Preview - Essentials of Faith: Humanism

Essentials of Faith: Humanism

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Essentials of Faith: Humanism (24:00)

Item# 36432
©2006

It is a philosophy that seeks to replace religion with rites of passage based on compassion and rationality. Despite its overarching goals, Humanism divides into several groups—from hedonism to secularism. This program delineates viewpoints from five articulate humanist proponents who, through thoughtful explanations, evoke the multifaceted landscape of Humanist thought. Participants include prominent scientist and atheist Dr. Richard Dawkins, Hanne Stinson of the British Humanist Association, Keith Porteous Wood of the National Secular Society, semi-deist philosopher Antony Flew, and Roy Hattersley, former Deputy Leader of Britain’s Labor Party. (24 minutes)

Segments in this Video - (7)

1. Humanism: A Philosophy and Moral Code Without a God (03:49)

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Humanists believe that values and morality come from humanity. Humanists and atheists do not believe in a god, but in science and logical thinking. The numbers of British people who don't practice religion are far greater than those who do.

2. Appreciation for Nature (02:46)

Despite acceptance into mainstream science, many religions dispute Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Humanists believe that human capacity for language, creativity, and imagination sets humans apart from animals.

3. Atheism and Christianity (03:07)

Christian Atheists follow the teachings of Jesus while rejecting the idea of a god. Other atheists who reject all religious dogma also agree that something other than chance may be at work in the evolution of life.

4. Influence of Religion on the State (01:45)

Humanism and atheism take many forms: hedonism, rationalism, and secularism. In Britain, the National Secular Society lobbies to make sure that no new laws are passed which give religious believers rights over non-believers.

5. Secular and Religious Ceremonies and Rituals (04:27)

Secular groups do not approve of government ceremonies such as the coronation of Britain's head of state taking place in a religious context. Many humanists have replaced religious rituals, such as christenings, with naming ceremonies.

6. Humanist Views on Life After Death and Morality (03:16)

Humanists do not believe in life after death and believe that people do not need religion to guide morality. Respect for life and the common good of humanity is what guides the morality of humanists.

7. Humanist Views on the Meaning of Life (02:47)

Humanists do not hold a general theory about the meaning or purpose of life, instead agreeing no meaning exists. While the origin of life remains a mystery, humanists do believe Darwin's theory of evolution explains human existence.