Thank, you, Jon. Well-thought and well-articulated. Humanity is impoverished by denying the validity, wisdom, and experience of those for whom the numinous is an experienced reality. And we are enriched by the symphony of voices and experiences that draw us toward interconnected relationality, toward awe and wonder, toward beauty and transcendent love.
Really enjoyed this. There is a universality to the languages of service and compassion, one that transcends ideological divides. Very interesting finding from Lisa Miller too!
Perhaps your definition of "Secular Humanism" is too narrow.
Looking only at communities like Oasis, or the Center for Spiritual Living, which are seen as direct substitutes for organized religion is a very narrow definition of "Secular Humanism."
In my opinion, every human activity is a practice of "Secular Humanism". When people attend a play or a concert; when people buy a book - fiction or non-fiction; when people watch TV or streaming media; when people work; when people sleep; when people go outside; when people talk about school homework with their children; when people go to the gym; when people practice politics. In short, individually and in community, whenever humans do human things or simply "be" human, they are practicing "Secular Humanism".
When you reframe "Secular Humanism" into the 24/7/365 role of being and doing human, it is far, far, far more common than practicing a faith-based "Religion" or the few practices that you narrowly call "Spiritual Humanism".
You could argue that the "purpose" of an activity matters, and that only activities centered on discovering wisdom count. But again, I would respond that the opportunity to learn wisdom is available in each and every human experience - whether secular, spiritual or religious.
Thank, you, Jon. Well-thought and well-articulated. Humanity is impoverished by denying the validity, wisdom, and experience of those for whom the numinous is an experienced reality. And we are enriched by the symphony of voices and experiences that draw us toward interconnected relationality, toward awe and wonder, toward beauty and transcendent love.
Really enjoyed this. There is a universality to the languages of service and compassion, one that transcends ideological divides. Very interesting finding from Lisa Miller too!
Perhaps your definition of "Secular Humanism" is too narrow.
Looking only at communities like Oasis, or the Center for Spiritual Living, which are seen as direct substitutes for organized religion is a very narrow definition of "Secular Humanism."
In my opinion, every human activity is a practice of "Secular Humanism". When people attend a play or a concert; when people buy a book - fiction or non-fiction; when people watch TV or streaming media; when people work; when people sleep; when people go outside; when people talk about school homework with their children; when people go to the gym; when people practice politics. In short, individually and in community, whenever humans do human things or simply "be" human, they are practicing "Secular Humanism".
When you reframe "Secular Humanism" into the 24/7/365 role of being and doing human, it is far, far, far more common than practicing a faith-based "Religion" or the few practices that you narrowly call "Spiritual Humanism".
You could argue that the "purpose" of an activity matters, and that only activities centered on discovering wisdom count. But again, I would respond that the opportunity to learn wisdom is available in each and every human experience - whether secular, spiritual or religious.
Beautiful contribution, Jon. Thank you. May we all be fully human-spiritual.