Why do some people assume that Humanism is atheism?

Question

The current official statement of what Humanism means is Humanist Manifesto 3 (2003), subtitled "Humanism and Its Aspirations". It doesn't mention any gods. It doesn't mention atheism. So why do some people get their knickers in a knot over this question? Isn't Humanism - by definition - about what is human, not what is alleged to be divine or supernatural? You can read Humanist Manifesto 3 at or and see for yourself what Humanism actually stands for.

Answer 1

Thet're not the same thing, but for many atheists humanism provides a sound ethical system.

Answer 2

Humanism[1] is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appeal to universal human qualities—particularly rationalism. Humanism is a component of a variety of more specific philosophical systems, and is also incorporated into several religious schools of thought. Humanism entails a commitment to the search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests. In focusing on the capacity for self-determination,( humanism rejects the validity of transcendental justifications, such as a dependence on faith,Deities, the supernatural, or divinely revealed texts.) Humanists endorse universal morality based on the commonality of human nature, suggesting that solutions to human social and cultural problems cannot be parochial.[2]
above is wikepedia,s definition of humanism, and the definition of Atheism is( the disbelief in any deity) i.e. Gods----
and although atheists don't go around saying," I'm a humanist "they do basically believe the humanist doctrines of rational thought and self determination. it is also quite possible for a religous person to hold to humanist beleifs.

Answer 3

How many self-proclaimed humanists even know what the Humanist Manifesto is, better yet read it?

There are such thinks such as Christian humanists, but most seem to be atheists or agnostics.

Answer 4

Humanism is mainly from the Renaissance when after the middle ages people stopped believing in just going through a hard life and to not disgrace God so they can live a great life in heaven.

Humanism is meant to focus on potential and elevation of human beings while not be disgracing God.

No wonder it is called the rebirth.

Answer 5

The assumption is made because the definition gives human the free will including not accepting god's existence. The religious people seem to draw on the conclusion that free will means more atheists. They only use "free will" to explain why their god allows the suffering of people.

Answer 6

While de jur, you are correct, from a de facto standpoint, there are very, very few religious supporters of a humanistic worldview (mostly likely only Buddhists and extremely liberal Christians, which mainstream christians would both consider atheists anyway).

Besides, by not mentioning god it is in fact atheistic. And what is so bad about the "a word" anyway?

Answer 7

Humanism assumes that mankind is the final authority. It asserts that man is in control. It basically denies the existance of God.
btw...I serve the God of the Bible. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Israel. He is Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnicient (all knowing) and He is in control. He wrote the Book, and He wins in the End.

Answer 8

People are prone to assume all sorts of things, particularly when led to do so by people who appear to be of some spiritual authority.

We all take things on authority, of course, we can't investigate the validity of every assumption that we make, or we'd sit paralyzed for hours.

Answer 9

people are told what they want to hear