 |
||
| home
|
ABOUT HUMANISM Below is an extract from the leaflet A Humanist View published by the Humanist Society of Scotland which gives a brief explanation of the humanist life stance. More information can be obtained from the websites of the Humanist Society of Scotland and the British Humanist Association. There are further sources of information listed on the links page.
A Humanist View ~ Humanist Society of Scotland A
RATIONAL WORLD Since
the beginning of history, questions about our origins and existence have
been asked. There have been people who maintained that, by means of the
study of life on the planet and our relationship with it, rational and
acceptable answers to such questions have been available. This we
believe to be a humanist
attitude to life. In the past, primitive knowledge and lack of
sophisticated modern means allowed other answers, based on mythology,
superstition and religion to gain credence. People were too busy staying
alive to have time to stop, think and learn. Especially if these answers
were delivered by soothsayers, witch doctors or priests. Rival
explanations did enough to satisfy the needs of most questioners. At
the start of the 21 st Century, we have a wealth of knowledge about the
evolution of our planet and of the history of its various species,
especially that of homo-sapiens. The evidence that we, like other life
forms, are a product of the self-perpetuating process of evolution is
overwhelming. There is no suggestion that we have been created by any
means other than this process or that we exist for any instinct other
than survival and reproduction. Purpose is something we put into our
lives. ETHICS
AND MORALITY As
there is no real evidence that we as individuals will live after our
death, Humanists accept that this is our only life and that we should
try to make it as worthwhile and happy as
possible for ourselves and for others. We believe that we must face the
opportunities and problems of the world with human cooperation but
without supernatural help. We are concerned with right and wrong. We
believe that morality is a product of upbringing and developing thought
and that it has to do with how we treat other people, ideally with
kindness, consideration and unselfishness. We accept the importance of
the rights of people throughout the world. The principles of morality
enshrined in the declarations, covenants and conventions of human rights
as promulgated by the United Nations are too little known in this
country. There is need for a human moral code if we, as humans, are to
live peaceably together. THE
HUMANIST SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND Wherever
suitable opportunities occur, our members try to stress their individual
Humanist viewpoint. We are specially eager to be involved in issues
affecting education and the rights of children. We are opposed to
religious bigotry which permits de-nominational schools to continue to
exist and to compulsory religious observance in state schools. The
Humanist opinion is increasingly voiced in the media most frequently
on moral issues such as euthanasia, abortion, equal opportunities and
minority rights. We are opposed to religious indoctrination. We believe
thinking on moral and ethical issues is best isolated from a religious
context so enabling it to keep pace with the growth of knowledge and
social change. A
HUMANIST VOICE We visit secondary schools and discuss with students the Humanist philosophy. We also produce literature on Humanism for schools which is needed for the national curriculum. We publish a quarterly magazine, Humanite. We also provide trained and experienced officiants, literature, guidelines and practical help for those who prefer non-religious weddings and funerals see our leaflet: SOCIAL
ISSUES Humanists
co-operate with other people, including many with religious beliefs.
But, cooperation
is not always possible. On some issues, Humanists are pressing for a
rational and humane approach to end the harmful results of some
religious attitudes. Examples of changes Humanists want to see:
Abortion available when necessary: the woman rather than the doctor
having the final choice.
Legal voluntary euthanasia for adults the right to die with dignity
when one chooses.
Women valued as highly as men.
Greater tolerance towards minority groups e.g. homosexuals or
immigrants.
Contraception available to all. The Catholic church in particular has
caused untold suffering throughout the world by its opposition to birth
control.
Better distribution
of the worlds resources to help relieve poverty. If
you would like more information on the Humanist Society of Scotland,
please contact the Humanist Society of Scotland by email at: info@humanism-scotland.org.uk
|
David Pattullo is a registered celebrant of the Humanist Society of Scotland. Scottish Charity Number: SC026570
|
 |
||