HUMANISM: Is it too religiously affiliated?

Humanism is a broad, general term used to describe a philosphy that can be boiled down to all about the human factor. There is Secular Humanism, about reason, ethics, and justice and then there is Religous Humanism which connects human need, interests, and abilities to rituals and moral beliefs. Where education is concerned though is it to close to a particular religion? According to my research, Humanism is about decision making concerning right and wrong based on the individual and the common good. In Humanist Education Philosphies, social conduct, arts, literature, liberal arts, and moral principles are the basis. Education is empowerment for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions, children should be nurtured and supported. Below is a quote that summarizes what the Humanistic approach to education is. I found it at http://www.humanistsofutah.org/1994/art2jun94.html it was written in 1994 but I still feel it is relevant.

"Humanistic education is an educational approach. Most educators who advocate humanistic education typically intend this approach to mean one or more of three things:

1. Humanistic education teaches a wide variety of skills which are needed to function in today's world--basic skills such as reading, writing and computation, as well as skills in communicating, thinking, decision-making, problem-solving and knowing oneself.
2. Humanistic education is a humane approach to education--one that helps students believe in themselves and their potential, that encourages compassion and understanding, that fosters self-respect and respect for others.
3. Humanistic education deals with basic human concerns--with the issues throughout history and today that are of concern to human beings trying to improve the quality of life--to pursue knowledge, to grow, to love, to find meaning for one's existence.

Humanistic education methods are used in public and private schools, the family, religious education, business and other settings. -Bob Green"

Humanism therefore is about encouraging the student to ask questions, to learn for their own goals not societies, and it also encourages and emphasizes community and parental involvement.

The reason I chose this particular philosophy is because it is the theory that interested me the most. I would say that before taking this class I would have considered myself an almost entirely Humanist Educator. Now I am not so sure. I still agree with alot of the aspects of this philosophy however, my ideas,thoughts,feelings, and beliefs about education are constantly changing because of new experiences and knowledge that I am learning.

links for the images: http://www-distance.syr.edu/sdlhuman.html

http://www.humanism.org.uk/education

http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=660056