Dr. Blanchard suggests that is useful to think of religions as stemming from the idea that there is something wrong with the world and some not immediately obvious solution to that something wrong. The secularist/humanist/atheist position, in part, often identifies that "something wrong" as religion itself. One might think of the Humanist Manifesto (1933) as the secularist "creed."
Please read through the Manifesto. What do the authors here see as "wrong" with the world? What do they see as the solution?
Note, by the way, that John Dewey (whose philosophy of education dominates American schools today) is one of those who signed this manifesto. Does it seem to you that American schools, influenced by Dewey, are assuming the humanist values of the manifesto? If so, does this seem an establishment of religion?
After reading the Humanist Manifesto (1933), I think the authors believe the biggest problem in the world is that people still depend too much on traditional religion and supernatural beliefs. They believe people should use reason, science, and education to solve problems instead of looking to religion for answers. Their idea is that people can create a better world by working together and making ethical choices based on what helps humanity.
ReplyDeleteI can see some of these ideas in American schools today. Schools teach science, critical thinking, and respecting people with different backgrounds and beliefs. I think those ideas are influenced by John Dewey and are similar to some of the values in the Humanist Manifesto. However, I don't think that means schools are establishing a religion. To me, schools are trying to stay neutral by not promoting one religion over another. I think it's important that schools teach students how to think for themselves while also respecting everyone's beliefs, whether they are religious or not.
The argument from the humanist is that religion has failed to keep pace with modern knowledge and society. We don't necessarily need God because science, history, and economics has made such discoveries. The old ways are inadequate. Humans need to take responsibility for themselves instead of relying on things like prayer. As a solution, they propose religious humanism, a worldview centered on science, reason, human cooperation, and social reform. They reject supernatural religion and instead emphasize humans capacity to attain common good and satisfaction for society.
ReplyDeleteRegarding John Dewey, it should make us question because if secularism is a religion then schools are promoting religious beliefs. This is seen by God being taken out of all conversation in schools. Not that it needs to be taught as truth, but rather as a viable option of belief.
Andrew
DeleteThe Humanist Manifesto seems to argue that one of the biggest things “wrong” with the world is that people rely too much on traditional religion and supernatural beliefs. The authors believe that as science and society change, people should focus more on reason, human experience, and working together to make the world better.
ReplyDeleteI do think we can see some of these humanist values in American schools today, especially through the focus on science, critical thinking, and keeping religion separate from education. I actually think keeping religion out of elementary education is a good thing because younger students should not feel like one belief is being pushed onto them. However, I think high school students should have the option to take a World Religions class. At that age, students are able to think more critically and form their own opinions. Learning about different religions does not mean practicing or promoting them. Instead, it can help students better understand different cultures, beliefs, and the world around them.