What is the philosophy of secular humanism? Why do some people demonize this way of thinking? What does a humanist do that is so bad? Let’s look a little closer at this perspective. Be brave and take the “Are you a humanist quiz.”
People demonize things to prevent people from exploring them. This is a favorite tactic of the Abrahamic religions, the world’s dominant religions. So, here’s a warning: We will be discussing forbidden territory. You’ve been taught to shun these things because you believe they are evil. Do you want to know why you’ve been taught to fear humanism?
What’s a Secular Humanism Worldview
The word secular means things that are not religious. Secularity is the state of neutrality concerning religious affiliation or belief. The Abrahamic religions use secular theology to describe the lack of credibility in the concept of theism. In other words, some Jews, Christians, and Muslims do not believe in the concept of an imaginary friend, yet they still belong to their respective religions.
Humanism places the primary value of people above religious beliefs. This mindset stresses the inherent goodness of humanity. It promotes the use of rational thought and science.
A worldview or paradigm is a filter through which we experience reality. It is the home of beliefs, attitudes, and values. This filter colors our expectations of reality. Our worldview is expressed in our thinking and behaviors.
The philosophy of secular humanism is a platform with guiding principles. It promotes self-governing ethics, the use of science, and rational thinking. Humanism is considered an ideology because it contains core values that value life. However, it does not use religion or divinely inspired texts. Nor does it have creeds, declarations of faith, or rituals.
“Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.” ― American Humanist Association (1)
The Philosophy of Secular Humanism
Humanism’s guiding principles are peace, equality, and sustainability for everyone. It recognizes humanity’s role as stewards of the planet.
You can define a humanistic perspective by explaining what it is not. First, humanism is not a religion. It is a philosophy that promotes freedom from religion. It is not a religion because it is not based on mythology and superstition.
Humanism is not a form of determinism. Determinism is a philosophy that asserts people have no free will or choice. Instead, everything is determined by fate or some other external force. So, humanism is indeterministic because it champions our ability to think for ourselves. Humanism is an ideology, as the principles on which it is built deal with ideals and moral action. These principles give us perspective for solving global issues.
– All people are valuable and must have the same fundamental human rights. People need clean water, food, shelter, and medical care. These rights should be available to everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status.
— Promotes the long-term care of the environment. All living creatures are valuable, with the right to coexist. It sees our role in the world as caretakers of the future. Everyone has a responsibility in the world as caretakers of the future.
— The health of people, living things, and the environment take precedence over profit.
— It champions the scientific approach, which is the most reliable way to solve complex problems and improve the world.
— It advocates for a democracy built on laws that reflect equality and inclusion and promote equal access to the election process. It does not support using religion as a basis for public policy.
— A humanist mindset promotes the fair and ethical treatment of everyone and does not support preferential treatment for any group or class.
— The philosophy of secular humanism worldview benefits everyone. It promotes the protection of the environment. And it promotes science and rational thinking to help us solve global issues. It makes you wonder why some fight against these progressive values. It even fights for your right to hold the irrational beliefs of religion as long as they don’t harm others.
A sizeable part of the population still holds onto ideologies that harken back to the Stone Age. They enjoy the fruits of science while denying its main principles. They are active in forwarding regressive and sectarian policies. Where do you stand?
The Humanist Mindset — What Does A Humanist Do?
A mindset is an established set of goals or guiding principles you use to make decisions. Let’s take a humorous look at the life of a humanist.
1. Wake Up and smell the Mocha Chinos.
Our day begins with an alarm clock that screams Alan Watts quotes instead of the usual beeping. Bleary-eyed from a sleepless night pondering the meaning of life, we stagger to the kitchen only to pour fair trade coffee beans into the dog’s bowl. Oops! Even humanists have their klutzy moments.
What does a Humanist do? They advocate for the rights of people who are being marginalized or discriminated against.
2. Getting Ready to Act.
Once caffeinated and relatively coherent, humanists often practice meditation. Then, if there’s time, we roll out the yoga mat. But I’m your typical humming-in-tandem yoga type. Instead, I turn up the alternative metal. As I sweat, I add sarcastic commentary on the absurdity of bending oneself like a pretzel for inner peace. Now, I am ready for some serious work. A secular humanism worldview is focused on creating a positive legacy.
3. Volunteering and Spreading Joy.
Ah, the cornerstone of a humanist’s agenda. So, what do humanists do? They serve others, become activists for causes that resonate, and, above all, volunteer their time and effort.
Today, I may visit the local soup kitchen, ready to serve humanity with a side of cheeky banter. In my daily travels, I give bottles of water and sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness. But I remain ever vigilant because these acts of kindness can be against the law in some cities.
4. Social Activism Online.
No humanist’s day would be complete without fighting the good fight on social media. Armed with a thousand witty comebacks and killer GIFs, what does a humanist do but take on the world of right-wing conservatives.
Humanists are merciless but compassionate, exposing logical fallacies and skewering ignorance while balancing a bowl of popcorn on their heads. And yes, everyone, type in ALL CAPS—it’s just how they roll when taking on the alt-right red-hat-wearing bigots. Humanists work tirelessly to combat ignorance and misinformation. They work hard to ensure decisions are made based on truth and rationality.
Some people are Humanists but don’t know it. Let’s look more closely at what this means.
Ready to Take the “Are You A Humanist Quiz?”
Are you curious about the world we live in? Do you believe in the inherent goodness of humanity and strive to make a positive impact? If so, there’s a good chance you might be a humanist! Embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery as we present you with a clever quiz that unravels your humanist inclinations. Get ready to discover the humanist within you!
The Humanist Question Quiz
1. Do you value reason and evidence?
a) Yes, I believe in seeking truth through logical thinking and factual evidence.
b) Not always. I prefer relying on my intuition and emotions.
c) I live by faith and not by facts and evidence.
2. Which statement resonates with you the most?
a) I believe in the potential of every individual to make a positive change in society.
b) People are inherently evil, and there is little hope for creating a harmonious world.
c) Those who don’t hold the same religious beliefs that I do are my enemies.
3. How important is equality to you?
a) Equality is a fundamental principle; everyone should have equal rights and opportunities.
b) It is not my concern; people should fend for themselves.
c) Equality is another word for favoritism, giving some more than they are entitled to have.
4. A neighbor is facing a tough situation. What do you do?
a) Offer emotional support and help them find practical solutions.
b) Disregard their troubles; it’s every person for themselves.
c) Pray for them and tell them God will help.
5. Which statement best reflects your perspective on religion?
a) I respect religious beliefs but value secularism and individual freedom.
b) People need to believe in God. Atheism is the road to hell.
c) Religion is the only pathway to a meaningful life; there is no room for skepticism.
6. How do you view social justice issues?
a) I feel compelled to fight for justice, equality, and the rights of those marginalized.
b) It’s not my problem; others should worry about these matters.
c) I believe my religious beliefs should be the law of the land.
7. Are you able to change your beliefs based on new evidence?
a) Yes, I believe that continuous learning requires discarding old beliefs.
b) I prefer sticking to what I already know and am comfortable with.
c) Absolutely not. My religious and political beliefs are my identity.
8. How do you perceive the importance of arts and culture?
a) Arts and culture are essential for human expression, creativity, and personal growth.
b) They are meaningless endeavors that divert attention from other interests.
c) Too much is spent on the arts and culture. We should divert these resources to sports like football and basketball.
Results of “Are You A Humanist Quiz”
If you mostly answered with (a):
Congratulations! You are most likely to have a secular humanism worldview. Your belief in reason, evidence, equality, and human potential aligns with humanist principles. You understand the importance of empathy and social justice. And you value secularism, science, and personal freedom.
If you mostly answered with (b):
While you may not fully identify as a humanist, this quiz may have sparked some curiosity about it. Exploring humanism further could help you discover new perspectives. You are likely interested in the values that drive positive change in our world.
If you mostly answered with (c):
You likely identify with materialism and sectarian and far-right political ideology. But since you took the effort to read this article and take the quiz, it means you are beginning to open your mind to other possibilities. That’s great. Several other articles on this site can help with your intellectual and spiritual awakening.
Whether you confirmed your humanist identity or became intrigued by the concept, we are glad you are here. The “Are you a humanist quiz” is designed to shed light on the inclinations that dictate your thinking.
Humanism celebrates the potential of individuals and the pursuit of knowledge. It is committed to creating a just and inclusive society. We hope you delve deeper into the world of humanism and let its ideals help you yield a more positive life. You understand that your actions can make this world better for everyone. Embrace your inner guide, which will lead you toward a more compassionate and enlightened future!
More people align with the philosophy of secular humanism worldview than you realize. How about you? Do you think all people deserve fairness and the ability to live with dignity? Should everyone deserve free clean water? How do you feel about providing adequate food, shelter, and health care? Humanists believe in these things in an inclusive and verdant culture. They champion human rights for all races, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.
Why do some people think humanism is evil? What about you? How do you feel about a humanistic perspective now? Does it seem like a bad thing? Let’s look at why some people think humanism is evil.
In Conclusion
Humanism gives us a philosophy that is a healthy alternative to religious sectarianism. It does not support the use of religious beliefs for governing. Belief in imaginary friends and enemies is not justification for violence. We are born humanists. It’s time we return to our original state of being.
References and Resources
(1) “American Humanist Association:” This is the most prominent organization of this philosophy. Their website features extensive resources, including articles, videos, and recommended readings.
(2) “The Humanist Hub is for people interested in ethics and values. They offer various resources, including podcasts, blog posts, and online courses. It is an easy-to-use resource for learning about humanism.
((3) “Secular Humanism:” A Guide for the Perplexed by Andrew Copson. This book provides a comprehensive overview of humanism, exploring its history, principles, and contemporary relevance. It offers a clear and accessible introduction to the philosophy for beginners.
(4) “Humanist Press:” This publishing house specializes in books about humanism. Their extensive catalog includes works from renowned humanist thinkers. It provides w wealth of resources on the Humanist lifestyle.
(5) “The Humanist Magazine” is a quarterly publication that covers a wide range of related topics. It features articles, interviews, and opinion pieces by experts and activists. Subscribing provides a source of thought-provoking content on the philosophy of secular humanism.