A Humanist is someone who emphasises that
they can make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human
values without religious or superstitious beliefs.
Western Europe has a tradition of non-religious ethical
thinking that can be traced back some 2,500 years to the philosophy of the
Ancient Greeks. This way of understanding the world, of finding meaning in
life, and of grounding moral thinking, can also be found in China and India and
many other cultures.
Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason,
and not based on supernatural beings or sacred texts. Science is seen as the
key source of knowledge about the universe. Afterlife and reincarnation are not
recognised, with an emphasis on this life. It is considered that ethical and
moral lifestyles can be practiced without reference to religious beliefs, and
moral codes can be gained from reference to the lessons of history, personal
experience and thought.
The core of Humanism is that it is a way of being that brings
out the best in people. Human Rights law is important to all humanist
organisations globally, they endorse the principles of humanitarian ideals that
are enshrined in such declarations, covenants and conventions, as well as
universal initiatives which promote the peaceful co-habitation of all the
worlds people, especially through the United Nations. Essentially, its
beliefs and fundamental principles are embodied in The Amsterdam
Declaration 2002. Humanism is a belief in the advancement and
understanding of humanity through its own efforts, stressing individual rights
and freedoms as well as individual responsibility, social cooperation and
mutual respect..
Registered Humanist Celebrants do conduct non-religious
ceremonies to observe life rites (eg birth, coming of age, marriage, death) and
other public and private occasions.
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