If I decide to define myself as a secular humanist, does that mean I must reject the traditions that I've celebrated all my life, the ones that I look forward to and that make me happy? Christmas is a Christian holiday, but many of the elements of it are not... As a secular humanist, could I still take part in Holiday traditions, such as decorating a tree, giving and recieving presents, and eating traditional foods? Or do such practises contradict the secular humanist emphasis on rationality? Same with Thanksgiving, Halloween, and New Years, which may not have explicit religious meaning, but arguably arose from or are influenced by superstitious or occult beliefs, at least in part.
2007-01-10 15:33:06 · 9 answers · asked by Hexen 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you for all of your great answers so far. Now, for example, in my father's Pennsylvania Dutch culture it is believed that it is good luck to eat pork on New Year's Day. Now, I don't that I believe that it is really good luck, but I like the custom despite its superstitious nature. Would continuing this aspect of my culture go against Secular Humanist thinking?
2007-01-11 04:46:09 · update #1
Secular humanism and religion can co-exist pretty well, actually. You can celebrate whatever you want as a humanist; the key is to believe in the inherent worth of every human being, and embrace their diversity, no matter what their culture, race, gender, or religious beliefs...that includes yourself. To turn your back on holidays you want to celebrate to be a humanist, would be denying yourself the treatment humanists believe in granting everyone else..thus violating your own human rights, and making you worse of a humanist, not a better one.
Celebrate the hell out of them!
2007-01-10 15:39:10 · answer #1 · answered by The Doctor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know a couple people who consider themselves secular humanists. Most still partake in their cultural traditions, such as Christmas, although they ignore any overtly religious symbolism--no nativity scenes, for example. Secular humanism has begun a winter holiday for those who don't want to continue celebrating Christmas, called HumanLight. All in all, it's up to you. Secular humanism isn't terribly dogmatic, so figure out what works for you and your family.
2007-01-10 23:38:51 · answer #2 · answered by N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. Those things are rituals that don't neccessarily carry meaning in and of themselves. They carry the meaning we imbue them with. I have some secular humanist friends and they put up a tree and give presents. For them it's a time for family and friends. If you do any reading on most of our founding fathers you see that they were basically secular humanists.
2007-01-10 23:38:13 · answer #3 · answered by keri gee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well there are Christians that do not celebrate those, or at least not the secular views of the holidays, so I would assume you could do the opposite. I'll be praying for you though and I'm here for any more questions you may have.
2007-01-10 23:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why not do both . their is a special place for traditional feelings even if you have progressed beyond your superstitious
influences that deny the future. Keep your garden after you take out the weeds .
peace out
2007-01-10 23:41:22 · answer #5 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would celebrating things like Christmas be irrational??
2007-01-10 23:37:06 · answer #6 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are human, and we humans are social animals that need social cohesion and socially-cohesive rituals, no matter what we believe.
2007-01-11 00:18:43 · answer #7 · answered by neuroaster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it means you can do as you damn well please without all the superfluous religious baggage.
2007-01-10 23:37:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
its your party so its your rules
2007-01-10 23:37:57 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋