NJHN Web Talk

Last weekend I read a disturbing commentary in the Home News Tribune, published in North Brunswick, NJ. For once, I was motivated enough to reply with a letter to the editor, and they published my letter today.

I found the title applied to my letter surprisingly friendly. You never know who you'll find is sympathetic to humanist positions...

Below is an excerpt from the commentary (full version at http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704080313) and my letter.

"Easter people" have work cut out for us
Home News Tribune Online 04/8/07
PAUL G.LICAMELI

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The American Humanist Association applauds California Congressman Peter Stark for proclaiming he is an atheist. Stark, also gained the attention of the Secular Coalition for America. He told The Associated Press on March 12 he "does not believe in a supreme being" and looks forward to "working with the Secular Coalition to stop the promotion of narrow religious beliefs . . ."

It is no surprise that the Man fro Galilee prophesied modern indifference in saying, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)

As sheer science gains unbounded prominence, the frightening consequences of possible mutual self-destruction increases. In the face of Internet wonders, medical miracles, and the ease of traveling, we are nevertheless haunted by a need for trusted leadership, a savior as it were.

Universities are turning out specialists who make marvelous contributions to the advancement of civilization. However, as noted in Benedict XVI's Regensburg lecture, short shrift is given to the cross disciplines of philosophy and theology, which along with science have perennially produced humble humanists par excellence.

There is an exploitive muddle-ness in secular humanism. It allows individuals to make their own rules: there is no single authority (God) or group authority (church) to command what one ought and ought not to do. If rules don't work or cause harm, we change them!

We tolerate wrong as "mistakes" -- masks for sin. By what authority can exaggerated selfishness, greed or pleasure be restricted? Where is accountability when utilitarian actions of corporations, governments and scientists put people's lives at stake? Who challenges these forces? Their whimsical power becomes a headiness which slips into a corollary that "might is right."

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Humanist values derive from reason rather than dogma
Home News Tribune Online 04/14/07

I was saddened to read yet another ad hominem attack on secular humanism in your Easter Sunday edition.

Columnist Paul Licameli displays a pointed ignorance about secular humanism that would be notable if it were not so common. While it is true that humanists decide how to be ethical on a personal basis, it is not the case that we choose our ethics in a vacuum. We judge actions not by intent but by their consequences. It is consideration of both short-term and long-term consequences that informs our formation of moral values, and our ethics derive from these.

Humanists are especially skeptical about the ability of people to be moral on the say-so of authority figures. People are not moral because of commands or scriptures but instead through inborn tendencies to value fairness and honesty. Developing these tendencies through lifetime education and critical thinking is how humanists determine how to be moral.

The writer wonders how evils such as selfishness, greed and unfettered corporate power are to be challenged without some ultimate authority. Experience shows us that the authorities who are responsible for challenging such problems are often to be found in bed with them, and this includes religious authorities who are raking in taxpayer money by the billions through George Bush's misguided "faith-based" initiatives.

Humanists do not begrudge Christians their Jesus. I wonder whether Mr. Licameli feels he is following his savior's instructions when he attacks others during his Easter celebration.

Timothy Ridge
Vice president, New Jersey Humanist Network