If you are one of at least 17 million 'atheists', 'agnostics', 'non-religious', 'freethinkers' etc in the UK who think that "right and wrong" can be determined by human nature without religious teachings you may be a Humanist? (BHA 24/11/06)
If the Humanist non-religious view on morals and other issues etc is to be taken seriously in society along with existing influential religious beliefs, it's important for Humanist groups to increase their membership substantially.
During recent times the government is increasingly encouraging religious communities to contribute on matters of policy etc, even though the majority of the UK are not practicing religion, which threatens the unique secular nature of British society.
Are you concerned about-
- the rise of religious fundamentalism?
- the growing influence of religious groups in politics?
- the segregation of children in religious and sectarian schools?
You can help do something about it and get your voice heard by-
- Adding your support to the BHA by joining and/or making donation(s). The BHA is committed to secularism, human rights, democracy, equality and mutual respect. It works for an open and inclusive society with freedom of belief and speech, and for an end to the privileged position of religion in law, education, broadcasting and wherever else it occurs.
- Joining us at the Cardiff Humanist Group. As well as providing a regular meeting place for local Humanists to discuss and debate topical issues, one of the functions of the group is to support the campaigns of the BHA in the Cardiff area. Therefore the group encourages members to have active roles locally.
- A letter published in the Western Mail nicely describing the positive elements of the group.
hu·man·ist, [hyoo-muh-nist or, often, yoo-] –noun
a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
Some thought provoking questions we would lke to hear your views on...
- What sort of lives should atheists live?
- What does ethics look like without religion?
- What is the relationship between science and religion?
- What is the relationship between religion and ethics?
I was a humanist without knowing it for many years before I found the Association - when I did, it was like finding a sort of home. Here were people with a range of views that matched my own, who shared my respect for life in all its forms, and who, above all, did not try to bully other people to follow their beliefs.
If you are a humanist, that means that you care about other human beings and everything you do effects other human beings, so you have to think about that- even shopping for a bunch of grapes becomes part of a whole pattern of right and wrong.
Claire Rayner.
I arrived at my beliefs, as everybody should, by examining evidence... Something that has traditionally aroused religious feeling in people, the sense of wonder, is aroused in me by the contemplation of the world and the universe... I know I'm going to die eventually, and die forever. But before I do, I mean to use my brain to the greatest possible extent to understand why I was born....
Professor Richard Dawkins FRS FRSL, retired from Oxford University in 2008 and remains a writer and public figure.
Local Press
If you have written a letter to the local press recently e.g. The Western Mail defending a Humanistic outlook we will offer the best letter free membership for one year to Cardiff Humanists. That is free membership to Cardiff Humanists!! So get writing and don't forget to let us know.