HUMANISTIC VALUES VS. "TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES"

HUMANISTIC VALUES ...			"TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES" ...

Recognize the dignity and 		Condemn non-believers and people who do 
worth of every human being.		not live by strict religious tenets.

Emphasize compassion.			Emphasize control.

Support separation of state	        Support religious control of
and church.			        government.

Encourage and empower people 		Discourage independent thought.
to think for themselves.

Support reproductive freedom.		Support reproduction, not freedom.

Support equal rights for gays,		Oppose equal rights for people who
lesbians, and bisexuals.		make "sinful lifestyle choices."
"Family Values," "Traditional Values," and the other variations have become code-phrases for fundamentalist Christians who would impose their religious beliefs on American society at the expense of others who do not think the same way. Opposing the homophobia, racism, and sexism of the Religious Right is important, but not enough. It is time to promote positive alternatives to so-called "Traditional Family Values."

One alternative is the value system promoted by Humanism. Humanistic values are a result of a secular philosophy which values reason, compassion, and scientific thinking. Humanism encourages people to involve themselves in life, rather than in the hope of a non-existent afterlife by living life to the fullest and by trying to make the world a better place for everyone.

HUMANISM IS...

  • ...a philosophy which values reason.

  • ...a philosophy which recognizes that the use of the scientific method is essential for solving the many problems facing the world today. Humanists recognize the awesome size and age of the universe and the importance of our evolutionary history.

  • ... for people who live in the here and now. Humanists work for freedom, justice, and improved social conditions in this world rather than waiting for an afterlife in "paradise."

  • ... a philosophy which appreciates the value of the arts and the beauty of nature.

  • ... committed to the struggle for civil rights and liberties. Humanists would like to bring democracy to as many aspects of life as possible.

  • ... sensible enough to recognize that there is no credible evidence for a "soul" separate from the body.

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