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STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
- I. Secular humanism is a non-theistic, ethical approach to life. Within that context, the SHSCC is an inclusive organization. We welcome all those who see themselves functioning along non-religious principles, including non-believers, agnostics, atheists, brights, skeptics, freethinkers, active seekers and those who profess no religious or philosophical preference. We respect and honor all people regardless of their sex, gender preference, biologic inheritance, ethnic identity, or physical challenge.
- II. A basic tenet of the SHSCC is promotion and protection of the separation of Church and State, as enshrined in our Constitution. We believe that the right of freedom from religion is as inherent and equal a right as freedom of religion.
- III. The SHSCC recognizes that many of our Founding Fathers, including Jefferson, Madison and Franklin were skeptics. Given the tenor of the times in which they lived, they held beliefs thoroughly consistent with those held by secular humanists of today. As such, we reject the notion that the United States is a "Christian nation" founded on "Christian principles."
- IV. The SHSCC traces its intellectual roots to the anti-clerical enlightenment of the 18th century. This liberating philosophy led to the scientific revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries and the advent of the modern worldview. Today's moderate and liberal religionists are also imbued with this spirit and have internalized many of the principles first advanced and advocated by anti-religious humanists of the past. We therefore respect all views, whether religious or atheist, that do not harm others or impinge on their liberties, but we take a critical stance towards faith-based belief systems in general.
- V. Rejecting the unfounded assumption that God or gods exist does not mean we embrace the idea that values and ethics are relative. Rather, we reject the idea that humans should base their ethics on books or tablets that claim legitimacy from divine authorship. As secular humanists we believe that individuals and societies can develop better, more ethical value systems through discussion, debate, empathy, and reasoning. In so doing we reject all dogmatic quasi-religious belief systems and advocate the freedoms of conscience, speech and thought. Our agenda can only be achieved by persuasion and the force of our arguments.
- VI. The SHSCC advocates and promotes a scientific approach to problem solving. We recognize, however, that science must be employed within an ethical framework that emphasizes the necessity of balancing human needs and wants with the requirement of maintaining a healthy planetary ecosystem. The unrestricted drive for wealth, productivity, profit, power and convenience must be subservient to the demands for the sustainability and conservation of our natural surroundings and resources, both organic and inorganic.
- VII. The SHSCC endeavors to be a visible presence within our community and will do so by having a speakers bureau to address topical issues from a secular humanist perspective, setting up literature tables at local events, holding regular membership meetings, and engaging in a variety of social activities, all with the intent to further the promotion of secular humanism.
- VIII. The SHSCC firmly believes that a self-conscious secular humanist movement will help free people from religious oppression, spread freedoms and liberties, and allow individuals the greatest freedom to achieve all for which they strive. Our aim is to achieve these goals in the here and now, rather than the hereafter.
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