exploring-the-worldview-of-secular-humanism_ODell

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Oct 30, 2023

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Exploring the Worldview of Secular Humanism James Odell Liberty University (B14) Religion 104 Professor: Marvin Harris October 2, 2023

Exploring the Worldview of Secular Humanism Question of Origin Secular humanists posit that the genesis of the universe has its origins in theories postulating that humanity and the world emerged from phenomena such as The Big Bang, chemical evolution, and biological evolution. The Big Bang theory posits that the universe began with a colossal explosion, while chemical evolution proposes that life spontaneously arose from non-living matter. On the other hand, biological evolution asserts that all life forms, including humans, share a common ancestry and evolved over billions of years. At the core of this secular viewpoint lies naturalism and evolution. Naturalism holds that only the natural world exists, either eternally or emerging from nothing, with nothing beyond or before the material universe scrutinized by contemporary science (Hodge & Patterson, 2017). Conversely, evolution posits that humans are the product of an extensive process involving the gradual transformation of molecules over immense periods and that the Earth itself resulted from the Big Bang. Secular humanists emphasize acknowledging nature as self-existing, rejecting the supernatural, and embracing the motto "Good without God" (Daniella, 2020). Importantly, secular humanism admits its lack of an objective truth, allowing its beliefs and values to evolve alongside advancements in modern science. Question of Identity Secular humanism posits that humans are outcomes of natural selection, having evolved from apes. In this perspective, humanity is perceived as a mere "machine" governed by the survival instincts honed throughout evolution (Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). Consequently, within this worldview, no significant disparity or inherent meaning exists that sets humans apart from other species. Essentially, humans are regarded as animals or, to put it differently, as "glorified

apes" (Baucham, 2009). Secular humanism advocates for a profoundly individualistic approach, encouraging introspection rather than reliance on a supernatural being. It asserts that the definition of human identity is contingent upon and determined by the individual. Moreover, in light of the shared ancestry between humans and animals, it asserts that humanity should not be exalted or esteemed as superior in species. Question of Purpose Secular humanists uphold the perspective that human purpose is firmly grounded in the here and now, unaffected by any eternal viewpoint. Additionally, they emphasize that human purpose is significantly linked to the pursuit of pleasure and consumption (Baucham, 2009). This worldview stems from the core tenet of secular humanism, which posits that humans are products of random natural processes and thus lack any concrete purpose. Consequently, they argue that individuals should be free to pursue their desires and create their significance since all meaning, power, and purpose are believed to reside inherently within oneself (Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). Question of Morality Secular humanism firmly holds that human beings inherently possess goodness, and humanity itself exclusively determines the yardstick for moral principles. Furthermore, it is deeply rooted in moral relativism, asserting that morality generally fluctuates depending on an individual's perspective, cultural values, and societal norms in defining wrong or right (Powell, 2006). Overall, secular humanists perceive morality as emerging from human interests, shaped and validated through lived experiences, with a steadfast conviction that moral standards should be designed to foster global happiness and peace (Daniella, 2020).

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