Secular Humanism - The Sometimes Ugly Step-child of Humanism
10/11/24 • 39 min
We start out by looking into the complex intersection of politics and disaster recovery. Recent events, particularly the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton—following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene—prompt a reflection on how political narratives can distort the truth of emergency assistance. As communities in Florida and the Carolinas grapple with severe weather damage, misinformation begins to circulate, largely perpetuated by certain political factions. We recount how, after Hurricane Helene, a disinformation campaign questioned the adequacy of federal disaster relief funds, falsely claiming that victims would only receive $750, while overlooking the extensive resources offered by FEMA and undermining the very science that informs our understanding of these disasters.
This politicization of disaster relief not only misleads the public but can also hinder individuals from seeking necessary assistance when they most need it. This also highlights the broader implications of anti-science rhetoric that has emerged from conservative leaders, particularly their attempts to undermine the value of scientific forecasting and climate change data. Through a critical lens, we analyze how the truth about disaster recovery funding and the context surrounding these storms is manipulated to serve narrow political agendas, which ultimately jeopardizes community welfare.
Transitioning into a different but equally pertinent theme, we share insights from Douglas' recent public appearance at the Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, where he spoke on Secular Humanism. He navigated the nuances of being a secular humanist, a perspective that operates outside the confines of organized religion while advocating for humanist values rooted in reason, empathy, and a shared commitment to community well-being. We explore what sets secular humanism apart from Congrgational humanism, addressing its historical context and the societal implications of being considered an "ugly stepchild" in the wider humanist movement.
Douglas emphasizes the importance of building bridges rather than barriers amidst differing worldviews. He recounts his experiences with the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie, the organization he represents, and how we strive to create a welcoming environment for all individuals regardless of their belief systems. His remarks provoke thought on the balance between fostering community and respecting diverse beliefs, even as we remain steadfast in our commitment to social justice and ethical responsibility.
We start out by looking into the complex intersection of politics and disaster recovery. Recent events, particularly the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton—following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene—prompt a reflection on how political narratives can distort the truth of emergency assistance. As communities in Florida and the Carolinas grapple with severe weather damage, misinformation begins to circulate, largely perpetuated by certain political factions. We recount how, after Hurricane Helene, a disinformation campaign questioned the adequacy of federal disaster relief funds, falsely claiming that victims would only receive $750, while overlooking the extensive resources offered by FEMA and undermining the very science that informs our understanding of these disasters.
This politicization of disaster relief not only misleads the public but can also hinder individuals from seeking necessary assistance when they most need it. This also highlights the broader implications of anti-science rhetoric that has emerged from conservative leaders, particularly their attempts to undermine the value of scientific forecasting and climate change data. Through a critical lens, we analyze how the truth about disaster recovery funding and the context surrounding these storms is manipulated to serve narrow political agendas, which ultimately jeopardizes community welfare.
Transitioning into a different but equally pertinent theme, we share insights from Douglas' recent public appearance at the Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, where he spoke on Secular Humanism. He navigated the nuances of being a secular humanist, a perspective that operates outside the confines of organized religion while advocating for humanist values rooted in reason, empathy, and a shared commitment to community well-being. We explore what sets secular humanism apart from Congrgational humanism, addressing its historical context and the societal implications of being considered an "ugly stepchild" in the wider humanist movement.
Douglas emphasizes the importance of building bridges rather than barriers amidst differing worldviews. He recounts his experiences with the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie, the organization he represents, and how we strive to create a welcoming environment for all individuals regardless of their belief systems. His remarks provoke thought on the balance between fostering community and respecting diverse beliefs, even as we remain steadfast in our commitment to social justice and ethical responsibility.
Previous Episode
Building a Political Voice: Ron Millar on Humanism and Advocacy
Ron Millar is our guest. He is the political action committee (PAC) manager for the Center for Freethought Equality, which operates under the American Humanist Association. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit education and advocacy, including a significant tenure at the Secular Coalition for America, Millar shares his insights into the intersection of politics and humanist values.
We discuss the structure and purpose of the Center for Freethought Equality, explaining its dual role: as an advocacy group (C4) that engages in lobbying and running a political action committee that can donate funds to candidates. Millar elaborates on the importance of having a visible humanist constituency within the political landscape, indicating that social and political biases against atheists and humanists persist, though they are diminishing.
The conversation also reveals the importance of networking and community-building among secular elected officials. Millar highlights the establishment of the Association of Secular Elected Officials, which aims to create a support network for elected representatives who identify with humanist and atheist values. He speaks about recent activities, including their presence at the Democratic National Convention, where they engaged attendees and raised awareness for the secular community.
We address the ongoing challenges posed by growing movements of white Christian nationalism, stressing the need for increased engagement from the humanist community in the political process. Millar encourages listeners to become active participants by volunteering for local campaigns, sharing their identities as humanists, and advocating for policies that align with their values, thus building recognition as a political constituency.
Next Episode
Release Time Religious Instruction: Unpacking the LifeWise Academy Controversy
Host Douglas Berger recently gave a presentation at the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, where he addressed the controversial topic of Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) in Ohio, with a particular focus on LifeWise Academy, which aims to provide religious education during the school day.
We start by defining RTRI, explaining its legal background, and detailing how LifeWise Academy, founded by Joel Penton, operates within the law to remove children from public school to teach them biblical principles. Douglas argues that while this practice may be legal, it poses serious ethical and practical challenges for public education. LifeWise’s mission, as explained, is not to simply provide voluntary religious educational opportunities, but rather to convert public schools into platforms for religious indoctrination, which we believe undermines the common good that public schools are meant to serve.
Throughout the discussion, Douglas highlights the potential dangers of LifeWise Academy's approach, citing Penton's belief that public schools are essentially a mission field for spreading their religious teachings. We emphasize that these programs disrupt the school day and divert essential resources, arguing that instead of using taxpayer dollars to support a religious curriculum, we should ensure that public schools remain a neutral space that serves all students, regardless of their beliefs.
Douglas walks listeners through the legal framework of RTRI, including significant Supreme Court cases that have shaped its implementation. He notes the troubling patterns he has observed, such as deceptive marketing strategies employed by LifeWise to promote their programs in local schools, and the lack of transparency and accountability in how they operate. Particular concern is raised about the extreme religious views sometimes promulgated in these classes, which include provocative teachings on gender and biblical sacrifice directed at very young children, arguably undermining inclusive education.
Douglas urges listeners to become active participants in local educational governance by attending school board meetings, forming coalitions against the expansion of RTRI programs, and advocating for clear policies that safeguard the integrity of public education. I provide practical steps for community members, including potential legislative actions that would amend current policies governing RTRI, and highlight the importance of documenting any abuses or violations tied to these programs.
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