What is so bad about Secular Humanism?

Question

Here's a good definition:
"A humanist philosophy that upholds reason, ethics, and justice and specifically rejects rituals and ceremonies as a means to affirm a life stance."

To me this sounds like a great philosophy to live by, yet I see time and again how it is basically called evil by theists. Do you find it to be worse than another theistic religion that isn't your own? If you see it as dangerous and wrong, is the sole reason its lack of spirituality?

And here's the second part of my question. If you're a Christian and in your state are only 2 people running for Senate... one is a Secular Humanist who has a great public record with no skeletons in their closet, and the other is an avowed Christian who is currently the subject of many major scandals. Which one of these two would you vote for, and why?

To the Rabbi:
Uh, actually I'm quite secure in my belief in secular humanism. My goal was to get people to think about their beliefs and to have some interesting debate. So far, not a lot of luck.

To Corezink:

Wow, I'm not sure where you got atheism out of that definition. Nowhere in there does it include a non-belief in the supernatural. I'm an agnostic and consider myself a secular humanist. I mean really, are you saying that ceremony and ritual are what equal godliness?

To Mustalaf:
Philosophy:
1. The rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
2. the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, esp. with a view to improving or reconstituting them: the philosophy of science.
3. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs.

To Aedgagt:
Many Christians are racist, or mysoginists, does it mean they all are. By your logic the whole religion should be defined by the its baser advocates.

Oh, and I'd be interested to see what the people who hid the Jews from the Nazis in WWII would have to say about the wrongness of moral relativism.

Answer 1

I think it's a fine philosophy to live by, I think most theist reject it because it rejects any ideas of religion, and on that same point people in general seem to reject it because the idea of rejecting religion is a communistic view as well. I am in no way a communist but I do not believe that religion should be an influential factor in the goings on of our government. Reason being is that there are many different forms of religion and with that in mind, you could offend or trample the rights some people if it were allowed in state and federal decision making.

Answer 2

Why Secular Humanism Is Wrong

Answer 3

A Secular Humanist lifestyle is guided by human logic and thought.
A Christian lifestyle is guided by Supernatural logic and having the mind of Christ.

For voting, I'd look at several key issues, the postione ach candidate takes on them, and then cast a vote for the one most closely represents my views.
And there's always the option to not pull the lever in that column.

Answer 4

They call it evil because it gives them cause to doubt their beliefs. Without their great big daddy-in-the-sky they lose any power they hold. It's the same reason Christians are brainwashed to believe they are utterly sinful, evil, sickening creatures and the only way to escape this is to believe in god and Jesus and waste 2 hours every Sunday.

To the second question, of course they'd vote for the Republi.... i mean the avowed Christian full of scandal. Christians believe that without god there is no way for one to control himself and do right. That statement makes me worry about the true mindset of these so called "Christians" if the belief of an imaginary fire pit is the only thing keeping them from shooting people for their money.

Answer 5

Secular humanism is not a philosophy, it's an academic theory. And the proper "philosophy" is that the academy must strive to know and teach the best of mankinds acheivements, but never should mankind see the academy as more than the sophomore platform from which to launch himself onto his journey into maturity.

Answer 6

Secular Humanism is not evil.
The idea that mankind is a beginning and an end unto itself is not what the Bible teaches. Some people will call that evil. The idea there,,, is that anything that is not worshiping GOD through Christ Jesus is evil. Muslims would refer to humanist as Infidel.
Personally I would be a Secular Humanist if I hadn't had a couple of personal experiences with GOD. It does make sense. I would not call it evil.

GOD bless ya!

Answer 7

a humanist has his own ethics to go by.not yours or mine.so what is right in HIS eyes may be wrong in mine.because THE LORD says whats right and wrong,truth etc..take god out of the picture(humanist do)and you have no standard for right and wrong.its just your opinion.
your second ? is loaded!!as a christian i could not vote for the humanist because no matter what he spoke of publicly. in private it would be his nature to object to any christian programs,teaching, etc...he would try to pass laws AGAINST religion, or deity. the SO CALLED christian i would have to watch and listen to him,if possible see what the scandals intailed.then after that make a decision.its choosing a lesser of two evils.if the scandals were true ,i probably would not vote for either.

Answer 8

Critics comment that a philosophy bereft of these beliefs leaves humanity adrift in a foggy sea of postmodern cynicism and anomie. The argument I see against it is how does one arrive at those morals, reason and justice? This was brought about strictly as a result of religion. Its a philosophy that specifically targets religion. Also most humanist are atheisist or agnostics.

Most importantly humanist dont recognize evil. Reasons for wrongdoing are explored through scientific methods, e.g. through study of sociology, psychology, criminology. Also any suffering cause by evil is but rather a matter of human vulnerability to misfortune, illness, and victimization.

Also many humansits are NATURALISTS. And please keep in mind that under naturalism doesnt give us equality---Neitchze said so " EQUALITY IS A LIE CONCOCTED BY THE WEAKER HERD.....". And he is right. The only way we are equal is if in fact we are created by GOD.


Also please dont forget most atheists under secular humanism adopt ethical relativism. Which is self defeating. (I dont need to explain---after all its all relative isn't it??)

Now whos for secular humanism?

And for voting..... do I have to?

Answer 9

no... it sounds like what the apostle paul was talking about. rituals and ceremonies take away the true meaning of christianity... it caused the whole "jew christian vs. gentile christian" thing. of course, there's lord's supper, but that's different. it doesn't say whether you're a true christian or not. it's just a way of remembering what he did, sort of like moment of silence on 911.
secular humanist. a christian with a lot of scandals is no true christian, that's my final answer.

Answer 10

Nothing, it's a life choice. Like growing your hair long. Yet the fact you feel the need to ask points to an underlying insecurity. If you are insecure of the choices you make, maybe you ought to explore other options. Try Judaism, I hear it is quite painful for male adult converts. Ha ha ha. Good Luck.