What is Humanism?
Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity.
Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that values-be they religious, ethical, social, or political-have their source in human experience and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny.
Humanism is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity, recognizing that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone.
Building a Community
The Jefferson Humanist Chapter of the American Humanist Association is barely a year old. We are growing fast and hope to include many of you in our community.
At this time we have monthly meetings with lively presentations in a variety of subjects. In recent months we have learned about solar and wind power, mathematics and food safety.
In addition to our monthly meetings we have a book group, we are forming a movie group and we have MeetUps around the area.
What we really need are your ideas and your energy. If you believe, as many of us do, that religion is a harmful force that must be counteracted in the world by science and reason, then please help us create a home for people like us where we can feel safe talking about our skepticism and supportive to those trying to leave religion.
Please give us a try. We think you will find something to love about the Jefferson Humanist Chapter, just as all of us have.