Admit the shade, secularism.

Admit the shade, secularism.

What does secular mean?

Secularism is sometimes defined as not believing and not doing, i.e., the denial of religion. According to this definition, a secular person does not believe in God, does not go to church or temple, and does not perform religious rites or ceremonies. From this point of view, the worldly person seems hollow, nihilistic, and without morals.

Those who call themselves secularists see secularism very differently.

It is a very positive worldview that is defined by its own consistent value standard rather than an anti-religion position. Indeed, many of the secular values ​​are also shared by the various religious traditions.

Contrary to some religious sects claiming to have a monopoly of all wisdom and good things, one of the main characteristics of secularists is that they do not claim such a monopoly. They do not believe in claims that human morality and wisdom descended from heaven at any particular place and time. Rather, they believe that morality and wisdom are the natural heritage of all human beings.

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For secularists, the values ​​of truth, compassion, equality, freedom, courage, and responsibility are the foundations of modern science and democratic institutions.

Secular norms, like all ethical norms, are more aspirational ideals than social realities. Just as Christian society and Christian institutions often deviate from the ideals of Christianity, secular societies and institutions often fall far short of the ideals of secularism.

What is the ideal of secularism?

The most important value of secularism is truth. Truth is based on observation and evidence, not just belief.

Secularists do not sanctify any group, individual, or book as if it were the only guardian of truth.

As long as the truth manifests itself, it is sacred wherever it comes from.

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Another value secularists value is compassion.

The secular moral code does not come from obeying God's commands but from a deep appreciation of suffering. For example, secularists forbid murder, not because some ancient book forbids it, but because it inflicts great suffering on sentient beings.

Secular ethics without absolute divine commandments often find themselves in a dilemma. Instead of asking: "What does God command?" when faced with such a dilemma, we carefully weigh the feelings of the parties involved, observe broadly, and examine possibilities to find compromises that minimize harm.

It is for this reason that secularists value scientific truth. Not to satisfy intellectual curiosity, but to know the best way to lessen the suffering of the world.

The value of secularism is that an attitude of commitment to truth and compassion also results in a commitment to equality.

Secularists doubt all a priori hierarchies. Pain is suffering no matter who experiences it. Knowledge is knowledge, no matter who discovers it.

Secularists do not confuse uniqueness with superiority. While acknowledging a special duty to one's people and nation, it does not consider that duty to be exclusive, but at the same time acknowledges its implications for humanity as a whole.

Without the freedom to think, investigate, and experiment, there is no way out of suffering, let alone the truth. So secularists value freedom. Refrain from giving the supreme authority to any text, system, or leader to make the final judgment of right and wrong.

Humans should always be free to doubt, retest, hear a different opinion and try a different path.

It takes great courage to fight prejudice, oppression, and the system. But it takes much greater courage to admit ignorance and venture into the unknown. Secular education teaches us that if we do not know anything, we should admit our ignorance and not be afraid to seek new evidence. Also, no matter what you think you know, don't be afraid to doubt and retest.

Throughout history, people have feared that human society would collapse if they did not believe in a set of absolute answers. But the truth is that societies of courageous men who were willing to admit their ignorance and raise difficult questions were not only more prosperous and more peaceful than societies in which all members had to unconditionally accept a single answer.

Lastly, secularists value responsibility.

I believe that human beings should be fully responsible for everything they do, not some higher power. If the whole world is in a state of misery, it is a duty to find a solution. Secularists are proud of the innumerable achievements of modern society, such as curing epidemics, feeding the hungry, and spreading peace around the world. This is the result of developing knowledge and compassion.

But for the same reason, we must take full responsibility for the crimes and failures caused by modernity, from genocide to ecological degradation. Instead of praying for a miracle, ask what you can do.

The secular world judges a person by their behavior rather than their preferred clothing and rituals.

There are many Jewish scientists, Christian environmentalists, and Muslim feminists in the world. All are members of the secular world as long as they remain true to the values ​​of scientific truth, compassion, equality, and freedom.

Secular education is not an installation of the doctrine of prohibition in teaching children not to believe in gods or to participate in religious ceremonies. Rather, secular education should teach children to discern truth and belief, to develop compassion for all beings who can feel pain, to think freely without fear of the unknown, and to take responsibility for their actions and the world as a whole.

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Every religion, ideology, and creed has them. Whatever creed we follow, we must acknowledge the inevitable shadows and avoid complacency. Secular science has one major advantage over the majority of traditional religions. It is that they are not afraid of their shade. Science, in principle, is willing to admit its mistakes and oaths. If anyone believes in the absolute truth revealed by some transcendental power, he will not be able to admit any mistake.

That is why secularist movements that are not dogmatic tend to make relatively modest promises. Because they know their imperfections, they hope to make small, gradual changes.

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Now in the history of life, we are at a time when the most important decisions must be made.

We must be aware that we live in a world where people who admit their ignorance rather than assert their infallibility are more trusted. Only humble recognition and courage can add light to important decisions before the world.