by Neal Banks

Created on: August 09, 2008

Is Humanism a religion? No.

That would be giving it far too much credit.

Most would classify it as philosophy, or even a fundamental sociological belief system. It could be argued that it is a religion in the sense that its tenets and precept are rather organized and adherents are often quite zealous in their belief. I could say that my traditional two cups of coffee every morning are religious in that sense. But at the core humanism decries religion as a superstitious, violent and detrimental human failing that social, cultural and mental advancement should see us without. We should be able to pick ourselves up by our proverbial bootstraps and leave such unenlightened, uneducated and ignorant ideas like religion behind. As such, humanism cannot be classified as a religion or doctrine. Humanism eschews religion, so it would be somewhat ironic to classify it as one.

In that sense, humanism does a service. Humanism and those who adhere to this belief claim that religion (specifically Christianity) has been the culprit for nearly all humanity's ills and pitfalls throughout history. There is a kernel of truth within such claims, since religion is nothing more than a system of rules and beliefs that one strives to adhere to. Religion breeds contempt for those that do not meet certain requirements, punish those that cannot measure up and encourages legalistic attitudes and hard-heartedness. Religion finds little or no room for kindness, compassion and genuine mercy. Sadly neither to human beings as a rule.

Humanism is the idea that we, as a global race, can find it within ourselves to improve our general condition: our society, ourselves and our overall state of consciousness. Without any theistic influence, or to the point: without God. More specifically, without faith in God: this is very different than merely the practice of some religious doctrine. It is having a personal relationship with a divine creator and living a life of faith; something that can offer a great deal more than some philosophy.

Nothing good comes from within our own souls. For as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so [is] he. (Pro 23:7a). For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. (Mar 7:21, 22)

Doesn't sound like there is a great deal of hope for governing ourselves and our condition without some help, and that help only comes from above.

We have

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