The following questions about secularism are an excerpt from our group’s general informational brochure (links to a PDF file). Any further questions may be directed to our group email, secular (at) indiana (dot) edu.
Doesn’t morality depend on religion?
No! Like everyone else, secularists consider themselves moral people and strive to be ethical in everything they do. The difference is not the presence or absence of one’s morals, but the origin of them. As humans, our ability to reason about ethical problems is a product of our cognitive ability and social nature. As secularists, we trust in our ability to rely on logic and our own experiences to make decisions about our actions.
Isn’t secularism just atheism?
Not necessarily. While many of our members would characterize their secular belief system as synonymous with atheism, others prefer to use ‘agnostic,’ ‘humanist,’ or another term.
what about an afterlife?
Generally, secularists do not believe in an afterlife. This concept may seem scary, but consider that there are many times that we not conscious or aware of anything (before birth, during dreamless sleep, etc.). Resuming a calm non-existence is only natural, and it is nothing to fear at all.
There are even benefits to not believing in an afterlife: life becomes more precious. Our actions can be motivated not out of fear of eternal torture, but by the wonderful pleasure we feel when helping others and doing good deeds for oneself and for society.
Are secularists just anti-religion?
No; we recognize many redeeming qualities of religion and spirituality, but we do feel that blind faith poses a major problem for society, as it denies the pluralism and public discussion that drive progress and the democratic process. We support religious tolerance, but we also believe religious claims should be evaluated with the same standards as everything else. We certainly don’t expect to eliminate religion from the world.
Without religion, what’s left to believe in?
Many things! Basic human rights, the scientific process, and the importance of reflective public discussion, for example.
Doesn’t secularism inevitably lead towards communism, fascism, or anarchy?
No. Secularists possess a wide spectrum of political beliefs; in fact, some of our most passionate disagreements are on political and economic matters. Members of our group identify with as widely divergent beliefs as socialism and objectivism.
Isn’t secularism just another religion?
The difference between religion and secularism is considerable. The very definition of religion is the acceptance of the existence of a supernatural being or power, based on spiritual apprehension instead of empirical evidence. However, secularism is the absence of faith, religion, spirituality, or belief in the supernatural.
What if i am questioning my faith?
Many people question long-held beliefs, and many secularists even question their secularism. Questioning beliefs and coming to rational, reasonable conclusions is what we are all about; we invite you to come talk to us about your beliefs, whatever they may be, because we’re always willing to listen. Check out the calendar for upcoming events to attend, or follow the instructions to join our listserv. New people are always welcome. If you have any further questions, email secular (at) indiana (dot) edu.
