In Reply to: Re: Zeitgeist Something Perry (and others) might appreciate posted by Thinker on February 04, 2008 at 13:56:14:
No time to watch a 2 hour video right now, but I couldn't help wondering if your comment "my religion is not having a religion" is directed at me, since you singled me out for some reason. Certainly others have made that comical claim about me, but I'm not really sure what point it is intended to make.
For the record (I've said this before here but it's worth repeating) I'm a secular humanist. Now if you want to call that a religion, go ahead, but it does not bear any resemblance to religious beliefs based solely on dogma, revelation, mysticism or appeals to the supernatural. Nor does it present any danger to individuals or society, as religions such as those do.
Here are the Humanist values and principles:
* We see the human species as an integral part of the animal kingdom and the natural universe. By the same token, we regard claims to creationism, satanic influence and life after death as poetic myths of human origin.
* Humanists favour an open scientific process that weaves together argument and evidence to explain and understand our origins and role in the world.
* Humanists look to themselves and others for moral guidance.
* Humanists support everyone's right to freedom of choice, as long as their actions do not infringe upon the rights of others.
* Since our view of happiness recognizes the interdependence of all people, we work to create humane and egalitarian societies to maximize the welfare and dignity of each member.
Declaration of Humanist Principles
(1) Humanism aims at the full development of every human being.
(2) Humanists uphold the broadest application of democratic principles in all human relationships.
(3) Humanists advocate the use of the scientific method, both as a guide to distinguish fact from fiction and to help develop beneficial and creative uses of science and technology.
(4) Humanists affirm the dignity of every person and the right of the individual to maximum possible freedom compatible with the rights of others.
(5) Humanists acknowledge human interdependence, the need for mutual respect and the kinship of all humanity.
(6) Humanists call for the continued improvement of society so that no one may be deprived of the basic necessities of life, and for institutions and conditions to provide every person with opportunities for developing their full potential.
(7) Humanists support the development and extension of fundamental human freedoms, as expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and supplemented by UN International Covenants comprising the United Nations Bill of Human Rights.
(8) Humanists advocate peaceful resolution of conflicts between individuals, groups, and nations.
(9) The humanist ethic encourages development of the positive potentialities in human nature, and approves conduct based on a sense of responsibility to oneself and to all other persons.
(10) A fundamental principle of humanism is the rejection of beliefs held in absence of verifiable evidence, such as beliefs based solely on dogma, revelation, mysticism or appeals to the supernatural.
(11) Humanists affirm that individual and social problems can only be resolved by means of human reason, intelligent effort, critical thinking joined with compassion and a spirit of empathy for all living beings.
(12) Humanists affirm that human beings are completely a part of nature, and that our survival is dependent upon a healthy planet which provides us and all other forms of life with a life-supporting environment.