Humanism, What's That?

by Helen Bennett

Mrs. Green is teaching her daily science class one day when suddenly she receives terrible A popular student named Amanda has been struck by a car on her way to class and is now hospitalized with serious injuries. "Let's all pray for Amanda," says one earnest classmate. "Surely God will make her well if He hears our prayers." Mrs. Green is confronted with the dilemma that every public school teacher must be ready to deal with. While the church-state separation laws won't allow school prayer, Mrs. Green wants to do something to help her students cope with a life-threatening situation that has raised deep questions.Thus begins a conversation between teacher and students that forms the basis of this thoughtful work. Starting with the historic concept of separation of church and state, the curious youngsters' insistent questions lead to a consideration of philosophic Why shouldn't they pray for Amanda in class? Why do some people believe in God while others don't? Is there life after death? What gives life meaning? In the course of what becomes a parent-approved after-school discussion, Mrs. Green presents a humanistic point of view, making the following points. Humanists look at life as a natural process, so they don't believe in the supernatural. They rely on science to explain the meaning of life, not on religion, though they support each person's freedom to choose to believe or not to believe. Rather than speculating about what comes after death, humanists prefer to focus on life on earth. Humanists generally espouse the values of universal education, freedom of thought and free expression, open-minded pursuit of the truth, tolerance of others' differences, mutual respect, and preservation of the environment.Complete with discussion questions, suggestions for activities, and a bibliography, this innovative approach to presenting humanism to young adults will be welcome by parents and teachers looking to expose their children or students to a secular philosophic perspective.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Childrens, Parenting

78 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2004

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought the book was a interesting and a good conversation starter. I was not always thrilled with how the main character explained everything but it was OK. I would recommend anyone who gets this for their kids to pre-read it and have a conversation about any aspect of the book that they feel is important. It also might be helpful to read it with your child.

My daughter has just started the book. She did find it upsetting that some people would not believe a person could be good if they didn't go to church or had different beliefs. It was tough for her but made for a great talking point.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief--and I mean brief--book aimed at upper elementary school kids (I guess) about Humanism. The book touches on the main points of humanism--no god, be nice to each other, science is awesome, tolerance--and then ends. I read it in about 20 minutes. The author is a Unitarian. I would let my older daughter read it, but there are a few pages on abortion, and I don't want to introduce that subject to her yet since it is deeply unpleasant.

So, yeah. Short. Really short.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for children over the age of six for parents who are humanists and want to introduce them to their beliefs. Explains in a very simple manner the concepts of humanism and shows various examples of the proper way to treat other people. Is respectful of other religions and doesn't force these ideas on kids.

[Bill Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit sanctimonious at times. Simplistic or repetitive concepts, but may be a good starting place for some pre-teens.

[Juan Núñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy interesante

Está interesante la conversación, sirve quizás para jovenes en edad escolar que ya saben algo de ciencias y quieren aprender otras cosas con actividades y tareas

[Ardyth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this... but I just didn't. Something about the style itself. YMMV.

[Joe Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good introduction to humanism. It gives the impression most humanists are pro-abortion and spends a lot of space defending this view. While it's probably true most humanists are pro-abortion it should give the anti-abortion humanist view.