History

Humanism has its modern origins in renaissance Italy, although the central basis of its ideology goes back to the classical period in Greece and Rome.  It was firmly establised as a religion after a court ruling in the USA.

There are many different facets to modern Humanism, although the main two branches of the belief system are the Secular and the Religious. Both branches, however, share a similar world-view.  This is non-authoritarian belief that humans can solve their problems and advance the culture by employing an approach of free enquiry, reason, imagination, science, study and fellowship.  They also hold that the advance of human welfare should not be at the expense of other forms of life, and that respect for the planet Earth should also be adhered to.

Secular Humanists do not believe in any form of the supernatural and believe that humans are solely responsible for their own existence and development.  They are characterised by defiance and skepticism, leading to ultimate personal liberty. Religious Humanists place reason above religion in their every day lives. They believe that it is incumbent on them to use their ability to be free-thinkers, to freely question, and not to follow imposed and unchanging doctrines.  While they use felllowship and worship as an important part of their faith, their religious beliefs are very distinct from mainstream Christianity, and represent more an entirely different way of having a religion than a different branch of a religion.

In the UK, secular humanism is much more well-known. Famous humanists include Albert Einstein and Richard Dawkins.

Beliefs

Humanists believe in a world without religious privilege or discrimination, where people are free to live good lives on the basis of reason, experience and shared human values.

They do not believe that religion should have a priveliged position in politics, the media, law or other institutions.

They do not believe in any kind of discrimination, particularly that based on religion.

They believe in inclusive schools, rather than any kind of faith-based education.

They believe in impartial, full education about religion but no imposition of religion onto school assemblies.

Locally

Greater Manchester Humanist Group: Telephone 01925 824844

Links

A comprehensive guide to Humanism is available at http://www.humanism.org.uk