Latest update doctrine for humanists/atheists
The following values had been refined and consider as tools for humanists & atheists to thrive as an individual or as a community.
It is not perfect so use it wisely, but it is a winnable doctrine
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"All our beliefs/values are subject to change in the face of new evidence, including these."
"Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence."
“Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation/investigation/research, evaluation and revision.”
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Feel free to add your other useful values to these lists to complement it
http://www.restorativeempathy.com/Unive ... mpathy.pdf
(scroll down for the list)
http://www.rsablogs.org.uk/wp-content/u ... arrett.pdf
http://www.restorativeempathy.com/Feeli ... mpathy.pdf
(scroll down for the list)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_value
(scroll down for the list)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Values_in ... _Strengths
(scroll down for the list)
Meaning of life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life
(scroll down for the list)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_human_needs
(scroll down for the table)
(scroll down for the list)
http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1 ... SYeKQTE%3D
(scroll down for the list)
http://www.refugeofthewomb.com/wp-conte ... ds.jpg.pdf
http://www.nycnvc.org/wp-content/upload ... 8-15.2.pdf
http://www.nycnvc.org/wp-content/upload ... 8-15.1.pdf
http://www.joyoflifeconnection.info/Ass ... 20List.pdf
This is a new link
http://heathercarlile.com/pdf/HeatherCa ... esList.pdf
Optional
http://www.nycnvc.org/the-exercise-shif ... on/#Step-6
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Some of the loose values that I gathered together
Accountability
Animal compassion
Charity/giving
Clean air & water
Cognitive intelligence
Common sense
Communion with nature
Conflict resolution
Debating
Dependability, reliability
Dreams/visions
Economic security
Education/skills
Eliminate disease
Emotional intelligence
Environmental friendly
Evidence-based practice
Finite resource-finite empathy
Free thinking
Freedom of expression/speech
Furthering happiness
Generosity
Good weather/memory
Green issues awareness
Green space
Humility, forgiveness
Hygiene/cleanliness
Imagination
Logic/rationality/reasoning
Long-term perspective
Meritocracy
Nobody is perfect
Passion
Problems solving skills
Promise/agreement- keeping
Quality of life
Reducing pain/suffering
Repair/reconciliation
Resource stability
Risks management
Risks reduction
Safety boundaries
Safety net, nhs
Science, r&d
Scientific method
Self-reliance
Sensible/sensibility
Shared power/democracy
Social intelligence
Strategy
Support sex education
The arts, music, dance, sing...
The INTERNET
To enrich life/lives
To improve life/lives
Tolerance
Transparency, openness
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This link appear to be dead so I will post its values list as follow
http://www.rsablogs.org.uk/wp-content/u ... arrett.pdf
accountability
achievement
adaptability
ambition
balance(home/work)
being liked
being the best
caring
caution
clarity
couching/mentoring
commitment
community involvement
compassion
competence
conflict resolution
continuous learning
control
courage
creativity
dialogue
ease with uncertainty
efficiency
enthusiasm/positive
attitude
entrepreneurial
environmental awareness
ethics
excellence
fairness
family
financial stability
forgiveness
friendship
future generations
generosity
health
humility
humour/fun
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independence
initiative
integrity
job security
leadership
listening
making a difference
openness
patience
perseverance
personal fulfilment
personal growth
personal image
power
professional growth
recognition
reliability
respect
reward
risk-taking
safety
self-discipline
teamwork
trust
vision
wealth
well-being(physical/ emotional/mental/spiritual)
wisdom
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SECULAR GRACES
The following ethical principles should in general be promoted:
1. Abstaining from conduct injurious to life and the physical well-being of persons.
2. Abstaining from the theft and the damaging of property of others
3. Abstaining from sexual violence and misconduct
4. Abstaining from falsehood, fraud and deception
5. Abstaining from drunkenness, narcotics, mind bending drugs and gambling
6. Refusing to take unfair advantage
7. Fidelity: Keep your promises and agreements
8. Do not hate or speak evil of anyone. Stand up for your right and resist oppression if you can
9. Life is all about reducing/eliminating/avoiding pain, suffering, oppression and seek/find more pleasure, happiness, freedom & peace for yourself & others too if possible
10. 'Treat other people as you'd want to be treated in their situation;
don't do things you wouldn't want to have done to you.'
Humanism, British Humanist Association, 1999 CE
11. 'If it harms no one/none, do what you will.'
The Wiccan Rede, 1975 CE
12. 'Do as you would be done by.'
Global saying
13. CREATIVITY - So long that it harm none
14. "Hard ethical decisions are not about whether harm will happen, but about where it will fall."
The Pagan Federation
Sexual relations should be based on mutual consent between adults.
The Single Transferable Vote (STV) is a form of proportional representation which uses preferential voting in multi-member constituencies.
Candidates don't need a majority of votes to be elected, just a known 'quota', or share of the votes, determined by the size of the electorate and the number of positions to be filled.
Empathic Civilisation - RSA youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AWnfFRc7g
2.55 mins
We soft wired - not for: aggression, violence, self-interest, utilitarianism
That we are soft wired - for: sociability, attachment, affection, companionship
The first drive is - the drive to actually belong, it's an empathic drive
Balance personal rights with social duties
(Balance your personal interests with community interests)
"10. Question everything"
"All our beliefs are subject to change in the face of new evidence, including these."
"Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence."
“Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation, evaluation and revision.”
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"Combined, freedom from pain and freedom from fear are happiness in its highest form"
Life is all about reducing pain, suffering, and seek/find pleasure, happiness, freedom, peace & security for yourself, and for others too if possible.
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The Golden Rule has been part of the teachings of many societies and religions, as well as Humanism. There are different versions of it but they all mean the same thing. These are some of them:
· Do as you would be done by.
· Treat other people as you would like to be treated yourself.
· Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t like to be treated.
· You should always ask yourself what would happen if everyone did what you are doing
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Sexual relations should be based on mutual consent between adults.
No physical or emotional abuse
Sexual consent is not as simple as saying 'yes' – it's time young people understood that
Just because you consent to one thing, you do not consent to everything.
Sexual consent can be withdrawn at any point
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“Do what you will, as long as it harms none/no one”.
"Hard ethical decisions are not just about whether harm will happen, but about where it will fall."
The Pagan Federation
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Balance personal rights with social duties
(Balance your personal interests with community interests)
Treat others as you would want them to treat you
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SECULAR GRACES pinched from the NSS Newslines
From Reginald Le Sueur
To the Farmers and Growers,
To the Butchers and Bakers,
To the Cooks and the Caterers ;
--we give thanks for this meal.
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From BHA website:
“Let us think thrice while we are gathering here for this meal. First, let us think of the people we are with today, and make the most of the pleasure of sharing food and drink together. Then, let us think of the people who made the food and drink and brought it to us, who serve us and wait on us, and who clear up and clean up after us. Finally, let us think of all the people all over the world, members with us in the human family, who will not have a meal today.”
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(Nicolas Walter)
“Good food, good meat, Sit down, let’s eat”.
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(Myron Morris)
“For this food we about to receive,
We thank those who produced it,
And those who transported it.
We thank those who prepared it,
And those who serve it,
And those who clean it after us.
Let us now sit down and enjoy it”.
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By Paul Diamond
Some years ago a woman wrote to Ann Landers. The letter writer told how she and her husband were atheists, though they didn't make a big deal about it. At a family gathering in another state her husband was asked to say grace at dinner. He mumbled something off and let it go at that. The woman wanted Ms. Landers to tell her how to deal with this in the future without compromising their principals. Ms Landers said to pass it off, to say, "Let cousin Lem do it,” or something to that effect.
That column inspired me to compose a 'Non-Believers Grace.' I sent it to Ann Landers but, to no surprise, she never responded. I share it here for humanists and freethinkers this Thanksgiving.
A Non-Believers Grace
I offer my deepest appreciation and my most profound apologies to the plants and animals whose lives were forfeit for our good health this day.
We give thanks to the ranchers and the farmers, their workers and their hands whose skill, sweat and toil have brought forth this bounty from the Earth.
We are grateful to the workers in the fields who pick our food, the workers in the plants where our food is processed, the teamsters who carry it to market and the stockers and the checkers who offer it up for our selection.
We are particularly appreciative for those at this table who have prepared this food with love and affection for our enjoyment and nourishment this day.
We remember fondly those who the miles and circumstance keep from joining us today as we remember those who are no longer with us and are grateful for the time we have shared with them.
We enjoy the warmth and fellowship that surrounds this gathering as we share the fervent hope that people the world over can share the good fortune, warm feeling and conviviality that embraces this gathering.
Thank you.
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We are thankful for the food on this table
We are thankful for this time together
Our thoughts go out to family and friends
We hope that they are safe and well
Let's eat/dive in.
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Earth we thank you for our food,
For work and play and all that's good,
For wind and rain and sun above,
But most of all for those we love.
posted by McIntaggart at 3:39 AM on August 24, 2005 [2 favorites]
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And a short meal gatha:
"We receive this food in gratitude to all beings
Who have helped to bring it to our table,
And vow to respond in turn to those in need
With wisdom and compassion."
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Personally I like the idea of contemplating how much went into providing the food.
posted by mendel at 4:43 AM on August 24, 2005 [1 favorite]
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My son learned this one in his Montessori school (natch), and we use it quite a bit in our agnostic home:
I am thankful for green grass under me (I am thankful/grateful )
I am thankful for blue skys over me (I am thankful/grateful )
I am thankful for good friends beside me
I am thankful for good food in front of me
and peace all over the world.
posted by Scoo at 7:09 AM on August 24, 2005
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"Thank you Chicken"
posted by daver at 9:53 AM on August 24, 2005
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good food, good meat, good vegetable, thank all those whose made it possible, let's eat/dive in.
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We thanks all animals and plants whose have died to give us food.
Let us eat consciously, resolving by our work to pay the debt of our existence.
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Also addressed to Nobody In Particular, I've said:
For the meal we are about to eat,
for those that made it possible,
and for those with whom we are about to share it,
we are thankful.
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For bacon, eggs, and buttered toast
Who eats the fastest gets the most!
Rain
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Earth who gives to us this food
Sun who makes it ripe and good
Dear Earth, dear Sun, by you we live
Our loving thanks to you we give.
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submitted by The Reverend Nancy Robinson:
Words Fit for a Feast
We celebrate this occasion
with food from the earth.
May it fill us with fellowship
and add to our mirth.
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“Before we enjoy this celebration meal, let us think for a moment of three things:
Firstly let us be mindful of those in our human family who will not be eating today.
Secondly let us be aware all our fellow human beings who made this feast possible. Those who grew, transported and made our meal, and those who serve and clean up after us.
Finally, let us make the most of the grand company we share today. May we leave this table fulfilled in body, mind and heart.”
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Steveroot
Nov 28, 2013 at 4:27 pm
That wasn’t meant to be an “offering”… just an observation.
Here’s a Thanksgiving secular grace I cooked up for tonight’s dinner:
We are grateful for the presence of those we love, for all the events and circumstances
which have made it possible for us to be here.
We are thankful for this food, for those who planted, grew, provided and prepared it.
We stand in awe-struck gratitude for the countless millions of stars which, by exploding,
provided the elements which make up everything we are and all we know.
We hope that, in the fullness of time, all peoples everywhere will have the bounty we are
grateful for today.
Amen.
Steve
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This is very useful.
Table discussion
What is a Humanist Group for?
• An alternative church? • A secularist pressure group? • A talking shop?
• A pillar of the community? • A community hub? • Humanist/atheist evangelism?
What are its functions and what can we learn from our competitors?
• A community for the non-religious? • Forum for public debate? • Library?
• Chaplaincy and counselling/pastoral services? • Ceremonies?
• Courses on human flourishing (a ‘school of life’?) • Youth group?
• Charity fundraising? • Food bank? • To counter evangelism?
• “Celebration of life”? • Choirs, singing and readings? • Socialising?
• Facilitating the teaching of Humanism in schools (eg via RE)?
• Inclusion in Remembrance services?
What ‘infrastructure’ does a Humanist group need?
• Mission statement • Aims • Constitution and membership structure
• Affiliation/partnership with BHA • Somewhere to meet • A committee
• A programme of events • Promotional leaflets • Regular newsletter or bulletin
• Website, facebook etc • A Humanist course • Trained leaders? • A building?
• A gazebo/tent? • GRAM • International links/twinning
• Links with ‘kindred spirits’ (Unitarians, liberal Jews, Quakers, atheist groups, skeptics, Fabians, science groups, green groups, student humanist groups)
• Dialogue (aka ‘interfaith’)
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http://www.hsq.org.au/About/Humanism/
http://www.hsq.org.au/
Humanist Ethics
Living as a Humanist
Humanism as a life stance is comprehensive touching on every part of our lives, for those who call themselves Humanists it provides meaning, purpose and a framework for making ethical life choices. Most Humanists would identify with at least some of the following principles and elements:
1. Humanism is a naturalistic philosophy and thus rejects belief in supernatural beings or principles.
2. Humanists rely on the scientific method, reasoning and critical thinking to form beliefs and opinions. We hold that gaining knowledge of the world and ourself is a continuing process reliant upon observation/investigation/research, evaluation and revision.
3. We uphold the right to individual freedom, autonomy and privacy, so long as the rights of others are respected.
4. We consider other members of the human family as equal in dignity and value.
5. We believe we should act in a fair, just and honest way towards others, respecting their right to live peaceful, healthy and productive lives.
6. Humanists hold that a democratic and secular government is best suited to respecting the pluralistic and diverse nature of our society and fostering individual freedom.
7. We are committed to the use of reasoned argument and peaceful adjudication in settling conflict.
8. We oppose discrimination based on gender, sex, race, ethnicity or system of belief.
9. Many Humanists believe that whenever possible we should endeavour to minimise the suffering of animals.
10. We recognise the importance of sustaining the natural ecosystem and protecting the biosphere and environment from degradation and destruction.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_humanism
(scroll down for the list)
Council for Secular Humanism
According to the Council for Secular Humanism, within the United States, the term "secular humanism" describes a world view with the following elements and principles:[8]
.Need to test beliefs – A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted by faith.
.Reason, evidence, scientific method – A commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence and scientific method of inquiry in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
.Fulfillment, growth, creativity – A primary concern with fulfillment, growth and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
.Search for truth – A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
.This life – A concern for this life (as opposed to an afterlife) and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
.Ethics – A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
.Justice and fairness – an interest in securing justice and fairness in society and in eliminating discrimination and intolerance.[27]
.Building a better world – A conviction that with reason, an open exchange of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.
A Secular Humanist Declaration was issued in 1980 by the Council for Secular Humanism's predecessor, CODESH. It lays out ten ideals: Free inquiry as opposed to censorship and imposition of belief; separation of church and state; the ideal of freedom from religious control and from jingoistic government control; ethics based on critical intelligence rather than that deduced from religious belief; moral education; religious skepticism; reason; a belief in science and technology as the best way of understanding the world; evolution; and education as the essential method of building humane, free, and democratic societies.[28]
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http://www.religionnews.com/2013/11/27/ ... nksgiving/
(scroll down for the list)
Grateful without God: A secular Thanksgiving
(scroll down for the list)
""But since Kaiser began identifying as an atheist in college, her mother has introduced “Quaker grace” at the Thanksgiving table — a moment of silence in which Kaiser says she tries to clear her mind and enjoy the presence of those she loves.
“I really like that,” Kaiser said. “It seems a lot more open and accepting than a lot of traditions.”
“An Atheist Benediction” by Adam Lee
“As we come together to share this meal, let us first remember how it came to us and be thankful to the people who made it possible.
This food was born from the bounty of the Earth, in warm sunlight, rich earth and cool rain.
May it nourish us, in body and mind, and provide us with the things that are good for living.
We are grateful to those who cultivated it, those who harvested it, those who brought it to us and those who prepared it.
May its consumption bring about the pleasures of friendship, love and good company.
And as we partake of this food in each other’s company,
as what was once separate from all of us becomes part of each of us,
may we also remember what we have in common and what brings us all together.
May this sharing of food foster peace and understanding among us,
may it bring us to the recognition that we depend on each other for all the good we can ever hope to receive,
and that all the good we can hope to accomplish rests in helping others in turn.
May it remind us that as we reach out to others to brighten their lives,
so are our lives brightened in turn.”
From Jennifer Beahan:
“We give thanks to Nature for all it has provided us.
For Family and Friends who walk with us throughout the years.
We give thanks for those who have touched our hearts and made us smile.
We give thanks to those who have alleviated suffering,
Who have championed a cause,
For those who have resisted unjust laws,
Who have fought against oppression and injustice, and have fought for the freedoms we enjoy.
We give thanks for those who have sacrificed their lives to make our world a better place to be.
We give thanks for those who have advanced our understanding of medicine and science.
Who have helped explain the workings of the Universe.
We give thanks to those who have applied paint to canvas in a way that stirs feelings deep within us,
Who have composed songs which make our spirits soar,
To all the people – past, present and future – who strive to better our world and make life worth living, to these people, we give our highest praise and our endless thanks.” ""