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 behavior 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.

References and external links:

• Church of Spiritual Humanism web site (http://www.spiritualhumanism.org)
• HUUmanists web site (http://www.americanhumanist.org/hsfamily/huumanist)