Humanism

The Meaning of Humanism

The Victorian Humanist Society put it this way: A Humanist is a person who aims:

1. to help create a society in which a person may reach their full potential, free from supernatural beliefs;

2. to foster a scientific approach to human problem-solving.

A humanist celebrant is required to have a more qualified stance. To be a Humanist means primarily to be dedicated to the best of human values and to put them into practice in your own life. This further means that Humanists can develop rational moral stances and ideals which are most needed in a society at the time. There are values which humanists share with religions. The Christian story of the Good Samaritan stands for compassion and rejects racism. We would totally agree with that. The new testament urges Christians to feed the hungry, show hospitality to the stranger, to clothe the poor, to care for the sick and to visit the prisoner. These a humanist ideals as well.

Unfortunately, some religions, which may have done great good in the past, often stick to beliefs which are often ultimately harmful. E.g. when the population of the earth was small, the biblical dictum “go forth and multiply” may have been justified, but now the earth is overpopulated, may end up being extremely harmful.

Humanists once used to be very strict about the meaning of Humanism and the qualifications for designating oneself as a humanist celebrant. Basically it means that you do not believe in, or effectively practice, a religion bonded to a supernatural infrastructure. Or at least you do not intrude any such beliefs into your celebrancy practice. It also means you never presume to suggest religious (as distinct from moral) content in a ceremony. This does not mean you cannot promote values which we share with certain religions.

On the other hand, many non-believers in religion choose readings from the bible or similar because of the literary beauty of the quote, or as a cultural connection to family tradition, or to respect family or friends who are religious. But this is not be presumed unless it is raised by the client. This is a position defended by the prominent atheist philosopher, Alain de Botton among others. A refined and nuanced view is needed.