Secular Humanism appeals to me, but at the same time I would be reluctant to give up cultural traditions that I believe make life more interesting and pleasant. 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 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 08:13:15 · 9 answers · asked by Hexen 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Secular humanism isn't cut-and-dried like dogmatic religions. Of course you can continue to do cultural traditions because you like them. No anti-priest is going to make you confess!
Heck, I'm a full-blown Dawkins-loving atheist and I love cultural traditions like the kind you describe. Think of it as culture, not superstition, and keep those charming practices alive.
2007-01-11 08:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by Cobalt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a tradition to light fireworks on July 4th in America.
Tradition can definitely be separate from religion, and obviously eating pork on a chosen day does not harm anyone, except the pig.
2007-01-11 08:16:46 · answer #2 · answered by Michael 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I say go for it! Traditions and rituals are societal mechanisms to bring people together under a common bond...whatever the reason. Just make sure that what you are doing makes sense to you. I am Jewish and follow all the traditions and rituals although I am also agnostic about god.
2007-01-11 08:17:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
However, as an atheist who appreciates democracy and diversity I'm not keen on secular humanism. I just feel religion should be kept out the government, its a personal choice.
Don't you think Atheists sit down at Christmas dinner with a big turkey?
2007-01-11 08:24:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
eat all the pork you want whats the difference
2007-01-11 08:17:19 · answer #5 · answered by uncle J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it wouldnt its respecting and observing a fellow humans rituals for their sake if you believed in it no but as long as you dont you can
2007-01-11 08:16:59 · answer #6 · answered by Raymond 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well i'm agnostic and i say the hell with it go with it as your cultural activities have nothing to do with any particular religious activites
2007-01-11 08:21:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What good is anything if you leave God out?
2007-01-11 08:23:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
who cares what other people think.......
2007-01-11 08:16:55 · answer #9 · answered by panda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋