Core beliefs
Humanists believe in the notion of ‘Think for yourself, act for everyone’. They are committed to equality and justice, engaged with ethical and moral questions, driven by a responsibility to others and believing in the capacity and capability of humankind to understand the world and to solve problems.
Humanists are pragmatic and look to nature and science to explain the wonders and challenges of the universe, rather than any supernatural or supreme forces. They are comfortable with the notion that this life is their only life and therefore try to make it as meaningful and useful as they can. There is no single text or guide for the Humanist way of life.
Humanists are independent thinkers and likely to describe their humanism in different ways, some more emphatic about being atheists and others ready to explore explanations for transcendence.
Humanists develop their own non-religious ceremonies for funerals, naming and weddings. They mark significant life events with an appreciation of the contributions that humans make to each other’s lives. The scope to develop one-off individual ceremonies, customised to individual or group needs, is something that Humanists appreciate.
Humanists may have music, readings or poetry that speaks to them, but this will be on an individual basis.
There are no core texts or teachings as it is the responsibility of a Humanist to find their own ethical path in life.
Humanists believe in independent thinking and personal responsibility to develop and live by a moral and ethical code that does no harm. They advocate for diversity in the human race as a strength rather than a weakness. They use reasoning and evidence to reach decisions and have a strong moral compass related to equality and justice. They probably feel comfortable with the idea of euthanasia.
Humanists may appreciate existential explorations or practical conversations that are rational and evidence based. They may decline a spiritual care opportunity if they presume this will be religious, but they have the same need to be understood and cared for, respecting others’ faiths and worldviews, but comfortable in their own. Some Humanists may be offended by offers of prayers or being blessed.
Humanists may appreciate being involved in diagnosis and treatment decisions. They may want to know the facts and the science and seek to make informed choices.
Humanists will generally regard their body as a biological, functional entity with any sensitivities about modesty or dress being down to cultural or personal preferences.
Babies can be welcomed to the world through a Humanist naming ceremony which celebrates their potential, their connections and what they mean to their family.
Baby loss may be understood at a physiological level, but emotionally it takes some processing to fully understand the yawning gap left when a baby dies. Humanists will not find it helpful to suggest that their baby goes to a better place, will be looked after by other people who have died, or will be a new star in the sky. They will seek to find their own understanding of events with a level of pragmatism amongst their emotions.
Humanists appreciate honesty and realism and may well want to be involved in treatment decisions. They are unlikely to be alarmed at the prospect of dying, other than in the impact it may have on others. They will not want prayers and may be concerned that if a religious person comes to their bedside that they will impose their views so it needs to be clear that this is not the case.
There is no specific Humanist ritual around death: the end is the end. There are Humanist funeral celebrants who can create a customised and individualised funeral or memorial ceremony. Humanists may be very amenable to organ donation, benefiting others with their redundant body.