On Humanism
Originally published in 1930
Language updated in 1994
Old: God created the world and humanity.
New: The world and humanity evolved.
Old: Hell is a place of eternal torment for the wicked.
New: Suffering is the natural result of breaking the laws of right living.
Old: Heaven is the place where good people go when they die.
New: Doing right brings its own satisfaction.
Old: The chief end of humanity is to glorify God.
New: The chief end of humanity is to improve ourselves, as individuals and as the human race.
Old: Religion has to do with the supernatural.
New: Religion has to do with the natural; the so-called supernatural is only the not-yet-understood natural.
Old: Humankind is inherently evil and a worm of the dust.
New: Humankind is inherently good and has infinite possibilities.
Old: Humankind should submit to the will of God.
New: Humankind should not submit to injustice or suffering without protest and should endeavor to remove its causes.
Old: Salvation comes from outside humanity.
New: Improvement comes from within. No person or god can save another person.
Old: The ideas of sin, salvation, redemption, prayer, and worship are important.
New: These ideas are unimportant.
Old: The truth is to be found in one religion only.
New: There are truths in all religions and outside of religion.
More information on copyright and credits on the Main page.
