Posted: 3/20/2008 5:30:40 PM EDT
|
[Christians, Jews, Muslims: ] When you hear someone say that they are a "secular humanist," do you feel that you react less viscerally, less strongly, or with less disgust than when someone describes themself as an "atheist?" Words carry very powerful subconscious feelings and this is a topic I am interested in exploring. For example, you may say the same thing in two ways, but the listener may react in completely different ways to what you have said simply because of the words you have chosen. Thanks for your responses, and yes, I realize that secular humanism =/= atheism. |
|
Two separate issues in the phrase: 1) Secular, ie that one is not a person of faith 2) Humanist, ie that one holds humankind as the greatest good. As a Deist, I'll accept being called a secular humanist as a casual if vague reference, and take no real offense at what is harmless ignorance of a finer point of theology. But if I were to sit down and really talk things out, OR if I were hardpressed to either accept or deny being called a 'secular humanist' -- the answer is NO. Call me agnostic, call me secular, a skeptic, a freethinker, a Unitarian, whatever... and I take no offense. But no, I'm not a humanist. There is a "Deos" is Deism. Just one viewpoint, $0.02 cheerfully refundable. ETA: JOYOUS EASTER/ RESURRECTION SUNDAY to OUR CHRISTIAN MEMBERS 
|
'Secular Humanist'.... To me it implies a more 'religious' belief in the goodness of man than Athiesim... Kind of a people-are-good/worship-yourself attitude... Whereas an athiest CAN accept a negative (eg realistic) view of human nature, while simply not believing in God... Which is why as a Christian, I can see folks 'recoiling' more at that set of ideals, which go beyond 'there is no God' to (in the most extreme cases) 'I *AM* A GOD IN MY OWN RIGHT'.... |
|
secular humanism is hard to apply to me because I'm a religious person. I don't take offense at the mistake though, it just a question of terminology. I don't consider myself a secular humanist, I'm a Unitarian Universalist. I do fall under the broad umbrella of humanism though (as do most non-theistic religions) If you're looking for a different word to use, just use agnostic. Most atheists are also agnostics (I am one myself) and it doesn't have quite the emotional impact of the word atheist. |
you have a misunderstanding of humanism Humanism doesn't set up human beings as God, it simply seeks truth through human methods and for the benefit of humanity. In comparison, mainstream Christianity seeks truth through God's word for the glory of God. Humanism doesn't view human beings as perfect or having an inherently good nature. Its more of a tabula rosa and your experiences determines your ethics. Living up to your ethical potential as a human being requires work, both on your part and the part of your friends and family. Humanists are the ultimate believers in "it takes a village to raise a child" |