The Humanist Manifesto II

  Please read the Humanist Manifesto II before continuing. Simply go to a search engine such as google.com and read it for yourself. Please pause here and return after reading the Minifesto.

   Forty years after Humanist Manifesto I, in 1973, Humanist Manifesto II appeared. You may have noticed, in the preface Christianity is referred to as an 'unproved and outmoded faith'. This second manifesto lists seventeen additional doctrines of Humanism.

   The first additional doctrine is four paragraphs long. In the first paragraph, after rejecting Christianity, we find that they are atheists. But, as they do not use plain English, the wording is, As nontheists, we begin with humans not God. The ordinary English word is atheist, the Bible word for nontheist is ungodly. 

-- Religion --

FIRST: In the best sense, religion may inspire dedication to the highest ethical ideals. The cultivation of moral devotion and creative imagination is an expression of genuine "spiritual" experience and aspiration.

We believe, however, that traditional dogmatic or authoritarian religions that place revelation, God, ritual, or creed above human needs and experience do a disservice to the human species. Any account of nature should pass the tests of scientific evidence; in our judgment, the dogmas and myths of traditional religions do not do so. Even at this late date in human history, certain elementary facts based upon the critical use of scientific reason have to be restated. We find insufficient evidence for belief in the existence of a supernatural; it is either meaningless or irrelevant to the question of survival and fulfillment of the human race. As nontheists, we begin with humans not God, nature not deity. Nature may indeed be broader and deeper than we now know; any new discoveries, however, will but enlarge our knowledge of the natural.

Some humanists believe we should reinterpret traditional religions and reinvest them with meanings appropriate to the current situation. Such redefinitions, however, often perpetuate old dependencies and escapisms; they easily become obscurantist, impeding the free use of the intellect. We need, instead, radically new human purposes and goals.

We appreciate the need to preserve the best ethical teachings in the religious traditions of humankind, many of which we share in common. But we reject those features of traditional religious morality that deny humans a full appreciation of their own potentialities and responsibilities. Traditional religions often offer solace to humans, but, as often, they inhibit humans from helping themselves or experiencing their full potentialities. Such institutions, creeds, and rituals often impede the will to serve others. Too often traditional faiths encourage dependence rather than independence, obedience rather than affirmation, fear rather than courage. More recently they have generated concerned social action, with many signs of relevance appearing in the wake of the "God Is Dead" theologies. But we can discover no divine purpose or providence for the human species. While there is much that we do not know, humans are responsible for what we are or will become. No deity will save us; we must save ourselves.
 

  In the second paragraph Christianity is referred to as 'traditional dogmatic or authoritarian religions'. That Christian beliefs are 'myths, dependencies and escapisms'.

   In the third paragraph we find them saying, "humanists believe we should reinterpret traditional religions and reinvest them with meanings appropriate to the current situation." In Manifesto I, Doctrine Thirteen it was said, "(religious institutions) must be reconstituted as rapidly as experience allows." As rapidly as experience allows means, "As fast as we can get away with it."

   How is this Humanist reinterpreting, reinvestment and reconstituting of Christian Churches and institutions to be accomplished? The answer, in part, is in the preface where it is written. "Many within religious groups, believing in the future of humanism, now claim humanist credentials".

   Here we have the ungodly feeling that it is their duty to reinterpret, reinvest and reconstitute Christianity. How would they do this? In plain English, the Bible tells us.

Jude 1:3-5

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men (claiming humanist credentials) crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men (non-theists), turning (reinterpret, reinvest and reconstitute ) the grace of our God into lasciviousness, ('new morality') and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (No deity will save us; we must save ourselves.)
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

   In The Humanist Manifesto II it is acknowledged that many Humanists are within religious groups. Here is what Paul said in your Bible in Acts 20:29-31;

Acts 20:29-31

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

   In the fourth paragraph they say, "But we can discover no divine purpose or providence for the human specie . . . No deity will save us, we must save ourselves."  Acts 4:12 says this, "12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Humanist Manifesto II

The Holy Bible

"But we can discover no divine purpose or providence for the human specie . . . No deity will save us, we must save ourselves." "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Doctrine Six: Here we discover that, not only do Humanists reject Christian standards, but that they are behind gay rights, birth control, abortion and sex education in public schools. Finally we discover that education in these areas is called 'moral education'. Here is doctrine six as found in The Humanist Manifesto II:

SIXTH: In the area of sexuality, we believe that intolerant attitudes, often cultivated by orthodox religions and puritanical cultures, unduly repress sexual conduct. The right to birth control, abortion, and divorce should be recognized. While we do not approve of exploitive, denigrating forms of sexual expression, neither do we wish to prohibit, by law or social sanction, sexual behavior between consenting adults. The many varieties of sexual exploration should not in themselves be considered "evil." Without countenancing mindless permissiveness or unbridled promiscuity, a civilized society should be a tolerant one. Short of harming others or compelling them to do likewise, individuals should be permitted to express their sexual proclivities and pursue their life-styles as they desire. We wish to cultivate the development of a responsible attitude toward sexuality, in which humans are not exploited as sexual objects, and in which intimacy, sensitivity, respect, and honesty in interpersonal relations are encouraged. Moral education for children and adults is an important way of developing awareness and sexual maturity.

  On the late night cable TV. channels with programming is for 'mature' audiences. It is rated 'adult' apparently for adult audiences, but maybe it really means for 'adulterous' audiences.

   After your children are educated in the public schools, what kind of 'mature' 'adults' do you want? Christian or Humanist?

Notice the words;

 intolerant attitudes Christianity
orthodox religions Christianity
puritanical cultures Christianity
unduly repress sexual conduct Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife.
responsible attitude toward sexuality They imply that Christians are irresponsible.
honesty in interpersonal relations They imply that Christians beliefs are not honest.

   Rejection of Christian standards, the standards of our nation's founders such as Thomas Jefferson's . Abortion on demand, free love,  The New Morality, Humanist sex education in schools, etc.. Notice the words 'tolerant', 'responsible' and 'honesty' implying that if you disagree then you are intolerant, irresponsible and dishonest. The last sentence is "Moral education for children and adults is an important way of developing awareness and sexual maturity."

   When Christians teach morals in schools Humanists (And even brain washed Christians) cry is,  "Who the @#@# are you to impose your (Christian) morals on others?"

   To make it difficult for Christians and the general public to catch on to the real meaning of Humanist writing they avoid plain English.  In the first sentence of Doctrine #6, the words 'intolerant attitudes', 'orthodox religions and puritanical cultures' mean Christianity. So in plain English they said, In areas of sexuality, Christianity is intolerant and unduly represses sexual conduct saying, thou shalt not commit adultery. The last sentence could be restated as, Humanist sex education for children and adults an important way to develop sexual promiscuity.

    Any Christian who dares suggest a Christian influence in the public schools  is shouted down with, who are you to impose your moral standards on us?, and the battle cry, separation of church and state. Yet these humanist hypocrites call sex education moral education.  They are freely imposing their moral standards on our nation's children in our public schools. To add insult to injury they fund this activity with taxpayer money.

Manifesto II

Manifesto I

NINTH: The separation of church and state and the separation of ideology and state are imperatives. The state should encourage maximum freedom for different moral, political, religious, and social values in society. It should not favor any particular religious bodies through the use of public monies, nor espouse a single ideology and function thereby as an instrument of propaganda or oppression, particularly against dissenters. SEVENTH: Religion consists of those actions, purposes, and experiences which are humanly significant. Nothing human is alien to the religious. It includes labor, art, science, philosophy, love, friendship, recreation -- all that is in its degree expressive of intelligently satisfying human living. The distinction between the sacred and the secular can no longer be maintained.

   In the ninth doctrine of the Humanist Manifesto II, we find these interesting words, "The separation of church and state and the separation of ideology and state are imperatives."

    The seventh doctrine of the first Humanist Manifesto seems to contradict this ninth doctrine of the second manifesto.

  But, there is no contradiction if, in this case, you understand Humanist code words. In doctrine nine by 'church' they mean Christianity.  So, they are saying "Separation of Christianity and the state are imperatives." And this makes sense.  If Christian standards were put into effect by government, all Humanist progress would come to a sudden halt. In summary;

Manifesto II, Doctrine 9.  Christianity is to be separated from the state.

Manifesto I,  Doctrine 7.  Humanism is to be united with the state.

 Moral Equality

  This is doctrine eleven as found in the Humanist manifesto II

ELEVENTH: The principle of moral equality must be furthered through elimination of all discrimination based upon race, religion, sex, age, or national origin. This means equality of opportunity and recognition of talent and merit. Individuals should be encouraged to contribute to their own betterment. If unable, then society should provide means to satisfy their basic economic, health, and cultural needs, including, wherever resources make possible, a minimum guaranteed annual income. We are concerned for the welfare of the aged, the infirm, the disadvantaged, and also for the outcasts -- the mentally retarded, abandoned, or abused children, the handicapped, prisoners, and addicts -- for all who are neglected or ignored by society. Practicing humanists should make it their vocation to humanize personal relations.

We believe in the right to universal education. Everyone has a right to the cultural opportunity to fulfill his or her unique capacities and talents. The schools should foster satisfying and productive living. They should be open at all levels to any and all; the achievement of excellence should be encouraged. Innovative and experimental forms of education are to be welcomed. The energy and idealism of the young deserve to be appreciated and channeled to constructive purposes.

We deplore racial, religious, ethnic, or class antagonisms. Although we believe in cultural diversity and encourage racial and ethnic pride, we reject separations which promote alienation and set people and groups against each other; we envision an integrated community where people have a maximum opportunity for free and voluntary association.

We are critical of sexism or sexual chauvinism -- male or female. We believe in equal rights for both women and men to fulfill their unique careers and potentialities as they see fit, free of invidious discrimination.

   What do Humanists mean by 'moral equality'? Well, they mean that all religions and all gods are equal. That your opinion as to what's moral is as good as any other opinion. Does the God of the Christian Bible agree with that or does the first commandment forbid moral equality'?

The principle of moral equality must be furthered through ... Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
We are concerned for the welfare of the aged, the infirm, the disadvantaged, and also for the outcasts -- the mentally retarded, abandoned, or abused children, the handicapped, prisoners, and addicts -- for all who are neglected or ignored by society. Christianity traditionally has been the source of 'welfare' in America. More and more, this job is  in the hands of humanists and liberals. Here is what the Bible says;

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.

The words of the Humanist in Doctrine Eleven sound so tender and merciful but the results in society are cruel.
 

Well do Christians and Humanists have anything in common?  In all points listed below (except one) Humanism is the exact opposite of Christianity.

Humanism 

Christianity

Universe is self-existing. Universe is created.
Man evolved. Man was created.
Man is an animal. Man is body and soul.
Humanist thought is to regulate life. God's word is to regulate life.
All institutions based upon humanism. All institutions based upon God's word.
Socialism.  Free enterprise.
We must save ourselves. Christ will save us.
Many equal gods. (Moral equality) One God. (One moral standard)
Racial integration and inter-marriage O.K.

"we envision an integrated community where people have a maximum opportunity for free and voluntary association." Doctrine 11
 

Racial integration and inter-marriage O.K

 "Bible doesn't ban interracial marriage"   Dr. Billy Graham (and many others)

   While Humanists and Christians disagree on many points, when it comes to Doctrine eleven, there appears to be agreement. Leading Christian clergyman and Humanists find common ground it the belief that interracial marriage is good and any opposition to this belief is 'hatred', bigotry, discrimination and so on.

   When Humanist ideas are presented from the pulpit, TV, movies, and radio talk shows they sound pretty good. Opposition is shouted down. Many laws have been passed enforcing these Humanist moral standards.

   All newspapers, TV, programs and radio talk shows display reverence for the ideas put forth in Doctrine Eleven. With Doctrine Eleven, have Humanism and Christianity found common ground?

   With few exceptions you would be hard pressed to find anyone  to disagree (in public) with the ideas put forth in Doctrine Eleven. They all sound so good. The government is in the process of passing 'hate crimes law' legislation to enforce 'love' as defined by Doctrine Eleven. You can see for yourself the results in today's world. You can judge for yourself the Humanist 'progress' since the first manifesto1933 and especially since the second in 1973.  "but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel." Proverbs 12:10

The Pastor said to Martha, "You always say good things about people. Don't you ever have anything bad to say about anyone?"

Martha: "No, Pastor I guess I don't."

Pastor: "How about the devil, surely you can say something bad about the devil."

Martha: "Well, he is always on the job."

 

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