Secular Humanism prefrable for the future over Religion

[Egalitarian Zetetic]

Simply put religion is about to drive the world to hell (ironic since i don't adhere to the fictional place)
a good intro for all those critical thinkers who don't buy into myths. And no not all are athiests (i myself am a neo-gnostic)



http://www.secularhumanism.org/intro/what.html

Secular Humanism is a term which has come into use in the last thirty years to describe a world view with the following elements and principles:

A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children




Secular humanists accept a world view or philosophy called naturalism, in which the physical laws of the universe are not superseded by non-material or supernatural entities such as demons, gods, or other "spiritual" beings outside the realm of the natural universe. Supernatural events such as miracles (in which physical laws are defied) and psi phenomena, such as ESP, telekinesis, etc., are not dismissed out of hand, but are viewed with a high degree of skepticism.

[DenverDem]

1. Church of the Subgenious-Secular humanism for the masses

<http://www.subgenius.com/>

[kaitykaity]

2. What's a neo-gnostic?

This is good stuff. I saw an interview with a woman
on NOW with Bill Moyers a couple of weeks ago talking
about secularism and a book she wrote called "Freethinkers."
If you missed it, you might want to check her out.

[shrike]

3. I don't subscribe to the notion that religion is to blame for everything

Humans have an almost limitless capacity for hate. If religion were gone tomorrow, believe me, we'd find someone else.

When Europeans conquered Indonesia it was the spices and gold they wanted, not the souls of the natives. Conversion was only an afterthought and besides, it didn't take: Indonesia is solidly Muslim.

The indigenous peoples of those islands were not "religious" in the way we think of it: they believed in a creator of sorts, but one unconcerned with human affairs. (Early deists, I guess.) They did believe in life after death and a spirit world.

Most were quite warlike. They went to war for many reasons, all of which had nothing to do with religion: hunting grounds, food, women, thievery, grudges that dated back generations. They practiced torture, cannibalism, headhunting, etc.

Get rid of organized religion and all will be well? That won't happen.

[msmcghee]

4. Zetetic stated that . .

A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith. Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions

. . is a better way to find our way through life.

Some religions or religious sects, like Unitarianism, respect these principles while acknowledging a place for spirituality in our lives.

But some (many) people will eschew reason for dogma - because it's easier and it feels better and for a variety of other psychological reasons.

But we are emotionally driven - as are all animals. So we have to develop our minds and senses to the level that reason itself feels good. So we feel good when we work out logical reasons for our beliefs and actions and choices.

That POV will always be at odds with most religions - that would have us not use our critical reasoning capacity and just do what we are told.