Secular humanism: is it a religion?
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Secular humanism: is it a religion?
Post #1Why do people think secular humanism is a religion? The word secular means nonreligious. The word humanism means a system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth. How can secular humanism be called a religion? A religion is a belief in a supernatural power. Secular humanism is not belief in the supernatural in any way. It seems to me you have to redefine religion in order to call secular humanism a religion. Unless you are using the informal definition of religion; ex. "I follow baseball religiously." But i don't think that's what people mean when they say secular humanism is a religion.
Post #2
I think one reason why people see it as a religion of sorts is that it is a belief system, a lense through which to look at the world. Religion is not necessarily limited to belief in the divine or supernatural. Buddhism, for example, is a religion which does not adhere to supernatural forces acting in the world or to any divine being. So, similarly secular-humanism may be seen as a religious mindset. Religion cannot be easily defined, but "way of life" is a phrase which has been used to describe it when people grapple with what "religion" is.
Men at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
Post #3
Is this true about Buddhism? I thought reincarnation and gods were part of the religion.palmera wrote: Religion is not necessarily limited to belief in the divine or supernatural. Buddhism, for example, is a religion which does not adhere to supernatural forces acting in the world or to any divine being.
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The Persnickety Platypus
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Post #4
Buddhism: The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth.
No gods involved to my knowledge.
A 'religion' in one sense is defined as "a cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion". In this case, just about any institution could be considered a religion. Political parties, charity organizations, businesses, ect.
No gods involved to my knowledge.
A 'religion' in one sense is defined as "a cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion". In this case, just about any institution could be considered a religion. Political parties, charity organizations, businesses, ect.
Post #5
Some actually argue its not a religion because they have no gods. Others argue they do have gods but they are not emphasized. They believe in reincarnation and nirvana which is heaven-like. Here's an example of their god entity:The Persnickety Platypus wrote: Buddhism: The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth.
No gods involved to my knowledge.
Adibuddha: A concept in Mahayana Buddhism of an eternal Buddha with no beginning and with no end. He is self-created and originally revealed himself in the form of a blue flame coming out of a lotus. Over time this symbol became personified in the form of the Adibuddha.
You are referencing what i called informal definition of religion; ex. "I follow baseball religiously." I don't think that's what people mean when they say secular humanism is a religionThe Persnickety Platypus wrote:
A 'religion' in one sense is defined as "a cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion". In this case, just about any institution could be considered a religion. Political parties, charity organizations, businesses, ect.
