The values I believe in: Secular Humanism

At a time where ideologies are being driven to the two extremes of complete neglecance (by economic liberalism) and complete dominance (by religious fundamentalism) it is important for any world citizen to have a set of values and principles that form the compass of his/her life. As a human being born in a muslim-Arab country and being a member of an "ethnic minority"- Circassian- in this community I have tried my best to seek a sustainable and stable mindset of my intellectual and political identity.

My political identity was not very difficult to embrace. I am a patrotic, not racist, Jordanian citizen of Circassian origins. I respect my circassian culture but do not look at it as a dogma and form of superiority. I had more troubled time searching my intellectual identity.

Islam for me was a religion based on morals and ethics. I like and practice most of the doctorine but still have my doubts on some philosophical issues related to religions in general which I might discuss later. I find it extremely difficult to believe in the integration of religion with politics, or manipulating scientific evidence for religious purposes. I strongly do not believe in labelling people as "faithfuls" and "infidels" based on religious identities, and I strongly condemn all sort of killings and violence based on religions and races.

My intellectual journey passed through many stations but then ended up in embracing the Secular Humanism phisophy, which I would like to clarify in concise points.

Secular humanism is a humanist philosophy that upholds reason, ethics and justice. The basic principle is the commitment to free inquiry. Secular Humanism opposes any tyranny over the mind of man and any efforts by political, ideological, or social institutions to shackle free thought.

Other principles that have been documented in the 1980 Secular Humanism declaration are:

1-Humans have inherent value and can solve human problems

2- All knowledge is gained through rational process (the supernatural is denied)

3- Science and rational thought are enhanced through democracy and free speech

4- Dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.

5- Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.

6-A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.

7- A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.

8-A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.

9-A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.

10-With reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.

11- Secular humanists believe in the principle of the separation of church and state. The lessons of history are clear: wherever one religion or ideology is established and given a dominant position in the state, minority opinions are in jeopardy. A pluralistic, open democratic society allows all points of view to be heard.

12- Secular Humanists consistently defend the ideal of freedom, not only freedom of conscience and belief from those ecclesiastical, political, and economic interests that seek to repress them, but genuine political liberty, democratic decision making based upon majority rule, and respect for minority rights and the rule of law.

13- The secular humanist recognizes the central role of morality in human life; indeed, ethics was developed as a branch of human knowledge long before religionists proclaimed their moral systems based upon divine authority.

14- The secular humanist supports moral education in the schools that is designed to develop an appreciation for moral virtues, intelligence, and the building of character. We wish to encourage wherever possible the growth of moral awareness and the capacity for free choice and an understanding of the consequences thereof.

15- bThe secular humanist believes that it is possible to bring about a more humane world, one based upon the methods of reason and the principles of tolerance, compromise, and the negotiations of difference.

For me, this phiosophy satisfies my moral and intellectual dynamics, and I had embraced it since 1994. I think it is my responsibility to all readers of this blog to make my intellectual identity clear.