HARVARD AND YALE

When I studied at Yale and Harvard Divinity Schools (Master of Divinity, Harvard, ’93), it became clear that religions, interesting and rich in history and rituals, are human constructs formed thousands of years ago in the infancy of our intelligence by people like you and me.

The historical context and the ancient mindsets that produced these religions are abundantly evident.

Clearly, religions are part of our very early efforts to understand and cope with the withering and unrelenting demands of life.

As such, they should be treated like all other institutions that we have created.

Now, antiquated, divisive, and dysfunctional, these old religions should–unequivocally–be studied as history, not adopted as belief systems.

No disrespect or disparagement is meant, but, as Gandhi observed, “Religious ideas are subject to the same laws of evolution that govern everything else in the universe.

In other words, there comes time to let go of dated ideas, get grounded in reality, and advance as life demands which is precisely what humanists have done and do.

Informed by science and void of supernatural beliefs, humanists seek to build a more humane, just, compassionate, and democratic society based on knowledge, experience, and reason.

Humanists seek to reduce ignorance and suffering, expand knowledge and justice, sustain and advance our civilization, and work for humanity to succeed as a species.