Pamphlet of Humanism in New Zealand

The Challenge of Modern Humanism

• To accept responsibility for ourselves, each other, and our planet.
• To make every effort to gain greater understanding of our world and our fellow human beings.

As there is no evidence of any supernatural power to help, reward or punish us - our resources for this are our:

• human experience
• modern knowledge
• capacities for reason, compassion, and
  co-operation.

Humanism

• is both a philosophy and an approach to life
• involves trust in and commitment to all humanity.

Some Principles of Humanism

With all our limitations we accept responsibility for our own destiny, without reliance on belief in any

• supernatural being or
• life after death.

As Humanists we concentrate our efforts on -

• living a worthwhile life and
• contributing to the well-being of our fellow humans, since we depend on each other.

We, like animals and plants, are part of the natural world. We care for the health of the environment that nurtures us.

Modern knowledge, including the findings of science, is a great human resource; scientific method, with its emphasis on logical thought and free inquiry, is an invaluable aid to the increase of this knowledge.

What About Morality?

Morality has no necessary connection with religion. Humanists endorse the "Golden Rule"-

• Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.
• Do as you would be done by.

Confucius, Buddha, Epictetus, Jewish prophets, and Jesus Christ all propounded this rule.

Humanists try to live by it, because it emphasises people's interdependence.

It is nothing new; just human wisdom -

• Children should be brought up to be honest,
  kind and fair.
• People should be decent and thoughtful towards each other.
• Individual freedom should be limited only where it interferes with the freedom or well-being of others.

What About Politics?

The best society conceived so far is open and democratic, allowing the fullest development of the human potential of all its members, both as individuals and as groups within the larger community.

What About Things Spiritual?

The human imagination, a function of the mind, can conceive highly original ideas and arouse uplifting emotions. These are the essence of the human spirit.

Such thoughts and feelings can be stimulated by the contemplation of nature or be inspired by outstanding human achievements. They are valued as spiritual by Humanists, without reference to anything supernatural.

In General, Humanists . . .

• agree on the principles stated above, although not necessarily on the way they are put into practice...
• are optimistic and idealistic ...
• are involved in many human rights groups ...
• support efforts toward the resolution of issues arising from the Treaty of Waitangi ...
• welcome the cultural diversity of modern
  New Zealand ...
• encourage all groups to respect each other's human rights and those of their own
  individual members.

Aims of the Humanist Society of
New Zealand

• To promote a Humanist approach to personal
  living and society in New Zealand.
• To facilitate Humanist fellowship, communication, and action in New Zealand.

Activities
Locally Humanist branches meet regularly to -

• discuss and exchange ideas with people of like minds
• hear speakers on Humanist philosophy, other belief systems, current political and social issues etc.
• organise projects such as the settlement of refugees, hospital visiting etc.

Other activities include Access Radio programmes, social gatherings, picnics etc.

Individual Humanists act as celebrants for secular weddings and officiants for funerals, naming ceremonies and other rites of passage as requested.

Nationally the Humanist society -

• publishes New Zealand Humanist, an occasional magazine
• issues a regular newsletter to lone members and those in branches
• maintains a Humanist library
• organises seminars and gatherings of members and friends
• maintains contact with national bodies with similar interests
• makes representation to Government and public bodies on issues of general concern.

Internationally the society -

• links with overseas Humanist organisations
• is a member of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, which is a Non-Governmental Organisation accredited to the United Nations.

Some Humanist History

The origins of Humanism can be traced to classical Greek thought and early Rome, India, and China.

In Europe, after the Dark ages, this tradition of freethought emerged again at the time of the Renaissance. It was advanced by the Enlightenment of the 18th century and by the development of modern science.

Modern Humanism grew out of the variety of free thinking groups that developed during the 19th century.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) was founded in Amsterdam in 1952. The modern Humanist movement is now worldwide with nearly 100 member organisations representing almost 5 million members. These organisations range from large membership groups to specialist bodies such as publishers, universities and development agencies.

Humanism in New Zealand also had its origins in the freethought movement of the 19th century, when terms such as "freethinker", "secularist" and "rationalist" were more generally used. Premiers Sir Robert Stout and John Ballance and educator Sir Thomas Hunter were leading freethinkers.

The Humanist Society of New Zealand was formed in 1967 - by people interested in International Humanism, and as a development from the Rationalist movement - and joined the IHEU.

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