Free Online Courses

Sign up for two free courses!

I recently discovered an online educational site devoted to offering online courses in humanist thought.  The Continuum for Humanist Thought (COHE) is a service of The Humanist Institute, a non-profit U.S. organization with a mission to educate leaders and potential leaders to shape and deliver the message of Humanism.  The website shares their vision:

“Our vision is to be an outstanding center for Humanist education, drawing students from all branches of Humanism.”

I remember being a pastor and equating Humanism with an evil system intent upon destroying all that was good and holy. But, in reality, I really had no idea what Humanism was or what it stood for. I think a lot of people fall into that same category. So, in the spirit of continual learning, I signed up for this free, online course. So far, so good. 

The first two courses are completely free. I’d encourage you to check them out for yourself. (Remember, thinking for ourselves is the goal.) As freethinkers, we should always set the tone by “practicing what we preach”. We claim to be educated skeptics, but sometimes we fall back on the old habits of lazy learning. (Letting others think for us.)

Give the classes a whirl and let me know what you think.

Keep thinking!

AP

 

My Condolences to Rick Warren and Family

I offer my condolences to Pastor Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life) and his family following the death of his son, Matthew. Mr. Warren reported that his son took his own life in a moment of despair. Matthew Warren fought mental illness for many years including severe depression.

Mr. Warren told NBC news, “In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided.” Regardless of my differences with Warren’s beliefs, my heart breaks for this family. I can’t imagine the hell they’re going through right now. My hope is that through this terrible tragedy, many will see that mental illness is a very real issue.

Depression, other forms of mental illness and even suicide are NOT sin. They are a disease just like cancer is a disease. Those who suffer are beautiful people who need our love and care.

Offering our condolences on a blog, website or Facebook post, while admirable, doesn’t do much to help the situation. We must step up, take action and be a part of the solution.

If you’d like to be a part of this action, I’d challenge you to make a donation to The Secular Therapy Project, the Foundation for Mental Illness, Mental Illness First Aid or another similar organization committed to helping those who suffer.

The Dalai Lama Stresses Science and Secularism in Jaipur

The New York Times reported an interesting story on the Dalai Lama.

From the story: “The Dalai Lama stressed the importance of secular ethics as the basis of moral teachings, as he said that morality based on religious teaching cannot be universal.”

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/dalai-lama-stresses-science-and-secularism-in-jaipur/

He concluded his speech by saying, ““India’s constitution is based on secularism; secularism does not mean to disrespect religion,” he said. “Respect all religions but at the same time respect nonbelievers.”

I respect this man.

Brand New Humanist Pendant!

Are you looking for a great way to help a great organization? Need a gift for a fellow

Humanist? Then look no further! Surly Amy has created a beautiful pendant featuring the “Happy Humanist”.

This is a unique hand-formed and hand painted ceramic  necklace made by Surly Amy at Surly Ramics.

50% of the proceeds of this necklace will be donated to The Humanists of Florida Association.

Get yours today!

 

The Humanists of Florida Association is a 501(c)(3) educational association comprised of individuals and groups who share common values. It is one of the largest state associations for Humanism in the United States representing over 2,500 humanists and 30 groups, including Jewish, Buddhist and Secular Humanist entities.

How to Lead a Happier Life

Seven Steps to Humanist Happiness

by Jen Hancock

Ask a group of people if they want to be happy and almost everyone will raise
their hands. The problem is that while nearly everyone wants to be happy, not
everyone knows how to achieve happiness. Individuals chase idle dreams,
religions and even other people in the hopes that somewhere along the way they
will become happy.

It turns out that there is a very simple approach to happiness that has been
taught by some of the most famous teachers of all time.  This approach to
happiness is the philosophy we now know as Humanism.
The Humanist approach to happiness is really quite simple.  Here are seven
steps that Humanists follow to help them lead a happier more productive life.

Read more…