Humanists Ethics Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethic lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.   The mission of The American Humanist Association is to be a clear, democratic voice for Humanism in the United States, to increase public awareness and acceptance of Humanism, to establish, protect and promote the position of Humanists in our society, and to develop and advance Humanist thought and action. The American Humanist Association is the publisher of "The Humanist" magazine.   Secular Humanists Secular humanist groups provide guidance on ethics, with human happiness and social justice as the larger goals. Secular humanists believe in joy, altruism, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and responsibility, not sin.   Secular Humanism is a way of thinking and living that aims to bring out the best in people so that all people can have the best in life. Secular humanists reject supernatural and authoritarian beliefs. They affirm that we must take responsibility for our own lives and the communities and world in which we live.  Secular humanism emphasizes reason and scientific inquiry, individual freedom and responsibility, human values and compassion, and the need for tolerance and cooperation.   The Council for Secular Humanism is North America's leading organization for non-religious people.  A not-for-profit educational association, the Council supports a wide range of activities to meet the needs of people who find meaning and value in life without looking to a god.  The Council for Secular Humanism publishes Free Inquiry magazine.   Religious Humanists Although this website is critical of the paranormal belief religions and their possible negative consequences, some groups promote humanism as a religion.   The American Ethical Union’s Ethical Culture is a humanistic religious and educational movement inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society.  Ethical Humanists seek to learn together the art of living with reason, compassion, responsibility, and cooperation.   The religious philosophy known as Ethical Humanism, also called Ethical Culture, is a moral faith based on respect for the dignity and worth of human life. It is a practical, working religion devoted to ethical living, without imposing ritual obligations or prescribing beliefs about the supernatural. Thus it is purely a religion "of this world."   Many philosophical positions, from humanism to atheism to feminist spirituality, as well as more traditional views, are represented in Unitarian or Universalist Churches.   United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights The UN’s 30 Articles of Human Rights are similar to the teaching of Humanists ethics. It recognizes that equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, and disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts. Human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief, equal rights of men and women, and it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations.   Visit the Books links for more material on Humanists Ethics.