Secularism and Intellect

The word "secular" is generally defined as: 1) Of or pertaining to temporal rather than spiritual matters; or 2) Not pertaining to or concerned with religion or a religious body. The word "secularism" is defined as: 1) Religious skepticism or indifference; and/or 2) The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education.

For those of us who prefer to think for ourselves and subscribe to secular thought, it must be admitted that we are not exactly following pimal animal inclinations. Secularism is something of a cultivated, cultured awareness of human inner potential that evolves out of calm intellect and assertive compassion.

Human history has shown that secular thought--by which is meant the evolved life essence that seeks unity and mutual respect in human affairs--is not a natural animal ambition. In this regard we might therefore conclude that secular dedication--or humanism--is (if you will pardon the expression) spirit that is evolved above the ego-gratification that activates religious posturing and which constantly seeks out victims to put down.

In many ways the practice of organized religions is the practice of abuse--a crafted mask of benevolence that covers a paralyzed spirit and the twisted face of emotional/spiritual insecurity. To gain a sense of superior quality the religionists more often than not pretend exclusive access to--or the favoritism of some prejudiced "maker," and from this sand fortress they seek to scale heaven over the bodies of those who are not related to their pack.

The underlying drive in animal behavior is physical survival, whether loners or pack animals. Devotion and love does not extend beyond their immediate needs or wants into any regard for the welfare of even their own species, and certainly no thought of world balance. Seen in this light, the practice of organized religions is anchored in and dedicated to the primal animal inclinations from which we should and must evolve, for such practice cannot be said to be the means of approaching humankind's higher potential.

In a very real sense secular/humanism is an abiding understanding that higher human potential is not shackled to theistic pretentiousness. But liberal humanism is a relatively recent development in human affairs--an unfolding of intellectual empathy that heralds humankind's ability to transform itself into a more noble status. The religionists' idea of Heaven seems likely to be but a dim primitive perception of this process of evolution into higher potential. Unfortunately, they have yet to learn that ultimately the only means of approaching and receiving our higher potential is to face the diversity of life with compassion and integrity.