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Creating Change Through Humanism
Americans who do not identify as religious now make up 21 percent of the population, according to the 2014 General Social Survey. With the dramatic increase in the number of secular Americans, the time is ripe for Creating Change Through Humanism , which lays out how and why people can lead moral and ethical lives without belief in a higher power. Abandoning traditional religious faith is just one step on a path to a better way of thinking. This book explains how to take the next steps with the empathy and activism that characterize humanism today.
Defined by author Roy Speckhardt as “the radical idea that you can be good without a god,” humanism has inspired generations of individuals to improve themselves, their communities and their society. Creating Change Through Humanism describes how a humanist lifestance has influenced and can continue to advance diversity and equality. Humanist ideals pervaded the U.S. from its founding, starting with the innovative idea of separating church and state to maintain a religiously-neutral government. Humanism has continued to propel our nation toward social progress by promoting basic human rights and dignity. The humanist movement, with its forward-thinking outlook and emphasis on critical thinking and self-reflection, is at the forefront of such pressing social issues as civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, responsible scientific freedom, and the environment and population dynamics.
Throughout this comprehensive and concise history of the humanist movement, Speckhardt interweaves personal stories, including his own, of individuals who journeyed from organized religion to humanistic convictions. He encourages his readers to be open about their nontheism and to become active in social and political causes, so they can put their positive values into action and combat the anti-humanist prejudice propagated by the religious right. By highlighting the achievements of individual humanists and the progress made by humanist and secular organizations such as the American Humanist Association, Speckhardt illustrates that a worldview reliant on empathy and critical thinking is sorely needed to advance progressive aims for American society.
Defined by author Roy Speckhardt as “the radical idea that you can be good without a god,” humanism has inspired generations of individuals to improve themselves, their communities and their society. Creating Change Through Humanism describes how a humanist lifestance has influenced and can continue to advance diversity and equality. Humanist ideals pervaded the U.S. from its founding, starting with the innovative idea of separating church and state to maintain a religiously-neutral government. Humanism has continued to propel our nation toward social progress by promoting basic human rights and dignity. The humanist movement, with its forward-thinking outlook and emphasis on critical thinking and self-reflection, is at the forefront of such pressing social issues as civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, responsible scientific freedom, and the environment and population dynamics.
Throughout this comprehensive and concise history of the humanist movement, Speckhardt interweaves personal stories, including his own, of individuals who journeyed from organized religion to humanistic convictions. He encourages his readers to be open about their nontheism and to become active in social and political causes, so they can put their positive values into action and combat the anti-humanist prejudice propagated by the religious right. By highlighting the achievements of individual humanists and the progress made by humanist and secular organizations such as the American Humanist Association, Speckhardt illustrates that a worldview reliant on empathy and critical thinking is sorely needed to advance progressive aims for American society.
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2015
9 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 8, 2017
Having grown up in and around religion, it was something that was a constant struggle for me. The indoctrination of guilt and the "fear of God" was something instilled in me from an early age, but I always knew deep down that religion wasn't for me.
A little more than a year ago, I discovered the American Humanist Association and it was like the great awakening that I had always craved. All of the thoughts, feelings, beliefs and desires that I had for many years since permanently departing the church in 2002, were all within this organization. I realized "I'm a Humanist....and have unknowingly been one for many, many years."
Finally. This past January, I became a member of the AHA and part of their introductory packet, was this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. For me, it was a case of "preaching to the choir" because it's basically laying out the principle philosophy of Humanism and ways to implement it into your life, if it is what you so desire. It's a brief, 150 page book, but it's basically a Humanist "bible", in that everything you need to know about current Humanism, is all right here.
If you're curious about Humanism and living your life to be good to other humans just because it's how you should be, instead of how a religion tells you should be so you can expect a post life reward, then this is a great starting place.
And always remember, you don't have to have a God in your life to be a good person!
A little more than a year ago, I discovered the American Humanist Association and it was like the great awakening that I had always craved. All of the thoughts, feelings, beliefs and desires that I had for many years since permanently departing the church in 2002, were all within this organization. I realized "I'm a Humanist....and have unknowingly been one for many, many years."
Finally. This past January, I became a member of the AHA and part of their introductory packet, was this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. For me, it was a case of "preaching to the choir" because it's basically laying out the principle philosophy of Humanism and ways to implement it into your life, if it is what you so desire. It's a brief, 150 page book, but it's basically a Humanist "bible", in that everything you need to know about current Humanism, is all right here.
If you're curious about Humanism and living your life to be good to other humans just because it's how you should be, instead of how a religion tells you should be so you can expect a post life reward, then this is a great starting place.
And always remember, you don't have to have a God in your life to be a good person!
August 10, 2015
I found this to be an excellent book about humanism. This 172 page read was a very concise and easy to read introduction for atheists, agnostics, and doubters of all kinds. It talks about humanism in a way that is not anti-religion, by any means, and discusses the alternative possibility of being good without a belief in any gods or other supernatural forces, and focuses on an open-minded study of science and its philosophies.
It goes further than just explaining what it is, but also how to be active and make some significant changes in your life and the world in general. It is a work that is clear and concise in style, surprising in many ways, and well worth reading!
It goes further than just explaining what it is, but also how to be active and make some significant changes in your life and the world in general. It is a work that is clear and concise in style, surprising in many ways, and well worth reading!
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October 25, 2020I'm really glad I read this book. It has inspired and motivated me to make my humanism a greater part of my life; not just a philosophy I hold to, but a driving part of my activism and a source of community. As soon as I finish writing this review, I'm going to MeetUp.com to get involved with local humanist groups. 😎
September 16, 2018
After a year of this book being on my currently reading list, I'm admitting I'm never going to finish it. It was a good introduction to Humanism if you don't know what it is, but as a self-proclaimed humanist for some time now, it felt a lot like preaching to the choir. Great as a resource, not so great as a source of entertainment.
October 5, 2020
I like how the author covered most of the topics relevant in 2020's social and political climate. I would like to see more on People of Color and their role (or lack thereof) in the Humanist movement. Another good thing about the book is the short length, which makes for a pleasant read. Share with your friends and family, if you can.
November 25, 2015
I feel a little guilty for giving this book such a low rating. If nothing else, the book does give a clear and complete view of the current vision of the American Humanist Association. Only chapter 4, a brief overview of the history of (H)umanism, seemed really valuable to me.
May 28, 2017
Five stars for this one. Not for literary style, just because it makes more sense than anything I've read for a very long time.
July 19, 2021
When did atheism get rebranded as humanism? I'm so out of the loop. Only after this book started referencing Richard Dawkins did I finally realize what I'd picked up; not the left leaning political book I mistook it for.
Creating Change Through Humanism offers a nice look inside the atheist camp. Information seems really thorough, if a little dry. There's a glossary, manifesto, a list of Ten Commitments (not commandments), and discussion of spreading humanism into the future. Really well done. Lots of pro-science and critical thinking discussion going on. At what point might science and intellectual fervor match that of religious fervor? Fervors run the same vibe using different words.
I'm removing all snarky inclinations from my response here. Authentically and without emotional attachment, I say: This is not the left leaning political text I mistook it for, but it sure as heck presented as such. Same talking points, same atmosphere, same tone, complementary ideas, but gentler presentation.
Around 1997, I spent a few minutes debating whether or not I was atheist. I settled on agnostic, transitioned into new age around 2001, and only now, after finding irrefutable proof of God & Jesus, am slowly settling into the dirty word: Christianity. What a weird trip.
I've been studying up on satanism for the past three years and learned satanists detest atheists. Not believing in god includes theirs, the prince of this planet, satan. What we can't ignore is how closely the respective satanic and humanist agendas are in alignment. That's worth a little nod, isn't it?
UPDATE: I brought my husband into the discussion after unsuccessfully remembering an energy law. He's smart and science-y so he reminded me:
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
I enjoy live and let live , but if I were to debate a humanist, I guess it would come down to whether we live in an isolated universe and whether or not our personality / soul / spirit / consciousness is considered energy.
Creating Change Through Humanism offers a nice look inside the atheist camp. Information seems really thorough, if a little dry. There's a glossary, manifesto, a list of Ten Commitments (not commandments), and discussion of spreading humanism into the future. Really well done. Lots of pro-science and critical thinking discussion going on. At what point might science and intellectual fervor match that of religious fervor? Fervors run the same vibe using different words.
I'm removing all snarky inclinations from my response here. Authentically and without emotional attachment, I say: This is not the left leaning political text I mistook it for, but it sure as heck presented as such. Same talking points, same atmosphere, same tone, complementary ideas, but gentler presentation.
Around 1997, I spent a few minutes debating whether or not I was atheist. I settled on agnostic, transitioned into new age around 2001, and only now, after finding irrefutable proof of God & Jesus, am slowly settling into the dirty word: Christianity. What a weird trip.
I've been studying up on satanism for the past three years and learned satanists detest atheists. Not believing in god includes theirs, the prince of this planet, satan. What we can't ignore is how closely the respective satanic and humanist agendas are in alignment. That's worth a little nod, isn't it?
UPDATE: I brought my husband into the discussion after unsuccessfully remembering an energy law. He's smart and science-y so he reminded me:
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
I enjoy live and let live , but if I were to debate a humanist, I guess it would come down to whether we live in an isolated universe and whether or not our personality / soul / spirit / consciousness is considered energy.
April 4, 2024
This is an excellent introduction to both the philosophy and movement of modern Humanism, including an overview of its history, how Humanists carry out its values in their daily lives, and suggestions on how to promote Humanist values in the greater world.
June 12, 2015
This handbook for prospective humanists is an important resource for thoughtful people who are seeking real good. The book tells us what humanism is, why it makes sense, how it addresses real problems, and what we can do to create positive change.
American Humanist Association Executive director, Roy Speckhardt, declares “Humanism is the radical idea that you can be good without a belief in god” and goes on to demonstrate why this simple idea is so sensible and so powerful. Those who will enjoy this book are readers who prefer: science over dogma, common sense over obsolete texts, reality over mysticism, exploration over obedience, coherence over dissonance, inclusion over exclusion, evidence over ideology, and real humans over imagined deities.
The design of this book accommodates a wide range of readers’ readiness to accept and promote humanism. People new to humanism are provided a thorough and accessible introduction to the principles, philosophy, and application of this lifestance. Readers who may have already identified as humanists now have a comprehensive account of it. Experienced humanists who wish to advocate for their beliefs are provided with resources for taking action and creating change.
In the second chapter the author tells his personal story of growing up Catholic, questioning dogma as a youngster, learning that many bible stories originated as pagan traditions, studying social ills rooted in ignorance, and starting his own progressive thinking website before joining the humanist movement. The powerful stories of Dr. Anthony Pinn, and Dr. Janet Jeppson Asimov describe their personal struggles to cross the Theistic divide and embrace Humanism.
Whereas religious beliefs are taught to us, chapter three describes a natural and innate basis for humanism. Research demonstrates that even very young children have a good sense of morality. Our reliance on careful analysis of the observable world is our most reliable source of knowledge not only within, but also beyond the bounds of scientific disciplines. Accepting the scientific process as the best method for determining all types of knowledge allows us to continue to build humanity’s knowledge base. Because empathy allows us to understand others’ feelings, it informs our reasoning toward doing the right thing.
Chapter 4 provides a history of the American Humanist Association, and chapter 5 describes the many very real prejudices against atheists. While these chapters are necessary for completeness, I found them a bit tedious primarily because they look back rather than move forward.
Humanism is marked by its positive approach, and chapter 6 provides an inspiring vision of a bright future that can be attained by applying the principles of Humanism. Many prejudices based on ignorance and sustained by religious fundamentalist will be overcome. “People will understand that science is a way to seek answers, not something to ‘believe’ in.” Future political leaders will position their belief systems in humanistic terms. “Humanists will encourage empathy, along with the compassion and a sense of inherent equal worth that flows from it, in a way that honors human knowledge about ourselves and our universe.” These ideas can become unifying forces.
Part II of the book applies the philosophical foundations of humanism to solving problems. These principles are described fully in the appendix Humanism and its Aspirations, and explored in chapter 7. Core humanist issues are explored in chapter 8. Here the contentious issues of civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, environment and population dynamics, church-state separation, death with dignity, and responsible scientific freedom are each analyzed from a humanist perspective. Clear thinking supports clear positions on each issue. Chapter 9 advises readers how to live as a humanist. Advice from a humanist perspective is provided on essential life issues, including: origin stories, family life, personal fulfillment, joy, free-will, death, and immortality. Chapter 10 is a guidebook for activism in politics, charity, social change, community, and advising young people. The final chapter strengthens the call to action, encouraging us to: “come out as humanists at every opportunity,” explain humanism to others, frame humanist positions in positive language, seek and mobilize allies, and raise public awareness.
The appendix includes three useful references: the third Humanist Manifesto describes the concepts and boundaries of humanism, the Ten Commitments provide guiding principles for teaching values, and a glossary defines several movement terms.
Although the basis of humanist philosophy is inherently universal and inclusive, this book addresses US-based readers. A bibliography provides useful references for further study, yet claims made throughout the book are not linked to supporting citations. The review copy lacks an index.
Start where you are, read this book, decide for yourself what you believe, and move forward. The book is thoughtfully conceived, well written, clearly argued, and backed by reliable evidence.
American Humanist Association Executive director, Roy Speckhardt, declares “Humanism is the radical idea that you can be good without a belief in god” and goes on to demonstrate why this simple idea is so sensible and so powerful. Those who will enjoy this book are readers who prefer: science over dogma, common sense over obsolete texts, reality over mysticism, exploration over obedience, coherence over dissonance, inclusion over exclusion, evidence over ideology, and real humans over imagined deities.
The design of this book accommodates a wide range of readers’ readiness to accept and promote humanism. People new to humanism are provided a thorough and accessible introduction to the principles, philosophy, and application of this lifestance. Readers who may have already identified as humanists now have a comprehensive account of it. Experienced humanists who wish to advocate for their beliefs are provided with resources for taking action and creating change.
In the second chapter the author tells his personal story of growing up Catholic, questioning dogma as a youngster, learning that many bible stories originated as pagan traditions, studying social ills rooted in ignorance, and starting his own progressive thinking website before joining the humanist movement. The powerful stories of Dr. Anthony Pinn, and Dr. Janet Jeppson Asimov describe their personal struggles to cross the Theistic divide and embrace Humanism.
Whereas religious beliefs are taught to us, chapter three describes a natural and innate basis for humanism. Research demonstrates that even very young children have a good sense of morality. Our reliance on careful analysis of the observable world is our most reliable source of knowledge not only within, but also beyond the bounds of scientific disciplines. Accepting the scientific process as the best method for determining all types of knowledge allows us to continue to build humanity’s knowledge base. Because empathy allows us to understand others’ feelings, it informs our reasoning toward doing the right thing.
Chapter 4 provides a history of the American Humanist Association, and chapter 5 describes the many very real prejudices against atheists. While these chapters are necessary for completeness, I found them a bit tedious primarily because they look back rather than move forward.
Humanism is marked by its positive approach, and chapter 6 provides an inspiring vision of a bright future that can be attained by applying the principles of Humanism. Many prejudices based on ignorance and sustained by religious fundamentalist will be overcome. “People will understand that science is a way to seek answers, not something to ‘believe’ in.” Future political leaders will position their belief systems in humanistic terms. “Humanists will encourage empathy, along with the compassion and a sense of inherent equal worth that flows from it, in a way that honors human knowledge about ourselves and our universe.” These ideas can become unifying forces.
Part II of the book applies the philosophical foundations of humanism to solving problems. These principles are described fully in the appendix Humanism and its Aspirations, and explored in chapter 7. Core humanist issues are explored in chapter 8. Here the contentious issues of civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, environment and population dynamics, church-state separation, death with dignity, and responsible scientific freedom are each analyzed from a humanist perspective. Clear thinking supports clear positions on each issue. Chapter 9 advises readers how to live as a humanist. Advice from a humanist perspective is provided on essential life issues, including: origin stories, family life, personal fulfillment, joy, free-will, death, and immortality. Chapter 10 is a guidebook for activism in politics, charity, social change, community, and advising young people. The final chapter strengthens the call to action, encouraging us to: “come out as humanists at every opportunity,” explain humanism to others, frame humanist positions in positive language, seek and mobilize allies, and raise public awareness.
The appendix includes three useful references: the third Humanist Manifesto describes the concepts and boundaries of humanism, the Ten Commitments provide guiding principles for teaching values, and a glossary defines several movement terms.
Although the basis of humanist philosophy is inherently universal and inclusive, this book addresses US-based readers. A bibliography provides useful references for further study, yet claims made throughout the book are not linked to supporting citations. The review copy lacks an index.
Start where you are, read this book, decide for yourself what you believe, and move forward. The book is thoughtfully conceived, well written, clearly argued, and backed by reliable evidence.
April 26, 2018
At times it felt like reading a brochure, or a piece of polished ad copy about how great the AHA. But as I got further in the book, it became more informative, then downright inspiring.
January 10, 2021
It's a good outline of Humanism. However, by the time I've read the book I've been familiar with humanism for years. It's a book I would have appreciated more a while back.
January 13, 2025
This is an excellent read. Anyone trying to find a community or secular way of living should read this book.
August 17, 2015
Although I've been following the American Humanist Association (of which Mr Speckhardt is the Director) for years I've never really considered myself a humanist. I always felt like it was a bit of a cop out. Or a cloak. Hiding behind the term atheism. But after reading this (which I purchased after reading a Reddit AMA with Mr Speckhardt) I guess I am a humanist.
Creating Change Through Humanism is a well written account of the challenges that face non-believers in a world of believers along with a historical breakdown of where humanism began and how it's growing. More importantly it's an account of how to create change through positive action. It's not about proselytizing or converting, but about being out in the open and doing good things for the sake of doing good things. For humans, animals, the Earth and the universe alike. I think we can all appreciate that message.
Creating Change Through Humanism is a well written account of the challenges that face non-believers in a world of believers along with a historical breakdown of where humanism began and how it's growing. More importantly it's an account of how to create change through positive action. It's not about proselytizing or converting, but about being out in the open and doing good things for the sake of doing good things. For humans, animals, the Earth and the universe alike. I think we can all appreciate that message.
June 3, 2016
I wanted to like this book, I've met Roy Speckhardt and appreciate his work with the American Humanist Association. Unfortunately, his personality did not come through and the book was rather dry. I wasn't able to get through it all. There is some good information there, definitely, just not entertaining enough for me to finish...
October 17, 2015
Good and concise overview of Humanism and its key aspects today. No surprises here, but a good roll up, and an excellent introduction for those "nons" interested in something more.
December 15, 2015
Clear, concise and informative. For anyone interested in learning what Humanism is.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews