Sometimes I'm asked about the difference between atheism and Humanism. It is important: there are some items in New Humanist this month that say more or less the opposite of what I think. One is by a philosopher who thinks we have enough "isms" and the other by an atheist who thinks that atheism is the end of morality, and that is something to be desired.
No, I don't agree. Atheism asserts that there is no God, or, as I prefer to say, that there is no evidence that this universe is anything other than material. Humanism says that, because there is no God, we must take care of each other and treat each other with the same tolerance, respect and compassion we hope to receive. I add that this is based on a precept, the Golden Rule, which is older than any of today's religions.
Similarly, atheism says there is no life after this. Humanists agree but go on to say that because this is so, we should do our utmost to live this life fully and well, for our own sakes and for the benefit of others.
I have noticed that atheism has negative connotations for many people. They say things like, "I'm not an atheist, I just don't believe in God" or "I'm not an atheist, I'm just not religious". In that event I stress the positives of Humanism, an approach to life without belief in God or religion, but which insists that because of this we must treat each other well, and with respect, and try to make the most of this one life we have, both for ourselves and for others. I find that these positives are well received by almost everyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment