Marc Wehrs: Five years at war, no closer to consensus Mar 20, 2008
The religion of today is socialist humanism. Karl Marx is alive and well. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
'Heartless, valueless' education system Mar 19, 2008
JG wrote on Mar 16, 2008 5:25 PM:" Where are the separation of church and state whack jobs when you really need them? Like when the schools paid for by the public purse are parochial schools for propagating secular humanism, the religion of irreligion. ". JES wrote on Mar 16, 2008 12:32 PM:" Who is this crazy, misinformed , person? ". (Sioux City Journal, IO)
The atheist delusion Mar 15, 2008
It is a funny sort of humanism that condemns an impulse that is peculiarly human. Yet that is what evangelical atheists do when they demonise religion. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
The New Atheism Mar 6, 2008
You could say that it is the natural evolution of secularism or humanism that has become the dominant theme of American life during the last half of the 20th century. You could also cite the Supreme Court decisions during the 1960's taking prayer out of our public schools. (Thomaston Times, GA)
Robert K. Skolrood, 79; argued religion cases Mar 5, 2008
The ruling, reversed on appeal, put "secular humanism" on the same constitutional footing as conventional religions. "For purposes of the First Amendment," the federal judge, W. Brevard Hand, wrote, "secular humanism is a religious belief system, entitled to the protections of, and subject to the prohibitions of, the religious clauses. It is not a mere scientific methodology that may be promoted and advanced in the public schools." ... Skolrood, speaking about the case, said, "Humanism is out of... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Editor's Mailbag (Feb. 13) Feb 15, 2008
On the contrary, I pride myself on a humanism that recognizes and respects differences, including differences of opinion. Kenneth R. England, Sweet Home. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Banished within & without Feb 10, 2008
By my early teens I had forsaken religion and turned towards secular humanism and feminism which sprang from within me and were in no way artificially imposed. My father, a man with a modern scientific outlook, encouraged me to introspect and as I grew older I broke away not just from religion but also from all traditions and customs, indeed the very culture which constantly oppressed, suppressed and denigrated women. (India Times, India)
Religious converts Feb 2, 2008
"I got caught up in secular humanism, saying that God is a product of man, that science explains all," he said. "As a teenager I was in the church, but I don't know if I was totally committed to it.". (The Augusta Chronicle)
SGI President Calls for Humanization of Religion as a Basis for Peace Jan 25, 2008
Its activities to promote peace, culture and education are part of the longstanding tradition of Buddhist humanism. For further information: Joan Anderson, Office of Public Information, Soka Gakkai International, Tel: +81-3-5360-9482, Fax: +81-3-5360-9885. (Canada Newswire)
Who are the best’ teachers anyway? Jan 25, 2008
Freedom wrote on Jan 23, 2008 9:25 PM:" Lovell, public education is the problem! Public schools are the most prevalent breeding grounds of gangs, sexual promiscuity, drugs and disobediences to parents that there is on earth. The religion of the public schools is Satans secular humanism and their political philosophy is communism in theory and in practice. Public education is the largest, most expensive, godless, communist program on the face of the earth and we wonder why there is so much... (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
It's time whaling became extinct Jan 21, 2008
Well, thank goodness someone's finally doing something about the disturbing trend towards humanism in our schools. Since the whole inconvenient division between church and state became popular in political theory, it's been viewed as inappropriate for the government to back any particular religion. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
De Tocqueville: All Citizens Are Equal Jan 17, 2008
Long forgotten by a state school system infected by Supreme Court rulings, ACLU lawsuits, and education associations that worship Dewey and Humanism, while banning God and Christianity is that it was Jesus Christs teaching of the common brotherhood of men, the Golden Rule, and the equal accountability of all before the judgment bar of Christ, that exercised a mighty hand in inspiring equality before the law, inalienable rights, and the principle of representation in the founding of our... (Newsmax)
Huckabee, but not yet Jan 4, 2008
All laws are based on someone s theology or morality (whether humanism, secularism, paganism, hedonism, etc. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
It is possible to be moral without God Dec 30, 2007
Moreover, many of those in the forefront of progressive political change, who have abandoned religion, have been driven by a humanism that has been essentially built up by our Christian heritage as Charles Taylor has recently brought out in his magisterial study, A Secular Age. How far are we living on moral capital. (Guardian Unlimited)
Jewish public opinion; The president's wounds; Henry James's private life Dec 25, 2007
Just as most individual Jewish Americans are faithful to the values of liberal humanism so are the majority of Jewish organizations who, contrary to Alterman's tendentious article, faithfully represent the values of American Jews. Noam Schimmel, Jerusalem. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Joe Orso: A Christmas of divided emotions Dec 20, 2007
Michael Welch wrote on Dec 19, 2007 12:30 PM:" Christianity is not 'scrubbed'; it's all over the place -- on this blog, in every newspaper, on television. Each day we here have prolonged discussions of the topic; but now there are those who challenge the literal guise that the Bible is a 'history book' and there are even those who posit openly a rejection of any sort of theistic universe. Secular humanism is what permits such; it is the basis of American freedom of thought and conscience. Mike... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
A Secular Age Dec 14, 2007
" Philosophy, in Taylor's estimate, also enjoys a certain sanctification of mind and will. He cites Descartes to suggest how we are rational beings demanding to be ruled by reason governed by will. Today in Culture Freud's sense of the proud solitariness of the ego is also an example of the inner truth of the emotions asking to be controlled apart from formal religion, and William James's "Varities of Religious Experiences" indicates how people everywhere have a need to believe that can be... (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
The empty myths peddled by evangelists of unbelief Dec 12, 2007
As a sceptic I am struck not so much by how much religious faith and secular humanism differ but more by how much they have in common ... While the myths of religion express enduring human realities, the myths of secular humanism serve only to conceal them. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Huckabee, Romney, Church and State Dec 11, 2007
It's one thing to read the First Amendment Establishment Clause as prohibiting the slightest government endorsement of the Christian religion (while not demonstrating similar angst over government promotion of secular humanism, New Age-ism, Islam or Native American spirituality) ... It's one thing to read the First Amendment Establishment Clause as prohibiting the slightest government endorsement of the Christian religion (while not demonstrating similar angst over government promotion of... (Townhall.com)
Avoid Golden Compass Dec 8, 2007
The DVD series touts itself as being a comprehensive introduction to the secular philosophies of Atheism and Humanism. Pullman is one of six people featured on the DVD who do not believe in God. (Newsmax)
Buchanan: Mitt's Hour of Power... Dec 7, 2007
WorldNetDaily: Mitt's Hour of Power. Thursday, December 6, 2007. (The Drudge Report)
Mitt's Hour of Power Dec 7, 2007
Mike Huckabee's ascendancy and Romney's address defending his faith, refusing to disavow his beliefs and making this a test of tolerance while launching an offensive against secular humanism, tell us that God is back -- in the presidential campaign. Pat Buchanan is a founding editor of The American Conservative magazine, and the author of many books including. (Townhall.com)
Paula Ann Costis Dec 2, 2007
Topic that doesn't get enough attention: Philosophy -- it nurtures humanism, critical thinking and tolerance. Education: University of Texas (Austin); bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
The best reads Nov 25, 2007
Above all, the book is a treatise of ethical humanism, offering an alternative moral code, where it is the 'real things. love, beauty, music, the company of friends that gives life the poetry of its significance. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
One day we will be rid of the death penalty in Indonesia Nov 23, 2007
The gist of his statement was that from the point of view of humanism, the death penalty is wrong, but from the point of view of religion, it is necessary. Does this mean that religion and humanism contradict each other on this point. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
51 comments Nov 20, 2007
Democracy and Education by John DeweyJohn Dewey, who lived from 1859 until 1952, was a progressive philosopher and leading advocate for secular humanism in American life ... It gave us Social Darwinism, Eugenics, Nazism, and Secular Humanism, despite whatever it`s original intent. (Human Events Online)
Shame on us: Ronan Bennett on Martin Amis Nov 20, 2007
Four days after the Pentagon and the twin towers were attacked, the novelist Ian McEwan wrote on these pages: "Imagining what it is like to be someone other than yourself is at the core of our humanity. It is the essence of compassion, and it is the beginning of morality." As an expression of outraged, anguished humanism, McEwan's formulation was truthful, moving and humbling, and can hardly be bettered. But it seems to me the compassion is flowing in one direction, the anger in another. (Guardian Unlimited)
Top Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries Nov 19, 2007
Democracy and Education by John DeweyJohn Dewey, who lived from 1859 until 1952, was a progressive philosopher and leading advocate for secular humanism in American life. He signed the Humanist Manifesto and rejected traditional religion and moral absolutes. (Human Events Online)
Church row evolves over fossil boy Nov 14, 2007
Sharper business thinking from our award-winning team. Navigation - link to other main sections from here. (Yahoo News -- Anthropology and Archaeology)
State looks to heavens for rain Nov 13, 2007
Buckner, an atheist, is helping plan a "polite and peaceful protest" on the Capitol grounds today, and expects members of both the Council on Secular Humanism and Freedom From Religion Foundation to attend. He objects to the governor, in his official capacity as an elected representative, endorsing a belief system. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Bible lawsuit Nov 1, 2007
The legal foundations will shift even more from Biblical law to humanism, the society will draw its vitality and power from humanism, not from Christian theism. The Professor - Oct 31, 2007 06:48:57 PM. (Odessa American, TX)
Doumani: Palestine vs. Palestinians Oct 31, 2007
On the other hand, although Hamas won partly because it is the most effective organizer of grassroots civil society and self-help institutions in Palestine, its worldview and tactics pose a major problem for most international solidarity and civil society movements (labor, feminist, human rights, and so on), which are grounded in the principles of secular humanism and nonviolence. 17] Since the Palestinians cannot possibly achieve freedom and self-determination by themselves, it is imperative... (Zmag.org)
* Baroque and beyond Oct 25, 2007
In this age, during which the dominance of religion was giving way to humanism, subject matter was diverse, ranging from works conventionally lauding the power and magnificence of the royal house, to others showing the lives of common people and portraiture. The curators have provided adequate explanations in English and Chinese for each section of the exhibition, but detailed notes on individual paintings are in Chinese only. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Slavoj Zizek: A thorn in the side of consensus Oct 23, 2007
Now the meaning of this nomination is clear: the return of the ideology of "militaristic humanism". The problem with militaristic humanism resides not in "militaristic" but in "humanism". (Guardian Unlimited)
World of Silenced isn't golden Oct 17, 2007
Former Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:39 PM:" I think that a more probable scenario in the future is a country devoid of any and all public religion. Many people and groups today are hostile to those who believe in God, in whatever form. That, coupled with the lack of unity among members of even the same religion, will cause more and more religious freedoms to be surrendered "for the good of the state". What we will have then is the man-made religion of humanism which will claim that man alone... (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Exclusive: David Kupelian explains spiritual battlefield between faith and denial Oct 11, 2007
Well you see, explains Hitchens, whatever good King accomplished was due to his humanism, not Christianity. "In fact," notes the Post, "King was not actually a Christian at all, argues Hitchens, since he rejected the sadism that characterizes the teachings of Jesus.". (WorldNetDaily)
We need separation of religion from state Sep 23, 2007
However, that religion is not that of the Christian fundamentalists, it is the religion of Secular Humanism. In 1961, the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged that Secular Humanism was a religion ... supertrooper wrote on Sep 21, 2007 3:50 PM:" As a SC Schools Teacher, I can attest to the fact that there is a complete vacuum created from avoiding Christian and Jewish teachings. The result: something else takes its place...secular humanism and aetheism. Teachers are afraid to even mention any... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Dads regret neglecting kids for work No Child Left Behind: pros vs. cons Sep 22, 2007
What we now have is a government that ILLEGALLY promotes Secular Humanism. As defined in previous Supreme Court rulings, secular humanism is, in fact, a religion ... Can you point me to some cases where the government supports secular humanism. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
For congressman, humanism matters Sep 22, 2007
Today's Globe Local Politics Opinion Magazine Education NECN Special reports Obituaries. US Representative Pete Stark (right), a Unitarian, was greeted yesterday at Harvard University by Herb Silverman, president of the Secular Coalition for America. (Boston Globe)
University scholars receive distinguished, named professorships Sep 21, 2007
He is the author of multiple books, including the forthcoming Religion and the Human Future: An Essay on Theological Humanism (2008), and has edited or contributed to six volumes, including Humanity Before God: Contemporary Faces of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Ethics (2006). Schweiker recently was named Director of the Martin Marty Center, the Divinity School s institute for advanced research in all fields of religion. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
The Nonbelievers Sep 17, 2007
"Atheism is what I don t believe in; humanism is what I do believe in," he says ... His deepening involvement in humanism has mirrored a rising interest in nonbelief throughout the country ... "I don t think people are taking religious beliefs as seriously as they used to, but they still go through the habit of using religion as a way to meet people and as a social space," says Lee, 22, a senior majoring in psychology who was raised by Chinese Buddhists but who embraces humanism today. (Boston Globe)
Why are we here? Sep 17, 2007
Infusing higher education with a new and vibrant humanism will produce benefits not only for the future leaders of government and business, but for society at large: A richer and more open debate about ultimate values; an electorate less likely to be cowed into thinking that only the faithful have the right to invoke them; a humbler regard for the mystery of life in a world increasingly dominated by technocratic reason. The most immediate beneficiaries of any such revival, however, would be the... (Boston Globe)
Nature: a case of nurture or annihilate Sep 5, 2007
On any reading, this makes us more animal than not; a view that, though compatible with religion, lends itself to the kind of secular humanism that became modernism's orthodoxy ... Gray, whose compelling rant Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals argues that humans mean as much to Gaia as those sacrificial straw dogs did to the ancient Taoists, sees humanism as "a secular religion thrown together from decaying scraps of Christian myth". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Faithless defender Sep 1, 2007
In November he will publish The Choice of Hercules, which will show how humanism long predates Christianity, stretching back to the ancient Greeks, Buddhism and Confucianism. But before book 29 (Grayling is a publishing machine) comes Into the Light: the story of the struggles for liberty and rights that made the modern West, published this month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Appeals court upholds ban on Bible distribution to fifth-graders (3004) Aug 24, 2007
DW wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:22 AM:" Removing bibles and Christianity is an endorsement of religion, the religion of humanism. It is a lie from the pits of hades when the ACLU people say that they don't want an endorsement or propagation of religion by government entities. ". Christian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:31 AM:" This lastest attack against Christ is another sign the End of the world is approaching. When the world calls evil good (Harry Potter) and good evil (Bible), we know that sin/evil has... (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
A new Islam under the light of science Aug 20, 2007
Only then can we have a clear and solid understanding of Islam that is not contrary to scientific descriptions and humanism. These contexts in which the texts of the Hadist were compiled can explain why in Sunni traditions you don't hear much of the love between the Prophet and his first wife Khadija and the holy family with baby Fatima and why in Shia traditions you don't hear traditions narrated by Aisha. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Raina: Excesses of Irreligion Aug 16, 2007
Far better that the embrace is executed here and now along the best principles of non-sectarian humanism. VI. (Zmag.org)
India and Hinduism Aug 14, 2007
Modern Hinduism has as its values rational thought, modern education and the ideals of humanism, rationalism and religious universalism (Majumdar RC et al). This has meant combating the conservative and superstitious elements. (Suite101.com)
Hoodbhoy: Science & Islam Aug 5, 2007
This leaves secular humanism, based on common sense and the principles of logic and reason, as our only reasonable choice for governance and progress. Being scientists, we understand this easily. (Zmag.org)
The gullible age Aug 5, 2007
I suggest that is more or less classic Marxism, and perhaps where it comes closer to humanism. But this is one area where Dawkins would have more in common with the Romantic poet John Keats s Beauty is truth, truth beauty , though they might have to argue a bit about the definitions. (Times Online)
Viewpoint: Tax subsidy for churches is unjustified Aug 3, 2007
In the 1961 case of Torcaso v. Watkins, the court described "secular humanism" as a religion. A federal appellate court defined atheism as a religion in a Wisconsin prison case. (Pensacola News Journal)
Raina: Teach Them Not to Think Aug 3, 2007
Englands first Education Act of 1870 was to be the first pusillanimous policy decision towards consolidating inequality eventhough, dont you know, it was all about furnishing a sound education on the best principles of English humanism. . (Zmag.org)
Beyond Belief Jul 27, 2007
Legs on the Wall explore humanism through physical theatre ... "I?realised that it was because atheism always feels like it's against something rather than for something, that it's automatically a negative. "So I wanted to focus on the positive side of atheism which for me is humanism - the idea that physical living beings are at the centre rather than some invisible, all-powerful god or deity. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Schweiker to head Martin Marty Center Jul 14, 2007
An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Schweiker is finishing a book on theological humanism ... More specifically, I am engaged in exploring and also advancing forms of religious humanism now arising within various contexts, which aim to address the multiple global challenges people face. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
Gays Dont Want Marriage After All Jul 9, 2007
And in order for secular humanism to properly take root, we need a society which embraces the idea that all forms of sexual behavior no matter how perverse or destructive are equally valid. The good news is that Americans are catching on to the disingenuous motives behind the homosexual activist push for same-sex marriage. (Townhall.com)
Apocalypse now Jul 7, 2007
"A decade later Gray, who had already tilted at Francis Fukuyama's end of history thesis, wrote False Dawn, which flayed the pretensions of US global dominance, and argued that unregulated American capitalism would produce not a super-efficient, wealth- generating global market, but anarchy. It was thanks to his critique of liberal humanism Straw Dogs, however, published in 2002, that Gray attracted a large audience. His scorn for progress was now delivered in hardboiled prose: "For the... (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
The church may be struggling, but in politics its rhetoric is on the rise Jul 2, 2007
The 20th-century traditions of humanism, secularism and even atheism have signally failed to develop a popular language of morality in which to describe moral character and the disciplines of responsibility, self-restraint and duty which are essential to democracy and social wellbeing. If you want to convince a sceptical, inattentive electorate of your moral purpose, you have to use the shorthand of faith. (Guardian Unlimited)
Ten Habits of Decidedly Defective People Jul 2, 2007
How many of us could describe ourselves as an avid big game hunter and monster shark fisherman in one breath, and in the next breath articulate the pitfalls of postmodernism and secular humanism ... How many of us could describe ourselves as an avid big game hunter and monster shark fisherman in one breath, and in the next breath articulate the pitfalls of postmodernism and secular humanism. (Townhall.com)
In the name of the Father Jun 23, 2007
The faith of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - a passionate follower of Jesus if there ever was one, who met execution for his part in the plot to assassinate Hitler with the words that for him death was a beginning - is described by Hitchens as "an admirable but nebulous humanism". Martin Luther King, whom he greatly admires, is assessed primarily on the grounds that his religious rhetoric was a tool required to galvanise the Bible-reading South against racism. (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
Adamovsky: Radical Ethics of Equality Jun 22, 2007
If the implicit humanism of the ideas of the left has so often been absent in its practices, it is because the left tradition, or at least its hegemonic currents, lacks an ethical dimension ... Students of Marx have recently suggested that his rejection of ethics was simply the result of a tactical necessity to mark a difference between his ideas and other debates current at the time, and that Marxism is, in fact, a form of humanism that contains a strong implicit ethics. (Zmag.org)
You're in a Bad Neighborhood and 10 Men Approach You . . . Jun 19, 2007
The most common is that any of us would also be relieved if we learned that the 10 men walking toward us in a dark alley had just come from a secular humanism seminar or one on photosynthesis ... The problem with this response, however, is that in the real world, in bad parts of our cities, 10 men are rather more likely to be studying the Bible than photosynthesis or secular humanism or any other subject that would bring us relief in that dark alley. (Townhall.com)
`Dharm`: A masterly take on religious bigotry vs humanism Jun 12, 2007
Dharm`: A masterly take on religious bigotry vs humanism ... In the first half-hour of this tightly-wound homage to the aroma of incense on the angry ghats (banks), the director establishes Chaturvedi's rigidly ritualistic world as qualified by the priest's own dormant, tolerant take on humanism ... Brahminical arrogance meets a compassionate world-view in Talwar's extraordinary portrayal of humanism, kinship and tolerance. (Zee News)
Rediscovering what I believe Jun 11, 2007
real facts wrote on Jun 9, 2007 7:47 PM:" at the risk of generalizations, this is typical postioning of some of the denominational reasonings of scripture mixing secular humanism with "interpretation". you have to learn to differentiate between the recordation of mans failures in the bible concerning Gods standards, and Gods ACTUAL standards. this is where man goes astray, and loses "faith" in Gods word. it goes to show you that a piece of paper doesn't prove that a person is an expert in... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
What would you say to Richard Dawkins? May 21, 2007
confirmed his leadership of a swelling band of militant atheists" Militant? There's some unbiased journalism for you. He writes a book and starts a dialog on a taboo subject and all of a sudden he's militant? I suspect that atheists have the lowest proportion of militants in their populations. Grow a brain Posted by: JacORB Effect on May 21, 2007 9:32 AM I admire Dawkins for devoting so much intellect and time on a subject that seems self evident to any truly insightful human being. The horrible... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Lazare: Among the Disbelievers May 19, 2007
If only the Maccabees had stood by as Antiochus IV Epiphanes looted the temple treasury, the world could have skipped 2,000 years or so of religious fanaticism and proceeded directly to the founding of the Council for Secular Humanism. Needless to say, there is no sense here of historical progress as necessarily convoluted and complex, with lots of back eddies, side currents and extended periods of stagnation. (Zmag.org)
