Is humanism an alternative lifestyle, or a new-age thing?
In the sense that rejecting religion leads to different sets of choices in thinking, humanism can manifest itself in individuals as an alternative lifestyle; it does not, however, imply absolute freedom from the strictures of ethics and social contracts. We believe the ethic of humanism, which emphasizes social progress and justice balanced against individual liberty, leads to a more desirable lifestyle than the one imposed upon individuals by their own restrictive religious thought. Q: I see references to “free thought” and “criticial inquiry.” What does this mean? A: Freethought is the ability to question authority and doctrinal statements without fear of retribution. It is largely this freedom of thought that leads to the ability to “inquire critically,” which in turn leads many to disbelieve religious doctrine. Q: Is humanism a cold, scientific position? A: Although science is a cornerstone of critical inquiry and human reason, humanism goes beyond cold hard science to acknowledge
