Religious humanism

Religious humanism may be seen as a division of the philosophy of humanism that forms a counterpart to the more common example of secular humanism. While retaining a number of religious beliefs and/or practices, religious humanism still gives human interests, values, and worth a central place.

One approach to religious humanism, promulgated by the Church of Spiritual Humanism, recognises the necessity of religious behaviour while it rejects supernatural explanations. Thus, it endorses religious ceremonies, rituals, and rites. Since these religious behaviors have endured from before recorded history, they hold it probable that they are integrated and "hard wired" into humans. By redefining the meanings of these behaviors in the light of rational and reasoned scientific processes, humanist values can be instilled into existing cultures and societies.

Another approach, promulgated by the Liberation Fellowship, is to observe the best of human traits and elevate them to a level that theists would attribute to the divine. Thus, the human being's senses become the tools of creation and the rituals, ceremonies and rites of religion become the avenues for human expansion and growth.

References and external links:

• HUUmanists
• Church of Spiritual Humanism
• Liberation Fellowship Int'l Association