel inside is just an illusion.

 

It would be ineffective. The view from a high horse is only personally satisfying. To deal with people, you need to be on their level to see their perspective.

 

I was there was an organization that one could belong to or a community that one could associate with.

I'm sure there are. They would be great resources for guidance. There are many secular community organisations, but you have to make sure your local group doesn't have a religious agenda. Rotary International has been helping to wipe out polio worldwide, but some chapters have had criticism about bringing religion and prayer into their meetings. It's all about people, so find the right ones. They're out there, but be warned; they aren't prone to being judged. Probably stems from their avoidance of religion.

[iNow]

I was there was an organization that one could belong to or a community that one could associate with.

http://americanhumanist.org/Who_We_Are/About_the_AHA

[imatfaal]

iNow has listed a local Humanist Association for you - here is a little history of some of the early forms in the UK

The Rationalist Association https://newhumanist.org.uk/history

The Ethical Society https://conwayhall.org.uk/ethical-society/- this society is seriously old; I will be at their annual general meeting in a few days time and just love the whole quaint set up.

 

Here is a very very simple site about humanism - ACG is one of the contributors

http://www.simpleguidetohumanism.org.uk/

[Ophiolite]

I personally have never observed Christmas so I find it odd that the majority of the non-religious don't see any hypocrisy in being involved with Christmas festivities and tradition.

Christmas can be seen symbolically as a time of rebirth, of hope for the future, of giving, of desire for peace and cooperation. These are all noble sentiments, so I see nothing hypocritical about sharing in the celebration.

 

That said, the early Christians "stole" the festival of Saturnalia, a time of over-consumption and excess and turned it into Christmas. So, as the winter solstice approaches I celebrate and embrace Saturnalia, thereby honouring my ancestors and giving turkeys a reason to be fearful.

 

As a side note, when my daughter and her husband married they chose a humanist ceremony, led by a humanist "official", complete with congregation, an astounding a capella rendition of "The first time ever I saw your face" by one of their friends, all in one of the most beautiful private chapels in the country.

[RyGuyFly]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your feedback. It will take time for me to recover from the authoritarian and cult-like religion of my youth.

 

I will check out your links when I get to sit down at a PC.

 

Another question... are there humanist songs? Lol. I'm asking because the religious songs of my youth meant a lot to me. But my conscience no longer allows me to sing them because they go against my principles. It's a weird thing.

[imatfaal]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your feedback. It will take time for me to recover from the authoritarian and cult-like religion of my youth.

 

I will check out your links when I get to sit down at a PC.

 

Another question... are there humanist songs? Lol. I'm asking because the religious songs of my youth meant a lot to me. But my conscience no longer allows me to sing them because they go against my principles. It's a weird thing.

 

Just sing them and keep your fingers crossed There is an Atheist get together near me where we sing hymns just cos they are very good to sing in company - everyone feels uplifted as it is an easy and rewarding joint enterprise. Whilst there are also other songs to sing - the Internationale, folk songs, and pop songs - the religious hymns go down very well as they (especially Wesley's) are brilliantly written with crowd participation in mind.

 

are there humanist songs? Give Peace a Chance, Blowing in the Wind, most of Billy Bragg...

[dimreepr]

Another question... are there humanist songs? Lol. I'm asking because the religious songs of my youth meant a lot to me. But my conscience no longer allows me to sing them because they go against my principles. It's a weird thing.

 

 

All you need is love by the Beatles is one that springs to mind; you should consider them, not from a religious standpoint, but from the message/philosophy they stand for, much like imatfaal's suggestions.

 

 

Edit/ To add, if there was ever a humanist song then it has to be Imagine-John lennon

Edited November 23, 2015 by dimreepr