"Secular humanists accept a world view or philosophy
called naturalism, in
which the physical
laws of the universe are
not superseded by non-material
or supernatural entities such as demons, gods, or other “spiritual” beings
outside the realm of the natural universe. Supernatural events
such as miracles (in which physical laws are defied) and psi phenomena,
such
as ESP, telekinesis, etc., are not dismissed out of hand, but are
viewed with a high degree of skepticism.
This is a movement of the late 20th Century originating
in the 1970s. As the Council states, Secular
Humanism is a term which has come into use in the last thirty
years to
describe
a worldview with
the following
elements and principles.
• A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions,
whether Abrahamic, political or social, must be weighed and tested by
each individual and not simply accepted
on faith.
• Commitment to the use of critical
reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than
faith and mysticism,
in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human
questions.
• A primary concern with fulfillment,
growth,
and creativity for both the individual and
humankind in general.
Quote Continues—SH
