Sandi Toksvaig on humanism

Lazigirl I assure you I have no problem with disagreements, been voted off the PCC twice. Chaired bible study groups for years and there were disagreements. I do have a problem with being judged as a Christian, this is for God, not for another Christian or atheist.

I am glad that you believe that Anniebach. Obviously we all have different experiences and reasons for the beliefs that we hold, and I do not think we should undermine or disrespect other people's beliefs. It of course doesn't mean that we can't disagree sometimes or it would be very dull

Lazigirl as a Christian I believe it is possible to live a good and moral life without a religious faith.

Meant easy target, not pray.

In some countries non believers are the "easy pray" and in fact can be put to death. It is a sobering thought it is only since 2008 that the law against blasphemy was abolished in England and Wales. I am a humanist, and I believe it is possible to live a good and moral life without religious or superstition beliefs but, I do have friends who are religious, of various denominations, and do not think I am in a position to criticise their beliefs because we all need help and support of some sort to get through the hardships of this life.

Easiest target ? I am aware of that

I think Christianity is the "target" Annie not individual Christians (But carry on nit-picking if it makes you happy)

Target ? Should people be targets ?

One of the problems I have with Christianity is that it is largely a reworking of the ancient myth of the young man sacrificed and sent down into the underworld to ensure that spring comes and things grow again. It has so many similarities- king for a short period, blood sacrifice, period of waiting, rebirth.
As for the idea that it is being condemned too much, I suppose one of the problems is that this is the religion we know best, so it is the easiest target.

No they wouldn’t Jalima , Christians are easy prey on this forum , ‘ lets attack Christians because of the Crusades or the wealth in the Vatican , and as for Christian churches , pull em down. God help anyone who says ‘I need my church’.

Anniebach 6th January 9:20:34
That is a very interesting observation.
Metaphorically throwing Christians to the lions has become quite a pastime.

Would posters do that for people of other faiths?

I respect people of all faiths and no faith.

I am sorry to hear that you feel your faith is vilified. I think it is important that all faiths are respected; but also that, where the influence of a faith has resulted in bad things, this should also be open to discussion.

I am wary of all labels: religious, political, social. Humans are complex beings and labels are just too simplistic.

I have noticed some humanists who care deeply about those in need vilify Christians and don’t give a thought to the hurt they cause.

I imagine there are Humanists who never believed in / always doubted the existence of a God / higher being? ( Rather than for those who no longer believe in God

What is a humanist apart from someone who grew up a christian and has just grown out of it.

Putting fancy labels on it just is not necessary and I won't be following a course about it. I find the these courses sometimes rather boring and fail to see what there is to learn about humanism as it is just common sense, for those who no longer believe in God and don’t practice any other religion.

I agree Lazigirl

I think love for other humans is quite possible without a god figure entering into it at all.

Granny28 I don't think anyone has labelled any individual as anything, just as if one says or reads, 'Catholics believe...'
doesn't assume the reader to be Catholic.

You are what you claim or choose and I am definitely intelligent enough to work that out - so I've signed up to learn more on this course.

Doesn't mean I'll become a Humanist.

Through Future Learn I've taken courses in Forensic Science, Ballistics, Archaeology and History - and strange as it may seem, didn't become any of those things, nor label myself that way.

Quiz tells me I am 100% humanist......yet another pigeonhole

100% humanist ( according to quiz)

So true Luckygirl. People have freedom of choice and I suppose we need to accept how people wish to worship (call it religion) & it’s a choice. As long as individually we make the right choices with God (love) at the heart of our choices the world will be a better place,accepting of each other’s ways without trying to change people. At the heart of it all is God and this is a divine love which is extended to all.

I'll go with the Love idea - sounds good to me.

Unfortunately the religion borne of this Love has done some very unloving things!!!

That’s some understanding of it luckygirl and well thought out. The trouble with this interpretation is the fact it’s missing one very important aspect. God is not a person who decides how the human race should live their lives. God is not a person who intervenes and either causes, nor has the capacity to prevent natural disasters,or mans inhumanity to man. God is simply love. A higher power than we could ever comprehend. When love is at the heart of everything in life, this is where we will find God. I’m preaching now so I’ll Stop at that & hope in some way it helps you to have a better understanding of people of faith. It’s simple really.

Either we accept freedom of choice or we don’t , Luckygirl I feel sad that you concentrate on buildings so much, I have visited many churches in this country ,posh!

You think only of the Vatican ? Or a nunnery which is large but now only houses a small number of women. All around this country are churches who do much for the community and for the stranger at the gate. Sorry if I am mistaken but you want all people to live as you think they should, this isn’t going happen sorry. We all have freedom of choice , we find our own way . You speak often of the centre of Christ’s teachings, for me this is like saying one commandment is of more importance than the other nine.