Changes

'''Humanism''' is a [[philosophy]], [[worldview]], and religion<ref>Potter, C.F. & C.C. [http://books.google.com/books?id=v9EnAAAAYAAJ&q=humanism+a+new+religion&dq=humanism+a+new+religion&hl=en&ei=9otLTc2DJoOyuAOl4_Q3&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA ''Humanism, A New Religion''] Simon and Schuster; (1930)</ref> that places humanity and the [[Materialism|material]] at the center of philosophical inquiry. It rejects [[God|gods]], and theistic [[religion|religions]], instead seeing "man as the measure of all things."<ref>Burkhardt, F & Otto, M.C. [http://books.google.com/books?id=sx30EuuYoG8C&lpg=PA195&dq=%22man%20as%20the%20measure%20of%20all%20things%22&pg=PA195#v=onepage&q=%22man%20as%20the%20measure%20of%20all%20things%22&f=false ''The cleavage in our culture: studies in scientific humanism in honor of Max Otto'']; Books for Libraries Press, Freeport N.Y; p. 195 (1969). </ref> Its tenets originate from pagan [[Ancient Greece]] and classical philosophy. It was revived (in a somewhat different form) during the European [[Renaissance]], but faded and re-emerged in the 20th century with a significant [[pagan]] and atheistic emphasis. It continues to have a major impact in shaping modern ways of thought, making its presence felt in such fields as legislation, [[liberal]] [[junk science]], education, and art. J.O. Markuš maintains that Humanism without [[God]] leads to [[bestiality]] and that the true nature of human attributes can bloom only in the realms of [[Kingdom of God]].<ref name="Prorok Daniel">{{cite book |title=Prorok Daniel |author=Jozef Ondrej Markuš |publisher=Matica slovenská |year= 2001  |place=Martin, Slovakia |pages=135 |isbn= 80-7090-600-6|url=http://vydavatel.sk/produkt-detail/10383 |quote=V tomto svete panuje princíp dravcov. Len v Božom kráľovstve sa vyvíja to naozaj ľudské - pravá pdstata človeka. HUmanizmus bez Boha vedie k beštialite. Všetko čo sa odthne od Boha, má zvieracie sklony, vedie k dravcovi. Šelmy sa navzájom ničia a zničia...|language=Slovak}}</ref>

'''Humanism''' is a [[philosophy]], [[worldview]], and religion<ref name="Humanism, A New Religion">Potter, C.F. & C.C. [http://books.google.com/books?id=v9EnAAAAYAAJ&q=humanism+a+new+religion&dq=humanism+a+new+religion&hl=en&ei=9otLTc2DJoOyuAOl4_Q3&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA ''Humanism, A New Religion''] Simon and Schuster; (1930)</ref> that places humanity and the [[Materialism|material]] at the center of philosophical inquiry. It rejects [[god]]s, and theistic [[religion]]s, instead seeing "man as the measure of all things."<ref>Burkhardt, F & Otto, M.C. [http://books.google.com/books?id=sx30EuuYoG8C&lpg=PA195&dq=%22man%20as%20the%20measure%20of%20all%20things%22&pg=PA195#v=onepage&q=%22man%20as%20the%20measure%20of%20all%20things%22&f=false ''The cleavage in our culture: studies in scientific humanism in honor of Max Otto'']; Books for Libraries Press, Freeport N.Y; p. 195 (1969).</ref> Its tenets originate from pagan [[Ancient Greece]] and classical philosophy. It was revived (in a somewhat different form) during the European [[Renaissance]], but faded and re-emerged in the 20th century with a significant [[pagan]] and atheistic emphasis. It continues to have a major impact in shaping modern ways of thought, making its presence felt in such fields as legislation, [[liberal]] [[junk science]], education, and art. J.O. Markuš maintains that Humanism without [[God]] leads to [[bestiality]] and that the true nature of human attributes can bloom only in the realms of [[Kingdom of God]].<ref name="Prorok Daniel">{{cite book |title=Prorok Daniel |author=Jozef Ondrej Markuš |publisher=Matica slovenská |year= 2001  |place=Martin, Slovakia |pages=135 |isbn= 80-7090-600-6|url=http://vydavatel.sk/produkt-detail/10383 |quote=V tomto svete panuje princíp dravcov. Len v Božom kráľovstve sa vyvíja to naozaj ľudské - pravá pdstata človeka. HUmanizmus bez Boha vedie k beštialite. Všetko čo sa odthne od Boha, má zvieracie sklony, vedie k dravcovi. Šelmy sa navzájom ničia a zničia...|language=Slovak}}</ref>

==Origin==

==Origin==

== Secular humanism ==

== Secular humanism ==

[[Secular humanism]] is humanism that is [[Atheism|atheistic]] in nature. It is an idea in which man is self-centered, is an animal and no god is involved. People who are secular humanists do not believe in God and purport to focus on things to better themselves and humanity, such as democracy, peace, a flourishing economy, a high standard of living, and other earthly pursuits<ref>http://www.ihumanism.org/2005/01/the-10-points-of-humanism-a-definition.html</ref>. They do not believe in any gods or spiritual matters, which is a factor in their earthly pursuits.

[[Secular humanism]] is humanism that is [[Atheism|atheistic]] in nature. It is an idea in which man is self-centered, is an animal and no god is involved. People who are secular humanists do not believe in God and purport to focus on things to better themselves and humanity, such as democracy, peace, a flourishing economy, a high standard of living, and other earthly pursuits.<ref>http://www.ihumanism.org/2005/01/the-10-points-of-humanism-a-definition.html</ref> They do not believe in any gods or spiritual matters, which is a factor in their earthly pursuits.

However, secular humanists who have often engaged in bitter infighting amongst themselves, have fallen far short of this moral standard (See: [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] and [[Atheist factions]]).  

However, secular humanists who have often engaged in bitter infighting amongst themselves, have fallen far short of this moral standard (See: [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] and [[Atheist factions]]).  

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[New Atheism]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[New Atheism]]  

[[Paul Kurtz]] is an [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] who formerly taught at the State University of NY at Buffalo. Dr. Paul Kurtz founded the modern [[secular humanism]] movement which is a form of philosophical skepticism. In addition, he also founded the organization the [[Center for Inquiry]] which focuses on promoting secular humanism. In 2009, Dr. Kurtz lost his leadership position at the Center for Inquiry.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>  Dr. Kurtz described this humiliating event as a "shattering blow".<ref name="godless"></ref>

[[Paul Kurtz]] is an [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] who formerly taught at the State University of NY at Buffalo. Dr. Paul Kurtz founded the modern [[secular humanism]] movement which is a form of philosophical skepticism. In addition, he also founded the organization the [[Center for Inquiry]] which focuses on promoting secular humanism. In 2009, Dr. Kurtz lost his leadership position at the Center for Inquiry.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>  Dr. Kurtz described this humiliating event as a "shattering blow".<ref name="godless" />

Currently, there is an ideological struggle within the [[secular humanism]] faction of atheism concerning how militant the movement should be which primarily arose post [[New Atheism]] movement which is a more militant form of atheism. (see also: [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheist factions]]).  [[Paul Kurtz]] is against the secular humanism movement becoming more militant but some newer followers of secular humanism disagree with Kurtz.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>

Currently, there is an ideological struggle within the [[secular humanism]] faction of atheism concerning how militant the movement should be which primarily arose post [[New Atheism]] movement which is a more militant form of atheism. (see also: [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheist factions]]).  [[Paul Kurtz]] is against the secular humanism movement becoming more militant but some newer followers of secular humanism disagree with Kurtz.<ref name="godless"/>

On October 10, 2010, a contentious exchange between members of the [[Secular Humanism]] faction of atheism founded by Paul Kurtz and the atheist Ron Lindsay was caught on tape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hniP6Ivr5g Video - Part one][http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Video - Part 2]  During the exchange Ron Lindsay said that infighting has been occurring within the Secular Humanism faction of atheism for years.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2WgcPaul Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref> A Paul Kurtz supporter said that Kurtz was censored by Ron Lindsay and his supporters and driven out of the organization that he founded (Center for Inquiry).<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Lindsay claimed, however, that Kurtz voluntarily resigned from the organization he founded and Kurtz was never censored. Furthermore, Lindsay said that Kurtz's idea of a "planetary federation" was impractical. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Kurtz countered that he was never allowed to publish why he resigned from the organization and that he was censored by the organization that he founded.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>

On October 10, 2010, a contentious exchange between members of the [[Secular Humanism]] faction of atheism founded by Paul Kurtz and the atheist Ron Lindsay was caught on tape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hniP6Ivr5g Video - Part one][http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Video - Part 2]  During the exchange Ron Lindsay said that infighting has been occurring within the Secular Humanism faction of atheism for years.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2WgcPaul Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref> A Paul Kurtz supporter said that Kurtz was censored by Ron Lindsay and his supporters and driven out of the organization that he founded (Center for Inquiry).<ref name="youtube.com">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Lindsay claimed, however, that Kurtz voluntarily resigned from the organization he founded and Kurtz was never censored. Furthermore, Lindsay said that Kurtz's idea of a "planetary federation" was impractical.<ref name="youtube.com"/>  Kurtz countered that he was never allowed to publish why he resigned from the organization and that he was censored by the organization that he founded.<ref name="youtube.com"/>

=== Hypocrisy of secular humanists ===

=== Hypocrisy of secular humanists ===

''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

The American Humanist Association defines humanism thusly: "Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity."<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref> The American Humanist Association's slogan is "Good without God".<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref>

The American Humanist Association defines humanism thusly: "Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity."<ref name="Definition of humanism">[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref> The American Humanist Association's slogan is "Good without God".<ref name="Definition of humanism"/>

In 2011, the atheist [[PZ Myers]] won the International Humanist Award from the International Humanist and Ethical Union.<ref name=IHEU>{{cite web|title=IHEU Awards for 2011|url=http://iheu.org/story/iheu-awards-2011|publisher=Internation Humanist and Ethical Union|accessdate=16 August 2013}}</ref>  Prior to that in 2009, Myers won the Humanist of the Year award from the American Humanist Association.<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/AHA/Humanists_of_the_Year American Humanist Association: Humanist of the year]. American Humanist Association.</ref>

In 2011, the atheist [[PZ Myers]] won the International Humanist Award from the International Humanist and Ethical Union.<ref name=IHEU>{{cite web|title=IHEU Awards for 2011|url=http://iheu.org/story/iheu-awards-2011|publisher=Internation Humanist and Ethical Union|accessdate=16 August 2013}}</ref>  Prior to that in 2009, Myers won the Humanist of the Year award from the American Humanist Association.<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/AHA/Humanists_of_the_Year American Humanist Association: Humanist of the year]. American Humanist Association.</ref>

==Classification as philosophy, worldview, or religion==

==Classification as philosophy, worldview, or religion==

Humanists themselves have openly admitted of humanism's religious attributes for decades.<ref>Blumenfeld, S. [http://thenewamerican.com/opinion/sam-blumenfeld/3001-is-humanism-a-religion "Is Humanism a Religion?"] in ''The New American'' (2010)</ref> Despite this, the claim is occasionally denied and sometimes attempted to be recast as a philosophy, worldview, or life stance (or some combination of the above). Its modern incarnation saw it as the creation of a religion by the [[Unitarianism|Unitarian]] clergyman Charles Francis Potter<ref>[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0914FB3458137A93C7A9178BD95F468685F9"CHARLES POTTER, CLERGYMAN, DEAD"], ''New York Times'', October 5, 1962</ref> and offered up as a substitute for Christian [[fundamentalism]]. In the early 1980's media controversies involving pagan humanism as a religion emerged.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=ZcVSiD1BU3EC ''Making the Manifesto: The Birth of Religious Humanism''], William F. Schulz, [[Unitarian Universalist Association]] of Congregations, 2002, ISBN 1558964290, 9781558964297, 148 pages</ref><ref>Potter, C.F. & C.C. [http://books.google.com/books?id=v9EnAAAAYAAJ&q=humanism+a+new+religion&dq=humanism+a+new+religion&hl=en&ei=9otLTc2DJoOyuAOl4_Q3&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA ''Humanism, A New Religion''] Simon and Schuster; (1930)</ref>

Humanists themselves have openly admitted of humanism's religious attributes for decades.<ref>Blumenfeld, S. [http://thenewamerican.com/opinion/sam-blumenfeld/3001-is-humanism-a-religion "Is Humanism a Religion?"] in ''The New American'' (2010)</ref> Despite this, the claim is occasionally denied and sometimes attempted to be recast as a philosophy, worldview, or life stance (or some combination of the above). Its modern incarnation saw it as the creation of a religion by the [[Unitarianism|Unitarian]] clergyman Charles Francis Potter<ref>[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0914FB3458137A93C7A9178BD95F468685F9"CHARLES POTTER, CLERGYMAN, DEAD"], ''New York Times'', October 5, 1962</ref> and offered up as a substitute for Christian [[fundamentalism]]. In the early 1980's media controversies involving pagan humanism as a religion emerged.<ref name="Humanism, A New Religion"/><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=ZcVSiD1BU3EC ''Making the Manifesto: The Birth of Religious Humanism''], William F. Schulz, [[Unitarian Universalist Association]] of Congregations, 2002, ISBN 1558964290, 9781558964297, 148 pages</ref>

==Criticism==

==Criticism==