Humanist Beliefs Throughout recorded history there have been non-religious people who have believed that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason, our natural instincts and humanity. More recently we have come to trust in the scientific method, evidence and reasoning to understand the universe and life on earth. We have placed human welfare and happiness at the centre of our ethical decision making, thereby contributing to our evolving morality. Today, people who share these beliefs and values are called Humanists and this combination of attitudes is called Humanism. Many millions of people in the UK share this way of living and of looking at the world, but many of them have not heard the word ‘Humanist’ and don’t realise that it describes what they believe. There is no one definition of Humanism and there are longer and shorter versions. The fullest definition to have a measure of international agreement is contained in the 2002 Amsterdam Declaration of Humanists International North East Humanists use the following summary of beliefs : 1. We only live once Humanists have a positive, realistic attitude towards life. Our life here is the only one we will ever have. It is up to us to give it purpose and to make the best of it we can. 2. The universe has evolved over eons, without a creator or plan Humanists believe that human beings are part of an evolutionary process that began billions of years ago, and that there is no god or gods behind this process. 3. The welfare of people and the planet is our moral responsibility Humanists have concern for the well-being of all of humankind and for the health of our worldwide ecological environment. Humanists support every opportunity to cooperate with others to face the problems of the world. 4. Right behaviour is based on reason, respect and reciprocity Morality is developed from reason and knowledge. It is not derived from a supernatural source but is the product of our experience as evolved social animals. Humanists take responsibility for their own conduct and believe that the underlying principle governing morality is that we should treat other people as we would wish to be treated. 5. Democratic values take precedence over ideologies Humanists are committed to a secular society. Whilst generally respecting the right of others to have different beliefs, Humanists challenge those beliefs and ideas which threaten the freedom of the individual. 6. Conflicts of interest require negotiated resolution Disputes at all levels from the personal to the international should be resolved through reasoned argument and negotiation, rather than through the use of power. 7. Artistic creativity and physical expression are key characteristics of humanity Humanists recognise that the arts, and the development and exercise of physical skills, meet the innate need in human beings for creativity and self-expression. The main activities of Humanists are : 1. Public education through talks, websites, publications and events 2. Support and speakers for schools (see separate document for more detail) 3. Providing celebrants for baby namings, weddings and funerals 4. Campaigning nationally and internationally. North East Humanists, as well as Humanists UK, are active in the first three of these and more information can be found at https://www.northeast-humanists.org.uk/ Humanists UK carry out campaigning on behalf of the non-religious as well as for freedom of religion, belief, speech, thought, and expression more generally. They work for an open society and a secular state with no religious privilege or discrimination based on religion or belief. They also campaign for a rational approach to public ethical issues, in order to contribute to a public life where decisions are made on evidence rather than on the basis of irrational beliefs or religious doctrines. Current campaigns are concerned with Faith schools Secularism Human rights and equality Religious education Bishops in the House of Lords Assisted dying See www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns/ Humanists International is the global organisation which has 118 member groups from countries around the world. It works to support its member groups as well as defend human rights and support individuals at risk. An important area of work is concerned with the biennial Freedom of Thought Report. December 2020 is the latest. It assesses every country in the world on the basis of human rights and the legal status with regard to humanists, atheists, and the non-religious. See https://humanists.international/ Special Days associated with Humanism February 12th Darwin Day June 21st World Humanist Day December 10th Human Rights Day An alternative for schools is November 20th World Children’s Day : adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child .