Change is constant. Relationships, aging, politics, economics, nature - you name it - it changes. Except some religions that resist change because the word once delivered is immutable.
For example, Jews celebrate the Passover Seder by commemorating events from some 2,500 years in the past. They recall the ten plagues that visited the Egyptians to induce them to “let my people go.” Why not modernize the plagues? Before chowing down, families might better relate by disparaging computer viruses, root canals, phone solicitors, and bad puns. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ by devouring marshmallow peeps, chocolate bunnies, and candy eggs served in plasticized, grass-filled baskets. I wonder if a fresh salad of organic greens with carrots, cucumbers, and a sliced hardboiled egg might better celebrate the hope of life after death. As for Muslims, a central part of the Eid al-Adha celebration is the practice of sacrificing an animal in commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Killing a goat for Islam seems a bit barbaric. How about smashing pumpkins and making celebratory pies?
Change is what evolution is all about – from primordial soup to humans took a mere 4.5 billion years. Without modification, we’d be stuck as microbes. And yet, some of us rather than adapting resist because “old ways are good, new ways ain’t.” And so it is with stubborn religious beliefs that look to their ancient founders as the font of wisdom and truth. Adherents are too willing to comply with their spiritual leaders because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” I prefer humanism as a guide to living. Humanism attaches prime importance to people rather than to the divine or supernatural. Humanists stress the value of common human needs and relationships as a way to live a more fulfilling life. Acting on our individual values is paramount.
Without elasticity, religions tend to become antiquated and stifling. They also place rigid adherence to creed without adequate reflection on what individuals and society require. Humanists are not entirely without blemish; we too often act with arrogance because we are stuck in believing we have a moral high ground.
Three writings about humanism help keep me grounded.
“Being a humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.” Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
“Most of us must learn to love people and use things rather than loving things and using people.” Roy T. Bennett
“Snoopy: My dad used to run with the hounds, but his sympathies were elsewhere. He used to run on ahead and warn the rabbits!” Charles M. Schultz
