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Creating Change Through Humanism

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Roy Speckhardt

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“Foundationally, fundamentalists believe that all goodness derives from their god, so the presence of anyone being good without their god is a constant reminder that something is wrong with their belief on the source of goodness. They fumble for other possibilities like the improbable idea that all atheists are bad or the absurd conclusion that atheists don't exist and instead, that atheists have just deluded themselves into thinking they are atheists. That's why fundamentalists react with such remarkable aversion and hate when confronted with the AHA's simple GOOD WITHOUT A GOD stickers, advertisements, and billboards. It's why they so vehemently characterize our positive personal statement as a personal attack on them.”

“As we move into the future, one can predict where traditional spirituality will continue to lose its authority. The prejudice seen commonly among the faithful today, that goodness can only come through godliness - will be less and less accepted. As more and more of the population who are atheists and agnostics come out of the closet to their friends, family, and neighbors, it will be difficult to hold the claim that so many lack the ability to lead productive moral lives. As this claim breaks down, religion and spirituality will begin to lose its connection to goodness in general. No longer will it be a social liability to voice rationalist principles.”

“While achieving accomplishments through work can be beneficial and satisfying, lasting fulfillment isn't gained from feeling safe and comfortable, or from examining a win/loss record. When we look back on what we've accomplished in our work, at home, with family and friends, and through our charity and activism we find meaning in life in the ways we've changed things for the better.”

“Even with popular role models, some people are afraid to part with religious belief. Many Americans, even those who have become disillusioned by their religion, are uncomfortable at the thought of a life without religion. Without a traditional religious framework, where would they find meaning or joy? But there's no need to view this freedom with such trepidation. The possibilities for a meaningful and joyful life free from traditional religion are limitless. Knowing how best to solve problems, that you are free from arbitrary constraints of thought, and that you can live a life of real meaning is exhilarating.”

“When considering which identity to emphasize in our humanist/freethought/nontheist communities, reflect on the fact that you can use more than one, and keep in mind the benefits of humanism. Humanism is a positive identification that speaks about what you do care about, as opposed to only what you don't. I am a non-smoker, a non-physicist, and a non-German speaker, and as much as those aspects may have meaning, they aren't what's important to know about me. In the society we happen to live in, my absence of a belief in a god is a relevant component of my identity, but it doesn't define who I am. Humanism does that better than any other description.”