[Greg Anos]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

Wouldn't it make more sense to ask the Secular Humanists for their definition of Secular Humanism? Here's how the Council for Secular Humanism defines it:

What Is Secular Humanism?

Secular Humanism is a term which has come into use in the last thirty years to describe a world view with the following elements and principles:

* A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.

Except this one? A conviction that there should be no other convictions? And by what standard do you judge.

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.

How about Godel's incompleteness theorem? It says that science and mathematics can never know everything.

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.

That one bites it's own tail. What may be good for an individual may be bad for humanity in general, and vice versa. (eugenics, anyone?)

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.

There's no such thing as objective truth. Weight of measured evidence, yes, objective truth - no such animal...

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.

Even if the outlook of those who differ from us is to wipe us off the map and eliminate our intellectual and artistic achievements?

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.

Judging people? By what standard? And with or without consent of the judged? And if they don't measure up, what? Eliminate them?

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

* A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

Conviction? Belief? There's a difference? Note, I'm referring to the concept, not what the concept is applied to. Both are statements of faith. Just faith in different things...(And having watched and read about the human animal in action, just as silly)

Source: http://www.secularhumanism.org/index...t&section=main[/QUOTE]


Of course, I'm just a surly curmudgeon, who breaks out in hives when I hear the term "making a better world for-", because it's always been at my expense. And I'm tired of picking up the tab....