Salman Rushdie, others honored by the Humanist Chaplaincy at HarvardSent in by Tom
Humanist Chaplaincy InternI wanted to contact you about a major event in the world of atheism that is occurring at Harvard this April. The Humanist Chaplaincy is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime gala to celebrate its 30th anniversary. I am very excited about attending, as are the majority of big names in atheism, humanism, secularism and the like (Salmon Rushdie, E.O. Wilson, Ned Lamont to name a few). I've included part of the conference press release. Also, please check out the thenewhumanism.org for a great overview. We would love to see word spread about the conference, and would appreciate any action on your part, especially with your blog.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A group of renowned Humanists, atheists and agnostics will gather at Harvard in April, to take on an unlikely opponent: atheist "fundamentalists."
The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard has long been among the most distinct institutions serving the non-religious community, and this April 20-22 it marks its 30th anniversary with an international conference asserting humanism is a non-theistic philosophy that allows for understanding and respect between believers in God and atheists.
"Vocal atheist authors such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have recently publicized the notion that atheists must defeat religion and that science is all we need to understand the world. The press dubbed this phenomenon 'the new atheism,'" said Humanist Chaplain of Harvard University Greg M. Epstein.
But Epstein said "Humanism", which encompasses but does not end at atheism, is the philosophy that best represents the diverse, emerging population of 1.1 billion non-religious people around the world. And so the Chaplaincy is calling its upcoming conference "The New Humanism."
The April 20-22 conference at Harvard will include some of the greatest thinkers of our time, including novelist Salman Rushdie, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning scientist E.O. Wilson, and renowned psychology professor and author Steven Pinker. Humanist Congressional lobbyist Lori Lipman Brown, of the Secular Coalition for America, will speak about how humanists can become more active in politics. Singer-songwriter Dar Williams will perform a private concert.
"Humanism takes science seriously, but is more than just science!" Epstein said. "Humanists love life here on Earth, find inspiration in human creativity, and respect all human beings."
"The time has come to say to the world that inclusiveness is the best approach, for non-religious and religious people alike," Epstein said.
See this blog (not mine) on atheist extremism.
http://atheistrevolution.blogspot.com/2007/03/atheist-extremism.html
Thanks for reading and all the best. Hope some visiting this site will come to our conference!
Sincerely,
--
Greg M. Epstein
Humanist Chaplain of Harvard University
I appreciate your thoughtful post, and I applaud your efforts. I really like the idea of a "Humanist Chaplain" and hope that it becomes a more widespread position. It's likely to be perceived as a welcome alternative to analogous religious positions, while keeping what is best in it.
I have a slightly different view of what Dawkins and Harris are attempting to do, however. I don't see either one of them as trying to ``destroy'' religion so much as to eliminate the discrimination that it so often engenders. On the latter point I think we are all in agreement. It's with respect to the former that we may disagree as to the "right" course of action, as well as on who is advocating what.
Dawkins, in particular, has said on numerous occasions that we are each entitled to believe as we wish, and to teach our children what we deem right. On this I agree wholeheartedly. However, where Dawkins and Harris join forces is in speaking up when religious doctrines are allowed to infiltrate public policy making, and tacitly promote discrimination against those who hold different views. In those situations I think they rightly assert that the doctrines should be challenged, and not given a pass out of politeness, or misplaced respect for dogma.
I'm a bit concerned that both Dawkins and Harris are being painted as "militant" and "intolerant" when their message is more directed at leveling the playing field--i.e. encouraging frank examination and discussion of beliefs that so powerfully influence people's behavior.
To me, this is all cause for optimism, however. Over time, a diversity of voices will iron out the kinks, and find a road that is rational, compassionate, and sustainable; or so I hope.
Best wishes.
I really appreciate what your organization does. Many of us who leave Christianity miss the type of guidance and support that a chaplaincy can offer, and there's no reason that such a thing has to be limited to the religious.
Spiritually and science can co-exist, Dogmatic religion cannot and never will co-exist peacefully. This is self evident.
so, sorry.. no truce from me.
YOU KNOW WHY!
"Epstein is among the humanists who think their movement is on verge of explosive growth, but are concerned it will be dragged down by what they see as the militancy of New Atheism."
Click here to read the entire article.
Is this what the best and brightest are coming up with... using character traits like “aggressive” (militant) to define a philosophical movement... that's like creating character trait splinter groups because of an oppositional groups' ad hominem arguments... So, one thousand ad hominem arguments, and one thousand atheist groups… sounds like a true academic endeavor.
One can only wonder why anyone would allow an oppositional party to define them… Although, I have a few ideas…
Such a person/group believes they can out-maneuver the allegation process of oppositional groups, and gain control. Suppose, time will tell.