Top 10 Recently Reviewed Books on Secularism and Humanism

There are lots of books out there designed to explain various religions to children, but what about non-religious, non-theistic belief systems? Is there anything that can help children better understand what is believed by neighbors, friends, and relatives who don't accept religion? There isn't much, unfortunately, and thus many children continue to accept half-truths and myths.

Humanism, in one form or another, has been part of Western culture for several thousand years. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, many of its principles were revived during the Renaissance, and those principles were integrated into the political and cultural developments of the Enlightenment. Today, organized humanism has little influence on either politics or culture.

The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and influence of religious fundamentalism. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and more have increasingly turned to religious fundamentalism for answers to political issues that divide their societies. Humanist philosophy can be used against fundamentalism, but can humanists develop a political humanism?

When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western politics, philosophy, and culture. This is understandable, but it’s not entirely accurate. Humanism has also developed a rich tradition elsewhere in the world, especially in India. It’s unfortunate that more people in the West are unfamiliar with the course of humanism among Indian thinkers and writers.

Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive of an atheistic philosophy that affirms life, is joyous, and offers an optimistic perspective. Not only are such people very mistaken, but they are missing out on a great deal that some atheistic philosophies have to offer.

Does secular humanism represent a fundamental and corrosive threat to the future of America? Will it undermine important values and morals, bringing about the destruction of religion and free government? According to some on the religious right, the answers to those questions is "yes." Paul Kurz's book, then, serves as a rebuttal to such claims.

According to Socrates, an unexamined life is not worth living - but why is that so, and do you agree? Do you reflect upon your life? Is your life worth living? Moreover, if an examined life is so important, just what is necessary to achieve it?

Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?

Humanists come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds; however, quite often it seems as though most humanists are whites of European descent. This perception is not without foundation, but it is unfortunate because there are so many humanists from other backgrounds who have quite a lot to contribute to the advancement of humanism.

What does it mean to be human? That, if anything, would seem to be the central question of a properly formulated humanist philosophy. Not all books on humanism, though, have made an effort to answer that question - hardly a surprise, considering how difficult it is.