Types of atheism
Humanism
Robert Ashby
- Humanism is a positive outlook on life and the world, focusing on human experiences, thoughts and hopes.
- Humanists believe that the only source for both both knowledge and a moral code are human experiences and rational thinking.
- They reject the belief that knowledge is 'revealed' to humans through gods or special books.
- Robert Ashby once said, "Humanism is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity, recognizing that moral values are founded on human nature and experience alone".
- Humanists believe that,
- There are no supernatural beings.
- Science provides reliable resources and information about the universe and it's existence.
- Human beings can live an ethical, moral and fulfilling life without religious interference.
Rationalism
The Thinker
- Rationalism is the approach to life based on reason and evidence.
- It encourages ethical and philosophical ideas.
- Most rationalists agree that
- There is no evidence for any supernatural beings.
- All human beings should have fundamental rights, animals as well.
Postmodernism
- Postmodernism is known to be a response to culture and thought.
- For postmodernists, there are neither absolute truths nor absolute values, only relative ones.
- In a postmodern world, there are no religious set of ethics and morals; it all depends on the culture.
- Postmodernists believe that the unavoidable conclusion is that religion is a human-made phenomenon.
Secularism
Coexist
- Secularism is the separation of state and religion.
- For those non-religious, this provides freedom of and from religion.
- Secularism provides an equal environment for everyone to benefit from.
- Stephen Evans, NSS Campaigns Manager, once said, "the absence of prayers simply creates a neutral space and removes an unnecessary barrier to local democracy being welcoming to all sections of society".
- In England, non-religious people, a.k.a atheists, etc., seek equality for everyone while those religious try to establish privileges for their own groups.
- Secularists support
- The separation of church and state.
- The banning of prayers in Parliament, etc.
- The elimination of any special protection given to faith groups.
Unitarian UNIVERSALISM
- Unitarian Universalism is not considered an atheist movement but is a religious movement where atheists feel comfortable.
- Unitarianism and Universalism started to grow in the 18th century against Christian policies. They joined together in 1961.
- Most Unitarian Universalists believe we only get one life.