Neo-humanists are skeptical of traditional theism, and use critical thinking, evidence, and reason to evaluate claims to knowledge.
Paul Kurtz devoted his life to articulating a coherent vision of secular humanism, one which was naturalistic, evidence-based, and humane. Consequentially, his views were often critical of contemporary religious claims. Sadly, but perhaps inevitably, many responses to his work label it “critical” and “hostile.” What were Kurtz’s thoughts on religion, and were they as simplistic and_ _strident as critics claimed?
The title of this column comes from the title of a pamphlet (Awake!) from the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs). On page 3 of the pamphlet, it is pointed out that the Bible is composed of 66 books, “which were written by some 40 writers over a period of about 1,600 years.” The JWs, though, believe that these writers were inspired by God. However, why would God not write the Bible himself, considering its supposed importance to all of humanity? In any case, the JWs say “This can be likened to a businessman dictating a letter to his secretary.” (Note the quaint sexism in the analogy.) The problem is that businessmen and secretaries (or administrative assistants) actually exist. More importantly, both are fallible.
I am currently reading the superb 2003 book _Doubt: A History_, by Jennifer Michael Hecht. Hecht has a brief section on Black nonbelievers from the Harlem Renaissance (pp. 435-440.) I did not see this fact remarked upon by any reviewers of the book. Nor did I notice that any reviewers commented upon the Carvaka movement of India or non-belief in China, as discussed by the author. Sadly, this is not surprising. Most White scholars and intellectuals continue to be hopelessly Eurocentric.
Since the advent of the leading New Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and the late Christopher Hitchens, many religious and non-religious people have complained that religion has not been getting the respect it supposedly deserves. Atheists have harshly criticized religion and the God concept with no apologies whatsoever.
Where theology is concerned, deists, agnostics, pantheists, panentheists and religious humanists have much more in common with atheists than theists. However, it is not always clear what they believe or why they believe it. For that reason, I have raised several questions for them.