Secular humanism is a form of religion, or doctrine, that emphasizes a person's capacity for self-realization through reason, ethics, justice, and a rejection of the supernatural and spiritual as a basis for moral reflection and decisions.
Humanists believe that science and reason should be applied to all areas of life, and that all beliefs should be subjected to rational scrutiny. Largely atheistic, humanists are skeptical about claims for the existence of a god or gods. They are also skeptical about the existence of angels, demons, and other supernatural beings.
Humanists also reject the idea of an afterlife, believing that this life is the only one that we have. We are not reincarnated, and there is no heaven or hell for us to go to after death.
Secular humanists believe that their beliefs are factual rather than dogmatic, while all of the other religions in the world have been subjected to rational scrutiny and found wanting.
While secular humanists are atheists, not all atheists are secular humanists. Secular humanists are committed to the importance of moral value, and reject the idea that there cannot be moral values without God, or that human beings cannot be good without religion to guide them.
Humanists emphasize personal autonomy in moral issues, as opposed to basing ethical decisions on external authorities, such as a Bible, or a religious tradition or leader. Rather, secular humanists favor the development of systems of ethical education that will equip people with the skills they need in order to discharge it properly.
Humanists believe that a belief in God is not necessary for their lives to have meaning and purpose.
Humanists are secularists, in that they favor an open, democratic society, one in which the government takes a neutral stance with respect to religion.
Secular humanists are not necessarily utopian in their worldview, although some do believe that the application of science and reason, in lieu of religious dogma and divisiveness, will usher in a New World of peace and contentment.
Humanists do not generally believe that the wants and needs of people are all that matters. Most believe that the welfare of other species are also important.
While many humanists embrace utilitarianism, and most hold that happiness and suffering ate morally important, they do not necessarily believe that maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering are all that matters in life.
Most secular humanists are naturalists, who believe that the natural, physical universe is the only reality there is, but some of them would identify as agnostic rather than atheist.
Humanists do not necessarily embrace the idea that every genuine question can be answered by science. Most humanists emphasize the importance of science in determining moral decisions, but they do not necessarily believe that science and reason alone are capable of determining the difference between right and wrong.
Secular humanists are free to question many things, but they are skeptical about one particular answer - that the universe is the creation of one or more gods.
Humanism is for freedom of thought and expression, and an open society. Humanists support moral education that stresses moral autonomy and the importance of critical thinking.
Most humanists consider theistic religion to be not merely false, but dangerous.
Many people believe the identification of secular humanism as a religion began when a US Supreme Court named Secular Humanism as a religion in 1961, but the relationship began much earlier than that.
George Holyoake coined the term secularism to describe "a form of opinion which concerns itself only with questions, the issues of which can be tested by the experience of this life." The modern secular humanist movement grew around the teachings of Holyoake. However, Holyoake's secularism was greatly influenced by Auguste Comte, the founder of positivism and sociology. Later in his life, Comte introduced a religion of humanity to fulfill the cohesive and functional roles that theistic churches once served in France, in the midst of growing anti-religious sentiment during the French Revolution.
Although his movement was not successful in France, his philosophy has led to the formation of several humanist churches throughout the world, which meet the needs of their membership for fellowship, instruction in ethics, and ritual, but without the intrusion of a god or gods.
Topics related to humanism or secular humanism are the focus of topics in this category or its subcategories. Secular church associations or other organizations intended to promote secular humanism and humanist issues are appropriate for this category, whether or not they specifically identify as a religion.
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The AHA is a non-profit US-based organization that promotes secular humanism, a philosophy of life that is without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms the ability of human beings to live ethical lives without religion, and provides legal assistance to those who would remove religion from the public sphere. The benefits of membership are listed, and renewals may be made through the site. Its actions, projects, and media reports on topics relating to its issues are included.
https://americanhumanist.org/
The CSI promotes what its membership and staff consider to be science and scientific inquiry, critical thinking, science education, and the use of reason in examining important issues, and encourages a critical investigation of controversial, extraordinary, or religious claims from a responsible, scientific point of view, disseminating the results to the public, the media, and the scientific community. Its publication, "Skeptical Inquirer," may be subscribed to online.
https://www.csicop.org/
A program of the Center for Inquiry, the CSH is a non-profit educational organization that acts as an advocate for a non-religious stance grounded in science, naturalist philosophy, and humanist ethics, and as a support system for secular humanists in North America. Resources include a definition of secular humanism, a secular humanist declaration, affirmations, and a reading list. Affiliated local groups are acknowledged, and its publication, "Free Inquiry," may be viewed online.
https://secularhumanism.org/
Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago
The non-profit religious organization is affiliated with the American Humanist Association. Located in Skokie, Illinois, the church's mission is to create a supportive and inclusive Humanist community, offering celebrations, memorials, festivals, and other programs and services for its membership. Membership information, an introduction for newcomers, Sunday school, and program schedules are put forth, with contacts and announcements.
http://www.ethicalhuman.org/
Organized in 1999, the web-based humanist group focuses on the core principles of modern humanism, and offers those without a local humanist group to network with other humanists in their area, as well as others, without regard to national borders. Its site offers informational articles and discussions about the humanist movement, humanist issues, humanist living, as well as offering readers to submit or view essays on various topics. Its submissions policies are stated.
https://www.ihumanism.org/
International Humanist and Ethical Union
The IHEU is comprised of humanist, rationalist, secular, ethical culture, atheist, and forethought organizations spanning several nations, brought together to represent and support the global humanist movement. Non-religious organizations and individuals are invited to join the organization. Membership categories, qualifications, and fees are stated, and its advocacy programs, campaigns, and events are highlighted.
https://iheu.org/
The quarterly magazine has been published since 1885 by the Rationalist Association, a secular humanist organization, offering news and information about climate change, capitalism, technology, fundamentalism, and other liberal issues. Subscriptions may be made or renewed through the site, and its refund, cancellation, and privacy policies are set forth. Selective articles are available online, and may be found through a keyword search.
https://newhumanist.org.uk/
Representing the interests of atheists, humanists, freethinkers, agnostics, and other non-theistic Americans, the SCA has chapters in all fifty US states and in Puerto Rico, including lobbyists trained by the organization, who work to increase the visibility and respect for irreligious, non-theistic viewpoints in the United States and to advocate for strict separation of church and state. Its key issues and action areas are highlighted.
https://secular.org/
Presenting a critical look at secular humanism and the secular humanist movement, representative topics include a discussion of humanism, cultural and moral relativism, cultural materialism, naturalism, communism, atheism, and agnosticism, as well as scientific worldview, theism, and world religions. Other topics include a scientific worldview, truth claims, and popular contemporary issues.
https://www.secular-humanism.com/
Sponsored by the American Humanist Association, the site offers options and alternatives for religious holidays and celebrations, encouraging readers to submit suggestions. Celebrations, holidays, and ceremonies are listed by the season of the year, and a discussion of whether non-Christians can celebrate Easter, whether Halloween is Satanic, sacred, or secular, are included. Traditional holiday alternatives are also presented.
http://secularseasons.org/
Operated and maintained by Internet Infidels, a non-profit educational organization made up of members who are dedicated to the defense and promotion of a naturalistic worldview on the Internet, the organization includes a bookstore and solicits submissions of articles from the public. Other resources include a blog, essay contests and scholarships, audio files, podcasts, and reader-submitted articles.
https://infidels.org/
The publication applies what its authors deem to be a naturalistic and democratic outlook, informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion, to a wide variety of areas of social and personal concerns. The online edition of the American Humanist Association includes regular features, commentary, news and reports relating to arts and entertainment, book reviews, and multimedia content. Subscriptions may be purchased, and an archive of back issues is available.
https://thehumanist.com/
