Humanism
Humanism is a globalist philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.
Philosophy
Humanism is a globalist, Atheistic philosophy of life that considers the welfare of humankind, rather than the welfare of a supposed God or gods, to be of paramount importance. Humanism maintains there is no evidence a supernatural power ever needed or wanted anything from people, ever communicated to them, or ever interfered with the laws of nature to assist anyone. Humanism’s focus, then, is on using human efforts to meet human needs and wants in this world. History shows that those efforts are most effective when they involve both compassion and the scientific method, which includes reliance on reason, evidence, and free inquiry. Humanism says people can find purpose in life and maximize their long-term happiness, not via any form of Spirituality, but by developing their talents and using those talents for the service of humanity. Humanists believe that this approach to life is more productive and leads to a deeper and longer-lasting satisfaction than a hedonistic pursuit of material or sensual pleasures that soon fade. While service to others is a major focus of Humanism, recreation and relaxation are not ignored, for these too are necessary for long-term health and happiness. Humanism considers the universe to be the result of an extremely long and complex evolution under immutable laws of nature. Humanists view this natural world as wondrous and precious, and as offering limitless opportunities for exploration, fascination, creativity, companionship, and joy. Because science cannot now and probably never will be able to explain the ultimate origin or destiny of the universe, humanism cannot be complete.
Non-Atheist humanists
Two of Humanism’s greatest luminaries, Thomas Paine and Robert Ingersoll, maintained a belief for an afterlife. On the issue of whether God exists, Ingersoll was agnostic, and Paine believed in a God who possibly established the laws of nature but then stepped away and never intervened in the world. Those beliefs did not interfere with their ability to lead outstanding humanistic lives. People holding such views can be Humanists if they believe that humanity is on its own in this world, and the lack of any evidence for an afterlife means this life should be lived as though it’s the only one we have.