Secular Humanism
Bubble
Ideological
Secular Humanism is an organized movement and community centered around ethics, human rights, and rational inquiry, grounded in a natur...Show more
Secular Humanism
Bubble
Ideological
Secular Humanism is an organized movement and community centered around ethics, human rights, and rational inquiry, grounded in a naturalistic worldview without reliance on religious doctrine.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
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General Q&A
Secular Humanism is a philosophy and community that grounds ethics, meaning, and purpose in human reason, compassion, and evidence-based inquiry—without relying on religious beliefs.
Community Q&A
Secular Humanism is a philosophy and community that grounds ethics, meaning, and purpose in human reason, compassion, and evidence-based inquiry—without relying on religious beliefs.
People connect through local and global humanist groups, online forums, regular conferences, and by participating in community events like free inquiry gatherings.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Ethical Activism
Insider PerspectiveMembers see secular humanism not just as belief but a proactive call to improve human welfare through ethics derived from reason, distinct from mere atheism or disbelief.
Ceremonial Innovation
Social NormsThe community creates unique non-religious rituals like celebrant-led weddings to foster belonging, transforming traditional ceremonies into expressions of humanist values.
Inclusive Tensions
Opinion ShiftsWhile committed to inclusivity, debates on intersectionality expose internal divides, reflecting ongoing struggles to represent diverse identities and perspectives within the humanist umbrella.
Rational Debate
Communication PatternsInformation flows via spirited free inquiry events and debates, where skepticism and evidence-based reasoning shape collective opinion more than hierarchy or dogma.
Sub Groups
Academic Humanists
University-based groups focused on philosophical, ethical, and scientific aspects of secular humanism.
Activist Humanists
Members engaged in advocacy for secularism, human rights, and separation of church and state.
Local Meetup Groups
Community-based groups organizing social, educational, and service events.
Online Rationalist Forums
Digital communities focused on rational inquiry, ethics, and secular philosophy.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Professional Associations
25%Secular Humanism is often organized through formal associations and societies that provide structure, advocacy, and community for adherents.
Professional Settingsoffline
Conferences & Trade Shows
20%Major secular humanist events, conferences, and conventions are central to community building, networking, and intellectual exchange.
Professional Settingsoffline
Reddit
15%Reddit hosts active secular humanist and related rationalist communities for discussion, debate, and resource sharing.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"Have you tried turning your faith off and on again?"
A humorous way secular humanists play with tech support jargon to poke fun at religious beliefs as something that can be switched off or rebooted by rational inquiry.
Facts & Sayings
„Rationalist“
Refers to someone who prioritizes reason and evidence over tradition or faith when forming beliefs and making decisions, emphasizing critical thinking.
„Naturalism“
The worldview that everything arises from natural properties and causes, rejecting supernatural or spiritual explanations, central to secular humanist thought.
„Humanist Manifesto“
A foundational document outlining the principles and ethical framework of secular humanism, often referenced to express shared values.
„Free Inquiry“
An event or attitude promoting open, honest questioning and skepticism without dogma or fear of reprisal, crucial to the community's intellectual culture.
Unwritten Rules
Engage respectfully with differing beliefs.
Despite being critical of religion, insiders value respectful dialogue to uphold the principle of free inquiry without alienation.
Prioritize evidence and reason in discussions.
Insiders avoid appeals to authority or tradition, reinforcing critical thinking as a communal norm.
Avoid simplistic labels for oneself and others.
Terms like 'rationalist' or 'humanist' carry nuanced meanings; misuse can signal ignorance or create division.
Support inclusivity and diversity of perspectives.
The movement consciously works to include marginalized voices and fight biases within its community.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Emma, 29
Nonprofit ManagerfemaleEmma works at a human rights nonprofit and embraces Secular Humanism as a guiding ethical framework in her daily advocacy.
RationalityEmpathySocial justice
Motivations
- Promoting human rights through rational discussion
- Building ethical frameworks beyond religious contexts
- Connecting with like-minded advocates
Challenges
- Facing misconceptions about Secular Humanism as anti-religious
- Balancing activism with personal and professional demands
- Communicating complex ethical ideas accessibly
Platforms
Online forumsLocal activist meetupsWebinars
naturalismrational inquiryhuman dignity
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Concepts
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Concepts
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-4 weeks
1
Read Foundational Humanist Texts
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Start by reading key Humanist manifestos and essays to grasp core principles and values.
Details: Begin your journey by engaging directly with the foundational documents and essays that define Secular Humanism. Seek out Humanist manifestos, such as the Humanist Manifesto I, II, and III, as well as influential essays by leading Humanist thinkers. These texts articulate the movement’s ethical framework, commitment to reason, and naturalistic worldview. Approach reading with an open mind, taking notes on recurring themes and questions that arise. Beginners often struggle with philosophical language or historical context—overcome this by looking up unfamiliar terms and reading introductory summaries alongside the original texts. This step is crucial because it grounds your understanding in the actual values and arguments that shape the community, rather than secondhand interpretations. Evaluate your progress by being able to summarize the main tenets of Secular Humanism and articulate how they differ from religious or supernatural worldviews.
2
Join Humanist Discussion Groups
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online or local Humanist forums to observe and join real conversations.
Details: Engage with the community by joining Humanist discussion groups, either online or in person. Look for forums, social media groups, or local meetups dedicated to Secular Humanism. Start by observing discussions to understand the tone, topics, and norms. When comfortable, introduce yourself and contribute thoughtfully to conversations. Common challenges include feeling intimidated by established members or struggling to find your voice—overcome this by asking questions, sharing your learning journey, and respecting differing viewpoints. This step is important because Humanism is not just a philosophy but a living community, and direct engagement helps you internalize values and see how principles are applied in real life. Progress can be measured by your comfort in participating and the quality of your contributions.
3
Attend a Humanist Event
2-4 hours (per event)Intermediate
Summary: Find and attend a Humanist lecture, workshop, or community service event to experience the movement firsthand.
Details: Seek out a Humanist event such as a public lecture, workshop, or community service project. Many Humanist organizations host regular gatherings, both virtual and in-person, focused on ethical issues, science, or social justice. Attending an event allows you to witness the movement’s values in action and connect with like-minded individuals. Beginners may feel nervous about attending alone or unsure of what to expect—prepare by reading event descriptions, reaching out to organizers with questions, and setting personal goals (e.g., introducing yourself to one new person). This step is vital for moving beyond theory and seeing how Humanist principles translate into real-world action. Evaluate your progress by reflecting on what you learned, how you felt, and whether you’d like to get more involved.
1
Read Foundational Humanist Texts
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Start by reading key Humanist manifestos and essays to grasp core principles and values.
Details: Begin your journey by engaging directly with the foundational documents and essays that define Secular Humanism. Seek out Humanist manifestos, such as the Humanist Manifesto I, II, and III, as well as influential essays by leading Humanist thinkers. These texts articulate the movement’s ethical framework, commitment to reason, and naturalistic worldview. Approach reading with an open mind, taking notes on recurring themes and questions that arise. Beginners often struggle with philosophical language or historical context—overcome this by looking up unfamiliar terms and reading introductory summaries alongside the original texts. This step is crucial because it grounds your understanding in the actual values and arguments that shape the community, rather than secondhand interpretations. Evaluate your progress by being able to summarize the main tenets of Secular Humanism and articulate how they differ from religious or supernatural worldviews.
2
Join Humanist Discussion Groups
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online or local Humanist forums to observe and join real conversations.
Details: Engage with the community by joining Humanist discussion groups, either online or in person. Look for forums, social media groups, or local meetups dedicated to Secular Humanism. Start by observing discussions to understand the tone, topics, and norms. When comfortable, introduce yourself and contribute thoughtfully to conversations. Common challenges include feeling intimidated by established members or struggling to find your voice—overcome this by asking questions, sharing your learning journey, and respecting differing viewpoints. This step is important because Humanism is not just a philosophy but a living community, and direct engagement helps you internalize values and see how principles are applied in real life. Progress can be measured by your comfort in participating and the quality of your contributions.
3
Attend a Humanist Event
2-4 hours (per event)Intermediate
Summary: Find and attend a Humanist lecture, workshop, or community service event to experience the movement firsthand.
Details: Seek out a Humanist event such as a public lecture, workshop, or community service project. Many Humanist organizations host regular gatherings, both virtual and in-person, focused on ethical issues, science, or social justice. Attending an event allows you to witness the movement’s values in action and connect with like-minded individuals. Beginners may feel nervous about attending alone or unsure of what to expect—prepare by reading event descriptions, reaching out to organizers with questions, and setting personal goals (e.g., introducing yourself to one new person). This step is vital for moving beyond theory and seeing how Humanist principles translate into real-world action. Evaluate your progress by reflecting on what you learned, how you felt, and whether you’d like to get more involved.
4
Reflect on Personal Ethics
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Write a personal statement on your ethical beliefs and how they align with Humanist values.
Details: Take time to reflect on your own ethical beliefs and how they relate to the principles of Secular Humanism. Write a short personal statement or journal entry exploring questions such as: What does living ethically mean to you? How do you approach moral dilemmas without religious doctrine? Which Humanist values resonate most with you, and why? This introspective exercise helps clarify your motivations and identify areas of alignment or tension with Humanist philosophy. Beginners may find it challenging to articulate their views or may feel uncertain about their positions—overcome this by referencing the texts you’ve read and discussions you’ve observed, and by being honest about uncertainties. This step is important for internalizing Humanist values and preparing for deeper engagement. Progress is measured by your ability to clearly express your ethical stance and its connection to Humanism.
5
Volunteer for a Humanist Cause
4-8 hours (initial project)Intermediate
Summary: Get involved with a Humanist-led service project or advocacy campaign to practice values in action.
Details: Identify a Humanist organization or initiative that aligns with your interests—such as secular charity work, science advocacy, or human rights campaigns—and volunteer your time or skills. Many Humanist groups organize community service projects, educational outreach, or activism around issues like separation of church and state. Beginners may worry about lacking experience or not knowing how to help—start by offering to assist with basic tasks, and be open to learning from more experienced volunteers. This step is crucial for embodying Humanist values and building connections within the community. It also provides practical experience in applying rational inquiry and ethical reasoning to real-world challenges. Evaluate your progress by reflecting on your contributions, the impact of your work, and your sense of belonging within the movement.
Welcoming Practices
„Invitation to Free Inquiry sessions“
Newcomers are often welcomed by being invited to attend open discussions that emphasize questioning and learning together.
„Sharing of the Humanist Manifesto“
New participants are encouraged to read and reflect on key documents to align with shared values and understand the community ethos.
Beginner Mistakes
Focusing only on atheism when discussing secular humanism.
Learn to articulate secular humanism’s positive ethical vision, not just its lack of religious belief.
Being dismissive of religious or spiritual individuals.
Practice respectful dialogue and recognize secular humanism’s commitment to pluralism and coexistence.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Active participation in free inquiry and community debates
Engages newcomers in critical discussion, demonstrating commitment to reasoned dialogue.
Public advocacy for secular values and human rights
Building credibility through activism that aligns with humanist ethics in broader society.
Contributing to or presenting at secular humanist conferences or publications
Shows deep involvement and thought leadership within the community.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
In North America, secular humanism often intersects strongly with organized atheist groups and legal activism for church-state separation.
Europe
European secular humanism tends to emphasize historical Enlightenment values and is typically more integrated into cultural and educational institutions.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Secular Humanism is just atheism.
Reality
While many secular humanists are atheists, secular humanism is broader, encompassing positive ethical commitments and activism beyond simply lacking religious belief.
Misconception #2
Secular humanists are anti-religion.
Reality
Most secular humanists advocate for secular governance and respect pluralism; they often emphasize coexistence rather than opposition to religion.
Misconception #3
It is a religion without god.
Reality
Secular humanism rejects supernatural beliefs and does not function as a religion but as a life stance based on reason, ethics, and human rights.
Clothing & Styles
Humanist lapel pin or badge
Symbols such as the 'Happy Human' logo are worn at gatherings to express membership and solidarity with secular humanist values.
