New Hope for Humanism

I've just about finished a book that I don't want to finish.  By that I mean that I don't want the book to end.  It's not a great novel or classic piece of literature.  It's "Good Without God" by Greg M. Epstein.  Is is the best book I've ever read?  No, definitely not.  I've read alot of really great books over the years but this book is particularly timely for our society, and has been timely for me personally as well.  This book brings me joy as it breathes a new breath of life into Humanism as a faith.  Yes, that's right, a faith!. 

At the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly last month in Minneapolis, my husband and I (both avowed Humanists) had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Mr. Epstein speak about his book.  I picked up a copy of the book even before hearing him.  What peaked my interest was finding out that Greg Epstein is the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University.  Who knew?!   And what a fascinating and exciting concept. 

Just knowing that there is a growing group of young Humanists who, with the guidance of their chaplain, are engaging with one another and with those who are not Humanists, in acts of compassion to better the world, gives me new hope.  It gives me new and much needed hope for a Humanism that I have come to know through Unitarian Universalism.  I am deeply grateful for having discovered Humanism and being able to finally put a name to the faith I have embraced for so many years of my life.   Unfortunately though, that Humanism has, in my experience, been largely angry, overly cynical, dull, and crusty (and not like a loaf of fresh bread!).   It is a sad tale of unhappiness, and fear that Christianity is 'taking over' the denomination.   I am sorry to say that too many Humanists I have known have belittled their theist sisters & brothers; missing incredible opportunities to work together transforming the world, and maybe just being transformed in the process. 

Humanism is a faith that is alive and beautiful.  For me, Humanism is faith in humanity; celebrating our strengths and being humbled by our inadequacies.  It puts the onus on each and every one of us to make this world a place worth inhabiting.  It denies the supernatural but admits that we don't know everything.  This is the faith that speaks to me, challenges me, and sustains me.  I encourage theists and humanists alike to read Epstein's book, but especially the humanists.  Read it and smile!  Read it and be joyful in and about your faith!

Grep Epstein claims:  "Humanism offers a comfort and hope that affirms our ability to live ethical lives of personal fulfillment, aspiring together for the greater good of all."    Amen, chaplain.  And blessed be!

Let It Go

So much to blog about - So little time!   This is simply my way of saying there is so much going on, with so many opportunities to find joy.  This is not to say that much of what seems to be "going on" in many of our lives feels chaotic, uncertain, or confusing.  Change is everywhere!   The big question is how do we handle change?  How do you handle change? 
In a recent sermon I spoke about change as transition, and the need to let go in order to be open to the possibilities that will present themselves as a result of change.  I didn't say that letting go was easy.  Letting go is a practice that requires intentionality and faith.  I'm referring to faith as trust - trust in your best self, trust in those you love, trust in the universe and whatever you consider the Great Mystery or Divine in your life.
One of the most common quotes used in situations of loss, change, and transition, comes from poet Mary Oliver:
To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal, to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it, and, when the times comes to let it go, to let it go.
I must admit that I am learning to let go.  It's a difficult practice for me, but I know that it is a necessary practice.  There is humility in letting go; a humility that most of us could use a little more of.  So many lessons in the practice of letting go.  I'd love to hear about your struggles and successes with letting go, change, and the opportunities that open through transition.
May you know joy in your letting go and on the other side of transition!