DAVID BROUGHTON'S WEB SITE | |
Humanism |
Humanist values are centred on honesty and integrity with
respect and tolerance of other people. Science and reason
take the place of religious dogma in solving ethical and moral
problems. Humanists respect peoples of all races, religions,
class and sexual orientation and work for the common good of
humanity and the environment in the here and now without the need
to make promises of rewards beyond the grave (or, worse, of
inhuman punishments).
Reliance on prayer or any belief that this life must just be tolerated because we will have a lovely time in the next life is destructive to human endeavour in making this a better world. The use of supernatural authority and backing for one's belief system only generates fanaticism and justification for inhuman acts. But if we accept our own fallibility and work things out with respect for the feelings of others, however different they may be from ourselves, we have the basis of a humane morality. If you have similar thoughts you could probably call yourself a Humanist, but there are no dogmas: humanism is not a religion. The British Humanist Association exists to promote these
ideas.
Their address is:
See also the newsgroup uk.philosophy.humanism for entertaining discussions on Humanism in which you can participate. If you live on the Isle of Wight, you may be interested in the IOW Humanist Group. If so, phone me on 01983 755526. |