Humanist Take On Other Religions And Religious Holidays
What’s the Humanist Take On Other Religions And Religious Holidays you ask? We don’t come together to disparage other people’s beliefs or discuss politics at the Holistic Church for Humanists. As Humanists, we practice tolerance and invest our time and energy in constructive projects. We don’t support destruction. We don’t tear others down to elevate ourselves. We let our actions speak for us. We work on becoming better, more successful, and happier while improving the world around us.
Doing things aligned with our values moves us forward, has an impact, and is constructive. Disparaging other people’s beliefs is as self-righteous as being a religious fanatic. Why rip out a teddy bear from the arms of a crying child without offering an alternative source of comfort? What’s the achievement of the critics? The short-lived spotlight?
The Holistic Church for Humanists members are busy developing themselves, supporting each other, and shaping the world. (Will ours become a worldwide movement? Most likely not, criticizing is easier than actually taking action.)
Does the Holistic Church for Humanists benefit its members? Yes! The benefits of membership empower; the results of constructive actions are tangible, and yes, “teddy bears” are available, if and when needed. Rational humans need measurable outcomes but they have emotional needs like anyone else. We all experienced loss, failure, heartbreak, and so on. That’s life. Human beings are vulnerable. (Vulnerable doesn’t mean defective or broken. It means: temporarily weakened.)
When you feel broken, defeated, or hurting, it’s comforting to know you are not alone and have a strong community of fellow Humanists behind you.
And now with Christmas approaching, let me remind you: there is a distinction between religious faith and culture or tradition. Religion has influenced popular culture for millennia.
Intelligent non-believers know better than to disrespect tradition or discuss controversial topics during holidays. Christmas is a family time; a time to be with loved ones and friends; enjoy good food; and exchange gifts.
Your beliefs have evolved. That’s no reason to strain existing relationships. Arrogant people seek to convert others; enlightened people don’t. Evolution – mass or individual – can’t be rushed.
With that in mind, enjoy the eggnog and hold on to those who matter to you. That’s the Humanist take on other religions and religious holidays. When all is said and done, it is less about our beliefs and more about how we act and treat one another. Happy Holidays!
