Spiritual Humanism

[Kiyoodle the Gambrinous]

One thing I've heard is that the (supposedly) *mindless* repetition of a prayer (like a rosary) isn't so much important because of the words themselves but because it is a way to set your brain in a meditation-like state, IOW, it is a meditation tool, which is useful even without understanding it.

I've heard the same thing.

It's more or less the reason for the Krishans to repeat their mantra "all the time" (you know, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare)

It's actually almost a brainwash tool.

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

It's actually almost a brainwash tool.

It can be used as such or it can be used to focus your mind, it depends on what you say and your understanding of the purpose.

I guess you can use it as a non-brainwash tool if you use something like this:

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

[Outis the Unready]

I don't think if you're doing it for a personal reason it is just because.

[Gloria The Camel]

Well (I am joining this quite late but oh well =D) On the original Humanism principles, I really think they are excellent, I mean the one about rituals at every season I don't...Rally understand...But I agreed with the others. As for number 2, I absolutely agree with it. Basically it is just saying, try to base your beliefs about life and our world on fact not faith. I understand it was a contradiction, but I believe that's what they are trying to say, and I absolutely agree with it.

Look in to this, I must.

[anthrobabe]

Hi

I am a Spiritual Humanist officiant (ordained in the clergy).

To me the whole thing speaks to me about a spiritual connection to the greater universe- without the dogma of "your going to hell". Also I felt/saw a need in Arkansas for non-biased persons who would perform ceremonies for all people- and not just those who subscribe to a particular denomination/way of thinking or believing.

Like any religion one has to read and study about it, and then take what you can and leave the rest. Simply because I am a SH does not mean I follow it all and do it all. It's not a just because I've got to have religion in my life type of thing- something about it speaks to me on a personal level.

I am not about "converting" anyone to SH- that is a personal decision we each have to make for ourselves. I do think there is some good in it, and the more dialog we have with each other the better we will all be.

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

Wow! welcome back, haven't seen you here for a while.

[Griffin NoName]

Hi welcome back from me too. I'd describe myself as inclusive of spiritual humanism in the counselling I do.

[anthrobabe]

Inclusion is probably the best thing I can think of-

taking one thing like SH and saying that it is the be all and end all of spirituality or religion etc would not work for me- I'm think I am very inclusionary in my work- I will perform quite traditional religious ceremonies- I don't necessarily invoke God etc myself- but I will not turn anyone away who wishes to have that in their ceremony- that feels hypocritical to me.

[Outis the Unready]

Since I am not an atheist, but believe that most gods exist, I could not, in good faith, ever invoke a deity (even in name only) I didn't have a relationship with.

I only mention that, because I can't imagine how others do.

[Sibling Lambicus the Toluous]

Oddly enough, as an atheist I stay away from invoking even the Gods I don't believe in as well.

However, my situation is quite different to anthrobabe's.  In a certain way, I can appreciate her as performing a public service: "freedom of religion" is somewhat hollow if you have no way to practice your religion, especially at key rites of passage like weddings.



Outis!  You dug yourself out!

You did dig yourself out, right?  Do you need butter?

[Aggie]

Since I am not an atheist, but believe that most gods exist, I could not, in good faith, ever invoke a deity (even in name only) I didn't have a relationship with.

I only mention that, because I can't imagine how others do.

Heh, I'm a strict monogamist, and I can't imagine how others 'invoke' people they don't have a close personal relationship with. 

[Griffin NoName]

False idols?

[goat starer]

False idols?

do you mean like this one?

[DaveL]

Ahhhh...Mr Rebel Yell himself. I'll never forget 'Eyes without a face'

Having a civil celebrant at my wedding, without invoking the 'G word' was a great relief. It put everyone there at ease and made the day really special.

[goat starer]

False idols?

or this one?