The Evil of Secular Humanism?

Secular Humanism as described by Encarta Dictionary:

nonreligious world view: a philosophy or world view that stresses human values without reference to religion or spirituality.

Seriously, what’s all the fuss about? It’s interesting to note that there is a fairly broad war going on between religions and humanism. Each side often accuses the other as evil, misguided, or at least the cause of the decline in our society (if there really is a decline).

I admit that I will often turn on a christian radio station, or sometimes even look to see what they’re talking about on TBN network just to hear what people are being “taught.” I have now seen one particular preacher on TBN going all out on the evils of secular humanists. They’re taking over the schools, they’re kicking God out of America. One day, after turning to a christian radio station, I heard a self-appointed “apostle” talking about the evils of secular humanists and how they’re all going to hell. The Humanists are “godless evil-doers” (I believe that was the exact phrasing). I realize that these two persons are just an example, and don’t necessarily represent the entire religious community, but they do represent a significant portion.

On the humanists side, there are many who will associate religion with war and general violence. “All wars are over religion,” “Christians bomb abortion clinics,” and “Christians are homophobic and protest funerals” are all arguments that one can hear made by humanists. Again, while parts of these statements do ring true, they don’t represent the majority. I have known many heartfelt Christians that believe homosexuality is a sin, but would never dream of protesting a funeral, or even making their beliefs known in polite conversation.

The point of these two previous paragraphs is to demonstrate that what is usually reported on television or radio is often the case of a few nut-cases. Then, each side blows the issues out of proportion and applies the labels to general groups. This is unfortunate.

I am a humanist. I suppose in some ways I could be considered a “secular” humanist because I don’t believe that religion has to play a part in public policy and public schools. While I do believe in a creator, I generally keep my beliefs to myself, save for this blog. I believe in every person’s right to believe what they will, however, those beliefs should not play a part in public services such as schools. I have no problem with students taking bibles to school and praying. However, the issue changes when the school takes the lead in bible reading and prayer. That becomes state-instituted religion. Indeed, it seems to me that “religious right” proclaim loudly, in response to criticisms or questions by humanists, that God gave humanity “free-will.” God did not want a bunch or robots dedicating their lives to him because then it’s not freely choosing. I understand and appreciate that. Let’s apply it to schools then…If the school is leading prayer and bible reading, doesn’t that necessarily indoctrinate students into Christian teaching, taking away their free will?

Christians will argue that Evolution is taught as fact in most schools instead of a theory. I understand this too. Theories should be taught as theories. This would include creationism as well. Whatever a 6000 year old book says, creationism is still a theory. We cannot teach evolution or creation as wholly true without risking intellectual dishonesty. However, they are both important to understand the different ideas of how we came to be.

Secular humanists are not out to destroy America. They are not all socialists (yes, there are some). The majority are not even out to destroy the idea of God in society. They may not believe in God, or they may, but they recognize that it’s personal and really has no place in public services and politics. The vitriolic attacks on both sides of the issue are really pointless and debilitating. Christians, you’re not losing America by not having prayer in schools. Teach the kids about God at home and in church. Humanists, stop being so defensive when someone wants to pray to God or keep “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you don’t believe it, fine, but it really comes down to semantics and each side feeling threatened by the other.

It is stupid.

What is the Meaning of Life?

What a loaded question. This is a question to which, I will make the assumption, most people give thought at some point or points throughout life. There is one particular presupposition in this question that needs to be addressed, and that is the presupposition that there is a meaning. When contemplating this question, we are making the assumption that there is a meaning. I, after thinking about this numerous times in my short life, have come to the conclusion that there isn’t A meaning, but that there are many.

When going through life, we all hit different seasons. Mountains, valleys, and plateaus are parts of all lives. Is there one consistent meaning throughout this? I suppose, if you look at it through religious glasses, then yes, there could be one meaning. However, with the focus of many religions on the eternal, I think they miss the larger picture here and now.

I think the meaning of your life is directly influenced by those things that are your focus at a given time. When I was a teenager, the meaning of my life seemed to be centered around friends. I had the usual drama in my teenaged years that would make the soap operas jealous. Everyone does.

In my late teens, I entered the military. The focus of my life changed then to growing up and trying to find my way as an adult. All of a sudden, I had bills to pay, places to be (on time), and many more responsibilities than I was prepared for. The focus of my life at this time, that which gave it meaning, was being a good Marine. I wanted to do the best job I could do, and I wanted to be successful. Also, I wanted to successfully wade the waters of early adulthood and learn responsibility.

Early twenties, I got married. Talk about change in meaning. All of a sudden, I wasn’t solely concerned with my life. Instead, I wanted to make my wife happy. I wanted her to be able to do everything that she wanted. I wanted her to be safe and I wanted us to grow even closer.

Now that I’m in my early thirties, I have a son. Again, that which is meaningful in my life has changed. Not only do I still want the closeness with my wife, but I also want to make sure I give the little guy every opportunity in the world that I can provide. Now, what makes my life meaningful, is being the husband and father that I know I can be. Constantly striving for better.

I tried for many years to have God as the meaning of my life. The idea of a personal God, one with whom we can have a relationship is very appealing. However, it never really happened for me. Reading some of my other posts, you will know that I really put a lot of effot into my beliefs, but they never really took hold. Now, I am able to find meaning in gaining as much knowledge as I can, being a freethinker. This is important to me.

So what is the meaning of life? I think the question in and of itself poses problems. I think that meaning is very individual and based on life experiences and seasons. Who knows, perhaps someday I’ll end up in some sort of religious institution, but I don’t see how that could happen right now. The important thing is that I remain open to new experiences.

Life After Religion

Is there life after religion? This is an interesting thought for many to ponder as religion, whatever one it may be, plays such a fundamental role in our lives. Consider, not only do religious beliefs affect our actions, they also affect our perception of the world. Being a Christian, I had so many preconceived notions of right and wrong, the way I should act, and how I should speak. I knew that homosexuality was a sin, I knew I shouldn’t get drunk, I knew what God expected of me, and I knew when I made a mistake. I knew that America was a Christian nation and therefore I knew we needed more christians in politics to positively affect the laws of this country toward a higher morality. I also knew that anyone not following Christ was living a lie and would be judged upon their death.

My, how things have changed.

I had doubts about what I believed creeping into my consciousness. Because I firmly believed that God gave me the abilities as a reasoning creature, I knew that questioning was okay. I also knew that I would come out a stronger christian than I was before. Well, it hasn’t turned out that way. Without getting into all my reasoning for leaving christianity, I will say that my life has changed. What is interesting is that while many of my views have changed, there are still many that have not.

I still believe that religion plays a major role in the world today, just turning on the news will tell you that. However, it doesn’t play a major role in my personal life. As a matter of fact, I really don’t give religion much thought at all, other than to view life through the lens it provides. If I want to understand what is happening in the world, then religious views must be examined. While I am no longer religious, it certainly does affect my life externally.

My views on homosexuality have changed. I no longer believe that it is wrong. Interestingly though, I still DO believe that abortion is wrong. I have my reasonings for this, but this is not the purpose for this post.

While I am no longer a Christian, I still consider myself politically conservative. This, I find to be surprising, because for so long I had tied conservatism to Christianity.

My views on morality have changed in the sense that I no longer believe that morality comes from the commands of God through the bible. However, I still believe in right and wrong. This is an area where the religious and atheists may team up together to argue with me, although from different viewpoints. Is this morality a priori? To be honest, I’m not sure what I think about this. I still have some thinking to do. However, I do know that we seem to have an innate sense of right and wrong. As a deist, I could easily overcome this issue by claiming the creator applied this morality as part of the laws of nature, however, by reason, I can’t accept that yet. That would be a religious proclamation, one in which I truly don’t believe.

I no longer believe America is a Christian nation. I do believe that Christianity is the religious belief system to which the majority would ascribe themselves, however, we all know there is a difference between claiming a religious belief and living the belief. I now believe that America is not a religious nation. While the majority of citizens claim a belief in God, I think that for many of this majority, this belief has no impact on their daily lives.

I no longer believe that we need more Christians in politics to positively affect the legislation of morality on others. Now, I believe that Christians have just as much a right in politics as anyone else, however, when they begin legislating from those beliefs, we are in danger of theocracy. I do believe in the separation of church and state.

I now have a young son whom I will not bring up in the church. Instead, I will bring him up to pursue knowledge, to read as much as he can, to explore religious views, and if he so decides, he can accept religious views. It is not my job to indoctrinate him into any religious system. Instead, it is my job to help him explore what there is in the world with all the love and guidance I can. He will learn right and wrong, as we all do, through life experience. Through this life experience, he will learn responsibility for his own actions, and how those actions affect others. He will be raised to have integrity, strong reasoning, and a desire for knowledge.

Is there life after religion? Absolutely.

Does leaving the faith of your fathers change you? Absolutely. Interstingly though, I have discovered that while my religious beliefs have changed, I am still me. I still have many of the same goals and ideals I had before. My belief in integrity, goodwill, and character are still there. What has changed, is my now firm belief that humanity is basically good, not evil.

Proving the Bible?

This post stems from a “comment” conversation in which I’ve been involved for the past week or so. For reference, you can find the conversation at Are We Losing the Propaganda War in Our Schools. This has been a very thought provoking conversation for me as Chris has made some great points.

Unfortunately, as happens in many discussions of a religious nature, each side ends up trying to refute the other in order to show who is correct. When all is said and done, while I don’t believe the bible to be the inspired word of God, I do recognize the accuracy of its transmission down through the ages. I am not, nor have I ever been, out to discredit faith or attack those who hold to one or another. This blog is strictly about my own spiritual journey from Christianity to Deism, and thoughts and issues I’ve had along the way.

I firmly believe that I could never prove nor disprove the bible, as I firmly believe that no man or woman can. The bible is really of little concern to me overall. This reasoning is because although I recognize the historical accuracy of the bible, I disagree with the content that has been reliably transmitted. For me, it’s not about the contradictions and non-contradictions that can be seen and then readily rendered (in some opinions), instead, for me it is about a message that I just can’t reasonably accept. There are indeed issues that I have with the bible, as it is the central tenant of Christianity, but I’m not interested in trying to prove everyone else wrong. Instead, my interest is in expressing my own views, not just for others, but also for myself. I am able to better examine my own beliefs when I have to take the time to write.

So, to Chris at the Family Action Organization, I have truly enjoyed discussing with you. While I haven’t posted in a little bit, I will soon.

Those others of you that are reading this post, I encourage you to take a look at the discussion that we’ve been having, as I think it is a great example of how philosophical/religious conversation can and should take place, without ad hominum attacks!

Regards.

American Christianity? Part Two

In the last “American Christianity” post, I was solely interested in making the point that Christianity, at least here in America, has become “Americanized”. Here, however, I am more interested in the fact that Christianity and American seem to go hand-in-hand in many circles. I find this extremely interesting as I have previously posted on the cultural ties within religion. However, Christianity did not start here in America, nor was America founded on Christian principles. (I know, many will argue this last statement, however, Christianity does not, I’m afraid, have a copyright on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness). Instead, American political philosophy was very much dependent upon Enlightenment ideals. So, how is it that to not be a christian, has become un-american? How is it that people have the belief that Christianity and the freedoms that the United States enjoys go together so well?

Christianity has taken up a huge role in politics today. This can be seen every election year when a candidate’s religious views are put to the test, as is their church attendance. We look at the religious views often times to get an idea of how patriotic a person is. Conservatives are Christians, liberals are not. In order to be a Christian, one has to practice conservative politics. It truly is astounding. Many people go as far as to vote for a candidate based on their religious beliefs and fervor. I can think of former Presidential candidates such as Alan Keyes and Gary Bauer, both of whom had not a chance at winning the Presidency, but were able to mobilize huge support in the Christian arena.

It’s interesting to me to look how Christianity has been Americanized now. While there are news stories about China soon becoming the nation with the largest amount of Christians, I daresay that no other nation comes close in in the efforts of evangelism, missions, and donations for worldwide broadcast of the Christian message as the churches of the United States. The only problem with this effort by the churches of the United States in worldwide evangelism, is that Christianity in other countries does not necessarily reflect the Christianity here in the United States. They may have the same central beliefs about Jesus, however, their approaches may be far different.

American Christianity seems to have a lot of emphasis on “doing”. Many churches go a long way to do good works for others (although often at a price of listening to the Gospel message and solicitation to join their faith). While I don’t believe that American Christians as a whole are doing more good works than non-Christians, as Churches they are very focused on evangelization and supporting missionaries and church planters all around the globe.

It seems however that Christianity in many other nations is more internally focused. More contemplative, introverted. I could be mistaken in this, as these are just my own observations. To me, it’s just remarkable how a religion centered around an Israelite, officially founded in Rome, has now been centered in the United States.

Somehow, it has become unpatriotic to question Christianity, just as it has become unpatriotic to question the war. Christians (as a whole, yes there are exceptions) tend to be supportive of the war in Iraq, whereas non-christians tend to be against the war. Christians, as a whole, tend to support the Israeli cause, whereas non-christians tend to support the Palestinian cause. Much of this comes from the belief of Israel as God’s chosen people. Christians, as a whole, tend to be for the Constitutional Amendment banning Gay marriage, whereas non-christians tend to be against it.

I’m not trying to slam Christianity or support it, I just find it interesting how your religious beliefs tend to determine your political support. In a country as diverse as the United States, I find it a dangerous thing to combine politics and religion.

It’s fine to support the Israeli or Palestinian cause, but what is your reasoning for doing so. Is it based on a text out of history (the bible) or actually following what’s happening now? It’s fine to be for or against the marriage amendment, but what is your reasoning? Is it because an historical text makes a few statements about it, or is it otherwise? It’s fine to support or not support the war in Iraq, but what is your reasoning? Is it because the President of the United States is somewhat conservative and a proclaimed Christian, or is it otherwise?

In conclusion, to base the policies of the United States on Christianity is just not reasonable. Nor is it reasonable for Christians to just get out of politics. C.S. Lewis once made the comment (I’m paraphrasing): The world doesn’t need more Christian authors; the world needs more authors who are Christians. I firmly believe that any religion has a much better chance at furthering it’s cause by participation in society as a citizen, not through participation in society as a Christian (or any other religion). This goes to C.S. Lewis’ point. Minds are changed through reasoning. If one has reasoning behind one’s beliefs, then there is a much greater chance at institutional change. One cannot change mind’s by using a personal religious perspective. It is dangerous to combine patriotism with religion, and the founding fathers recognized this point.

Have opinions, have central beliefs of right and wrong, but please don’t try to affect national policy because of your own personal religious views.

The Enemy of Humanity

Okay, so the title is a little overstated. I don’t actually believe that the device of which I am writing is really the enemy of humanity, however, I do believe the we as humans are in fact in serious danger. So, what is the device about which I write? Why, Television of course!

Actually, another little disclaimer here. Just like nearly everything else, it’s not the use of television that’s the problem, it’s the abuse of television. I have recently heard some startling statistics describing the amount of hours of television people watch on an average day. I do not offer these statistics here, as I don’t have the necessary documentation, but I imagine most everybody has heard these sort of statistics in the past.

Instead, I want my focus to be on what we’re not doing while watching television.

1. Actively engaging our mind
2. Spending quality time with family
3. Coming up with new and creative ideas
4. Questioning
5. Spending time in nature
6. Pursuing hobbies
7. Effectively exercising our bodies
8. Attempting to learn that which we don’t know
9. Contemplating spiritual matters
10. Effective relaxation

While there are doubtless hundreds of other things we could be doing, I am seriously concerned with the amount of time we spend watching the real or imaginary lives of others instead of living our own lives. I will be the first to admit that I watch television. I try to limit it to about 1 hour a day, but let’s face it, there are days where I sit in front of the brain vacuum and let it do it’s thing.

We as a species are capable of so much. I firmly believe that. The wasting of time however, is probably one of the largest “sins” we as humans can make. While it is a difficult thing for me to keep in mind, I don’t get the time back that I waste in front of a television. While I understand there are great educational programs on, still, it is so much better for us to use those programs as additions to the study in which we have already been engaged.

I think that when we watch too much television, we lose a sense of reality, at least for that amount of time. We get caught up in the program and forget about life happening all around us. We don’t have to be constantly engaged in activity to enjoy life, but we do at least need to be aware of it.

How did you spend last evening? Was it enjoying time playing a game, laughing, and talking to your family? Or did you get “quality” family time sitting in front of a T.V.

Please understand, I’m not a T.V. nazi. I’m just thinking about what I could be accomplishing spiritually, professionally, or in relationships when I instead choose to drain my brain.

Whence Comes Conscience?

This is a difficult question for me as a Deist. While I could give a cop-out answer and say that the Creator has given it to us, I really don’t believe that. As I’m sure most of you are aware, I as a Deist, do believe in a creator of some sort, I just don’t hold to any of the religions of today, nor do I believe that this creator desires my worship. I do believe in the creation of the universe, but not the biblical view.

As a humanist, I am very concerned with the issues of humanity, and I like to think about various ideas and questions. One issue that I have is: “If I don’t subscribe to any of the revealed religions of today, and if I also don’t believe that God intervenes in our daily lives, from where did humans get a conscience?”

I can’t reasonably give the answer that “God gave us one,” although I suppose it’s possible. I believe that the creator set in place natural laws that bind the universe together. The human saga, however, is just a part in the overall creation.

If I do something wrong, or observe someone else doing something wrong, I do have what seems to be an innate knowledge of right from wrong. Is this true though? Is there any absolute right and wrong? To be honest, I think yes. I believe that our actions, morality, right and wrong, are all derived from our common respect for others. (Before any of you jump on that statement, I realize that not all people have common respect for the lives and property of others. I do however believe that the majority of people do have a common respect for life and property of others.) This, along with the life experience of parents and others close to our lives, helps to give us this sense of right and wrong.

One other aspect affecting our conscience is our perceptions of what those closest to us (i.e. spouse, children, God, whomever) would think of our actions. If I were to steal something, would my conscience get activated by a sense of some absolute moral code, or would it be aroused by consideration of the person from whom I stole, what my wife or child would think. Truly, I do believe that our conscience is a direct result of life programming.

I actually think this makes more sense when one considers how differently people define what is and is not immoral. Some would say the use of tobacco is, others would say no. Some might say that Pornography is wrong, others say no. But when it comes to outright premeditated murder, the majority of people would say yes. When it comes to theft of property, the majority of people would say yes, it’s wrong.

Truly, the values and beliefs of your society, country, city, family, make all the difference in the world in the beliefs we hold and then examine throughout our lives.

Live in the Now

One of the problems I have with religion, not one particular, but religion in general, is that much of the time their adherents are focused on the afterlife. Where will you go when you die? What will your appearance be like? Will you be married still? There are different sects within major religions that believe and argue about these subjects. How will the world end? When will it end?

I must admit that beyond writing this post, I really have no interest in these topics. Often, when being “witnessed” to, one is asked the question “do you know where you’ll go when you die?” Too tell you the truth, my answer is “no.” I don’t know where I’ll go, other than in the ground. I don’t know where I’ll be residing when at the time of my ultimate demise. Yes, this is a little tongue and cheek, however, really what I’m thinking is “no, I don’t know where I’ll go, and neither do you.” There are strong beliefs in heaven and hell, just like there are strong beliefs in reincarnation and no afterlife at all. What is correct? Well, nobody really knows. One thinks they know because of certain beliefs, however, this is not the same as knowing. Perhaps the more appropriate question would be, “where do you believe you will go when you die?”

All of this focus on the afterlife, if indeed there is one, has really disturbed me. The reason, is that I feel that the main reason we subscribe to one religion or another is that we feel it will give us some sort of advantage in the next life. At the cost of repeating myself from another post, I see this as the ultimate in serving the self. I can’t honestly subscribe to a religion or belief system strictly so I have a chance at getting into heaven. I tried this for a number of years, but ultimately came to the realization that I was going through the motions of belief without deep down, ultimate conviction that this was the correct path. Upon realization of this fact, I knew I had to leave. I felt my continued activities and “playing the part” were a disservice, not only to myself, but also to that religion.

I know that many will argue that some religions aren’t “religion.” They will insist that it’s a “faith.” This point may be argued all day long, however, just know that I would describe “faith” as inner beliefs, and “religion” the actions related to those personal beliefs. So, in my view, they are all religions if you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc…

I would like to see the religious put more focus on the here and now, rather than trying to convert people so they will go to heaven. Perhaps every religion does have the “one true way” to heaven, however, there is still life to be lived in the meantime. Trying to win converts and souls strictly for heaven, in my view, doesn’t create willing and loving religions, instead, it creates a congregation intent on just getting through this life so they can be sure to enjoy the next. The good works aren’t done necessarily out of love for the neighbor, instead, they often appear to be done in order to show how good a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, etc… one is.

It’s fine to believe what you will about death, however, can we please put the real effort in living life now, and making the world a better place for others? Let’s leave the afterlife focus for Sunday mornings. Is the creator’s sole purpose for the religious of this world to recruit half-hearted converts that just want to escape hell?