retrospy - 10 August 2007 03:59 PM

I have often wondered if my humanist emotions are a byproduct of my religous upbringing and a desire to be respected by my religious family and peers.

its most likely the same source for religion. think about your own thoughts, memories, emotions and experiences. they all center around your relationships with others. that communities exist is a natural product. we are social by nature. i dont think humanism is a product of religion. i think both are the same byproduct.

speaking of social evolution. check out the cover to this book. i saw it at 1/2 priced books for $2.98

http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Social-Evolution-Steven-Frank/dp/0691059330/ref=sr_1_1/105-0677135-4493268?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187014002&sr=8-1

I concur.  The issue for me, is efficiency.

That cover image would make a good icon.

Narwhol, Humanism is about reason and compassion too.  It is about better ourselves.  It has goals for everyone to achieve without the belief in a deity.  It’s also everything Brennen said too.  In this way, it gives us something to grasp also, something to strive for.  Atheism is just a belief in no god, but it has not set goals in life.  One still has to make them for themselves or join with others that have the same ideas.  Thus Humanism is for the human, it focus on the human and humanity.  In this way, we all work together to a common goal (which is similar to what Brennen said).  It is a community that strives to better themselves (as individuals) and the rest of humanity.

Mriana,

i really liked that response (maybe its because im romantic about progressive change in society   )

Thanks Truthaddict.