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!

Aching Hearts

It is hard to imagine living in abject poverty.  It's hard for most of us, that is.  It's even harder to imagine that in that life of poverty the ground shakes, the earth shifts, and a deeper devastation becomes reality.  To see the coverage, to hear the stories, to feel the loss of the Haitian people is nothing less than heart breaking.  I do wonder how people like Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh are considered fully human when it appears by their actions and their speech that a heart is not to be found within them.  To belittle, mock, and dismiss our sisters and brothers who are suffering incredible loss is nothing short of shameful.  On a very different level, my heart aches with sorrow for Robertson and Limbaugh.  But this post is not about the heartless! 

Sitting in sorrow and bemoaning the tragedy  of Haiti may be understandable, but that time is over.  Sitting and bemoaning is no longer an option.  It is time to act, to do, to be people of compassion and hope.  Each of us can do something.  Even my fifteen-year-old son was able to text on his phone and give $10 to help.  Can the rest of us not do at least the same?

Joy is not found in seeing anyone suffer.  Joy is not found in sending soap or water or money.  Joy is in living with compassion and hope that is deep enough to be shared infinitely. 

I'd love to hear how you are responding to the plight of our Haitian sisters and brothers.  Share your thoughts and share your joy.