|
|
Tenets & Practices
Introduction
HHC takes it’s Tenets from a combination of the values and ideals contained within the Humanist Manifesto II and The Earth Charter. These two documents form the basis of an ethical, moral, socially responsible, and peaceful way of life that is free of the extremism and dogma present in so many of today’s “traditional” religions. The following list of tenets is derived primarily from the HMII and EC, and provides a basic guideline for the way Hope Humanists live, interact with their peers and the world, and work toward a better future for all humanity.
I. Religion:
-
We believe that every individual has the innate right to pursue their personal spiritual path – whether that includes belief in a “higher power” of some kind or not. However, as Humanists, we recognize that spirituality and religious thought should be based on facts and evidence rather than antiquated myths. Therefore, Hope Humanists are expected to examine their long-held beliefs rather than simply accepting what they have been taught. This can be accomplished in the following ways:
- Ask yourself why you believe what you do. Is it a choice you made after research and careful examination of the facts, or is it just what you were taught by your parents, religious leaders, or others in your life?
-
Research the origins of your beliefs. For instance, did you know that many of today’s Christian beliefs originated in pagan cultures and were later adapted by the early Christian church in order to convert more pagans to Christianity?
- Apply what you learn about the origins of religious thought to your beliefs. Ask yourself if what you believe is logically possible when compared to scientific knowledge and discovery. Do your beliefs still make sense in light of the evidence?
-
Discard those beliefs that no longer make sense, or that you no longer feel are realistic based on your research. Then apply the ideals and principles of Humanism to what is left in order to find a balance that works for you.
In this way, Hope Humanists engage in a lifetime process of achieving new knowledge and understanding, and applying critical thinking and reason to their spiritual beliefs, as well as every other aspect of their lives.
-
Humanism is about putting our faith in the potential of humanity to solve its own problems and learn better ways of interacting with one another, primarily through the use of logic, reason, scientific discovery, and practical wisdom. Questions about the existence of gods or other supernatural forces are, for the most part, irrelevant to our daily lives. Therefore, HHC neither endorses nor denies the existence of such beings. Our official position on the question of the existence of such forces is, “We do not know.” What we DO know is that such forces, if they exist, have not intervened in our world or our lives in any provable or measurable way. Therefore, we are on our own, and responsible for creating our own solutions. Humanism is the way we choose to pursue those solutions.
II. Society
-
In order to allow others to learn about the ideals of Humanism, and hopefully embrace them as a better alternative than what is offered by other religious or philosophic paths, it is necessary to help spread awareness of what Humanism is, and how it can be applied to every aspect of our lives.
However, HHC does NOT expect either its clergy or its members to go out and proselytize (preach or attempt to convert) as some other religions do.
Rather, we ask you to lead by example. Incorporate the principles of Humanism and the Earth charter into your daily activities through things like conservation; sharing resources; environmental, political, and social activism; treating everyone you meet as an equal; and treating them with respect, kindness, and acceptance. For our clergy, this includes performing humanist-oriented rituals such as weddings, child dedications, funeral services, and other life-event ceremonies.
As you do these things, others will notice. Some may ask why you do what you do, and you can then explain about Humanism and why you think it’s important. Others may simply take note of your behavior and decide to emulate it. Either way, you have helped to promote humanism, and make the world a better place – without “preaching”.
-
One of the primary functions of Hope Humanist Ministry is to initiate and propagate a humanist-oriented social advocacy program. This will consist of many projects such as:
- Assistance for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault or disaster survivors, raising awareness about poverty, homelessness, and the problems caused by an unequal distribution of resources (food, land, energy, medicine, etc.), advocating for improved education for our children, especially in the areas of science, math, philosophy, literacy, and critical thinking skills.
-
Opposing the current trend of religious fanaticism and extremism by stressing the importance of free thought, free speech, scientific inquiry, and true equality for all human beings.
- Opposing all oppressive actions by governments or religious groups, and adamantly opposing war. As stated in the HMII, “war is obsolete”, and it is time for humanity to resolve its problems through peaceful means and open dialogue rather than by the slaughter of innocents.
As a member of HHC and HHM, you can help support these efforts in many ways. Whether you choose to donate to some of our projects, to volunteer your time teaching a child (or adult) to read and think critically, to sign petitions and cast your votes according to your conscience, to make a conscious effort to “reduce, reuse, recycle”, or in many other ways – you can be part of the solution to the problems plaguing our world.
|
