Interfaith

Some leaders of the current Humanist movement in the U.S. are enthralled with interfaith activity as a means to assert the validity of humanist thought in the wider society. I would advise anyone who thinks this is a wise strategy to promote actual humanism should listen to this NPR piece from Fresh Air with Terry Gross. 

Humanism, unlike most religion, is a choice of individual behavior and ethics, based on a belief in human equality, environmental consciousness and nonviolence. Humanism is not about converting others, violence or mythology. Humanism is based in logic and science. Religion is based in suspension of logic (faith) and superstition. 

My humanist practice is not a faith. My humanist practice is a voluntary daily choice to be the best living creature I can be in the real world of other living creatures by utilizing mindfulness, education and science. While I do not care one iota if another human being applies religious beliefs to his/her life, I do not wish to base any relationship with another human being on religious faith. Apparently, as illustrated by the radio piece above, there are many who would try to force me to do so with physical or psychological violence. It would be a sad state of affairs if this insanity infected the modern Humanist movement and our civil society.