Religious Response to Humanism
Introduction
Humanism is defined as an approach in philosophy which entails studying the human values and concerns. As a religious movement, humanism tends to lay more emphasis on the moral aspect of human beings especially in the formation of character, as well as, human morals that encompass reason; ethics and justice are highly valued in humanism. Consequently, in after the fifteenth century, scholars, writers and civic leaders converged and attempted to formulate ways through which human beings could be transformed to useful citizens with substantial advantages on their communities. Based on the concept of making communities benefit from them, knowledge was imparted on some members and they were expected to boost the earthly lives of their neighbors. Hence the worldly life was prioritized than the after life which includes the spiritual life. In this aspect, various religious beliefs clash with the ideologies presented by the humanism movement. Christianity as a religious movement does not regard earthly possessions and concerns as vital but rather concentrates on the after life.
Discussion
The dimensions of humanism
Humanism has various dimensions dependent on the key role played by the philosophy although some such as disregard for metaphysics and immortal beings is common in all forms of metaphysics. Humanism recognizes human beings only and other supernatural powers that are believed to exist such as angels are not given much thought. The secular humanism for example incorporates the use of ethics, reason and morals to make decisions rather than rely on others to define the lives of human beings. Therefore, secular humanism does not have any attachments to believing on God as the members are made responsible for their own lives. Religious humanity on the other hand lays emphasis on the role knowledge and optimism plays to ensure that the human race is able to live morally upright lives which are void of irrational moves (Philippa and Wernick, 2006).
The other dimension of humanism is the inclusive humanism that states that human beings are superior creatures endowed with special powers which can be used to eliminate unwanted characters in the world. According to the doctrines of this facet of shamanism, man through cooperation can fight the evils present in the world and in so doing maintain the living and non-living organisms in the universe (Melchert, 2002). Due to contradicting values presented by renaissance humanity towards faith and existence of supernatural powers which is considered as the epitome of various religious movements, controversy has been valid on the need to categorize humanism as a religion.
Religious response to the philosophy of humanism
Religion is often described as a form of worship or belief in a god or gods through observation of rituals and moral actions that present respect to a certain being. Religion depicts observance of laws and ethics which dictate a certain lifestyle that focuses on the morals of human nature, as well as, reality of the ultimate truth. Hence a group of individuals who have been practicing the ethical issues and laws set to govern them, as well as, presentation of the rituals which bind them together qualify to be called a religion (Philippa, 2006).
Various religions in the world have presented different views and concerns regarding the philosophical fundamentals of humanism. One area of controversy which delineates humanism as a religion is incorporation of the scientific theory wholly in understanding the creating of the universe. Religions such as Christianity and Judaism have always believed in the creations story found in the Genesis chapters of their holy books. The two religions believe that a supernatural power was involved in creating the universe as their basic teachings include a supreme being as a leader and role model who should be emulated by the followers (Brodd, 2003). Humanism on the other hand does not believe in supernatural powers as being responsible for having played any role in the creation story. The instilling of the scientific theory such that the world formed as part of the evolution process which did not heed any supernatural powers to materialize (Melchert, 2002).
Consequently, Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism believe that the gods are always establishing ways of making the world better so that the human race inhabiting the planet can be provided for in all aspects of live. Hence the world is changed and renewed by the gods in full cycles lasting trillions of years. The cycles are believed to include destruction of the existing world and emergence of a newer one which is void of disparities that were present in the pervious (Brodd, 2003).
This is, a clear indication that Christianity, Jainism, Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism believe in supernatural creation of the universe except humanism which lays emphasis in the ‘big bang’ theory of creation. Consequently, presence of a common belief in the creation of the universe shows that all the above mentioned movements have their own way of explaining certain aspects of the universe. Therefore, although the concept is non-religious, it makes humanism a religion as it provides a clear indication of attempts to satisfy the quest for knowledge which is a key component of religion (Philippa, 2006).
Humanism portrays morals and ethical issues as significant dimensions of the movement such that human beings are expected to behave in the most morally upright manner while ethical values are maintained and applauded in the movement. The same case of upheld human morals especially in promotion of human dignity has been prioritized by other religions such as Islam. According to the teachings of Islam, Muslims should always work hard so as to meet their daily needs while assistances such as helping those in need and forming teams during communal activities have been emphasized. Consequently, those who present anti-social behavior, as well as, criminal behaviors are condemned as the teaching abhor individuals with such behaviors (Brodd, 2003).
Islam also regards freedom and human rights as substantial concepts in the doctrines such that every individual is treated with the respect they deserve, as well as, ensuring that they have access to basic needs. Similarly, Christianity, states that all who call themselves Christians should treat others as they would expect to be treated. Hence human dignity and maintenance of humane deeds is a fundamental concept in these two religions (Brodd, 2003).
Consequently, humanism considers human beings as special creatures in the universe who are responsible for their own well being such that for them to enjoy quality lives on earth, then they must learn ways of living harmoniously. Hence as a religion humanism shares similar views on the topic of human nature, as well as, in defining the role of human beings in maintaining the universe. In this dimension, though not vividly elaborate in the humanistic movement, human beings are co-creators who assist in the creation process, as well as, at maintaining creators of the universe (Melchert, 2002).
The other response regarding humanism that has been portrayed by Christianity is the long-term goals of the movement which is presented in the values of the group (Brodd, 2003). Humanists believe in attaining comfortable lives while they are on earth such that all their activities are directed towards enriching the earthly life as they doctrines do not expound further on the after life. Hence humanism calls for its members to ensure that they live well with other, as well as, working hard to assure themselves of a life full of good events and enjoyment. Therefore, the good deeds are not aimed at any other mission rather than attainment of a happy life (Philippa, 2006).
Consequently, Christianity teaches its followers that they should live sin-free lives on earth, in addition to, being good to others in order to enjoy a better eternal life. The eternal life is shaped by the deeds and conduct of the earthly life hence everything is attributed to the after life. The eternal life does not exist in the humanistic movement hence this might rule it out as a religion (Melchert, 2002).
Conclusion
The definition of a religion, as well as, the common rituals and practices that have been portrayed by various religions are paramount to support the fact that humanism is a religion. Consequently, from the response of the various religions it would be quite optimistic to label humanism a religion due to the evidence presented in the shared practices.
References
Berry, Philippa and Andrew Wernick. The Shadow of Spirit: Post-Modernism and Religion. Routledge, 2006
Brodd, Jefferey (2003). World Religions. Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press
Melchert, Norman (2002). The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy. McGraw Hill.
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