Welcome to my new monthly column, where I will explore themes of humanism, its contrast with religion, and the intersection of science, technology and philosophy.

To launch this exploration, I offer the following humanist declaration, which I hope will inspire you to use your greatest gift: a free mind.

A Humanist Declaration

As a free-thinking person guided by rationality, I renounce my prior affiliation with religion and embrace secular humanism as my life’s philosophical and ethical framework. This decision is the culmination of deep introspection, critical thought, and sincere exploration of my beliefs and values.

Reasons for Renouncing Religion

1. God’s Existence: After careful consideration, I find the question of god’s existence ultimately unknowable. There is no scientific evidence to prove or disprove the existence of god, and faith cannot be the sole basis for this. I am a strong ignostic who recognizes it is impossible to know whether god exists due to the very definition of god, an invisible being who exists outside of space and time. In addition, god’s existence (or lack thereof) has no discernable difference in our lives, just as the existence of wormholes or parallel universes has no difference.

2. The Presence of Evil: The world’s immense suffering and evil contradict the concept of a benevolent and omnipotent god. If such a god existed, he would intervene to prevent suffering. Belief in god entails believing in an entity that regularly intervenes in mundane actions, such as finding a lost object, but remains passive regarding mass starvation, disease, war, oppression, crime, and abuse. This total lack of intervention negates the idea of a loving, caring god. It is also impossible to reconcile the idea of an infinite, complete, and unchanging entity with no needs or wants yet wanting us to do (or not do) specific actions.

3. Divergence from Personal Values: While religion has a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, rituals, and ethical teachings, certain aspects of its doctrine and practice conflict with my deeply held values and principles. By renouncing my affiliation with religion, I seek to align my beliefs more with a worldview prioritizing reason, compassion, and ethical behaviour. There is no value in denying legal physical pleasures, including food, certain music and entertainment, or other arcane laws.

Embrace of Secular Humanism

Secular humanism aligns with my current understanding of the world because it emphasizes:

1. Reason and Critical Thinking: Secular humanism emphasizes logic, evidence, and critical thinking in understanding the world and making decisions. It values critical inquiry, skepticism, the scientific method and intellectual curiosity as essential tools for navigating the complexities of existence. It encourages open-mindedness, intellectual humility and honesty, inviting individuals to question assumptions, challenge dogma, and seek truth through reasoned discourse and scientific investigation. Religion demands that we accept everything in faith, far too demanding a request for rational-thinking people.

2. Human Dignity and Worth: Secular humanism holds that all humans have inherent value and deserve respect, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. It promotes human flourishing and fosters environments conducive to personal fulfillment and well-being. Religion is an artificial construct that divides humanity, but unlike race or nationality, can be abandoned. Secular humanism finds meaning and purpose in the present, encouraging individuals to contribute today to a better future for humanity.

3. Empathy and Compassion: Secular humanism promotes kindness and compassion as core human values, encouraging active efforts to alleviate suffering. It emphasizes our responsibility to act ethically and compassionately towards others, guided by reason, empathy, and a commitment to social justice. It prioritizes cultivating moral virtues and pursuing ethical conduct grounded in empathy and rational deliberation. It actively embraces the core value of not doing to others what you would not want done to you.

Conclusion & Affirmation

In renouncing religion and embracing secular humanism, I affirm my autonomy as a free, independent and rational person capable of shaping my beliefs and values with intellectual integrity. This declaration represents a significant milestone in my journey toward self-discovery, intellectual liberation, and moral autonomy.

I make this declaration with clarity and purpose. I understand the path ahead may be difficult, but I am ready to move forward with conviction.

Additional articles by Andrew