Our New Age of Reason: The Institute for Humanist Studies Brings the Humanist Perspective to Washington, DC
Our New Age of Reason: The Institute for Humanist Studies Brings the Humanist Perspective to Washington, DC
By DIANE GRIFFIN
For HumanistNetworkNews.org
Mar. 17, 2010
At its core, humanism is the appreciation of the oneness of humanity. It's the acceptance of the ties that bind us as human beings and a rejection of the ideologies that divide us. The Institute for Humanist Studies--a new think tank based in Washington, DC that will research and advise on public policy, and of which I am the managing director--will seek to infuse our national policy debates with this appreciation. We seek to bring the focus back to the human element and eradicate discourse based on fundamentalist agendas.
Some argue that the United States is a Judeo-Christian nation and our public policy should be based in that tradition (and unfortunately have done a good job convincing many in power of as much). But the IHS rejects that assertion as false. In fact, the founders of this nation purposefully drafted the Constitution with the direct intent to have a clear and total separation of church and state. In addition, it does not serve the needs of our society to make decisions based in beliefs that do not benefit the needs of all. The Institute for Humanist Studies takes the position that scientific understanding is the only practical basis for making policy decisions that impact us all--and this is especially true in a pluralistic society, such as the United States, where people come from many varied faiths and ideological persuasions.
Of course, we realize that individuals have the right to believe as they desire and make decisions that affect their personal lives accordingly. But that should never translate into the arena of public policy. A same-sex couple's ability to marry, a woman's right to control her reproduction, a child's ability to receive health care and a soldier's ability to have freedom of conscience are all things that cannot be left to the whims of ever-evolving religious doctrines. These decisions, amongst many others, must be made through critical inquiry based in logic and reason.
That is what the Institute for Humanist Studies represents. We are that voice of logic and reason. By bringing together top minds within the academic and scientific communities, we serve the unique role of providing policymakers with the information they need to make sound decisions, focusing on what we know serves our interest as human beings and removing the justification to make policy decisions based on personal belief systems. We also will promote greater public awareness, understanding and support for humanism, and will provide accessible and authoritative information about humanism and nontheists to the media, academia and the general public.
One of the people leading this charge is Anthony B. Pinn. Anthony is the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and professor of Religious Studies at Rice University. He is the author of numerous scholarly works, and his professional commitments involve his role as the executive director of the Society for the Study of Black Religion and as co-chair of the American Academy of Religion's Black Theology Group. In addition to all his other responsibilities, he is serving the Institute as its research director. Known for his insight into the complexities of the sociopolitical realm--especially its intersection with theology--Anthony sets the bar for academic excellence at the Institute.
We are in the early phases of our organizational development, but we are poised to make a huge impact in the political discourse of our nation. The conservative fundamentalism that took us into two wars, pushed abstinence based sex-education, upheld Don't Ask, Don't Tell and introduced the Defense Against Marriage Act was powered by think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute. It is time that the secular community levels the playing field by offering another voice: a voice of reason, a voice of inquiry. This is why the Institute for Humanist Studies exists.
If you would like more information about us, please visit us online at http://www.humaniststudies.org.
Diane Griffin is the managing director of the Institute for Humanist Studies.
Comments
Great information, you have a wonderful blog and an excellent article!!
I can't seem to register, as hard as I try. Would you help me?
Puhlease let me register. Thank yee!
Religion is not the opium of the masses but the placebo.
Think about it - Dean Georgacopoulos
Thank you for the excellent comments promoting reason, science and humanism we are sorley in need of these values in our society the work of your organization will help us obtain these goals.
Fabulous post, I want to check out a couple of your other messages. Thank you!
As you know, more and more people like to own some popular brand shoes all over the world, such as <a href="http://www.jumpman23footwear.com">Cheap Jordans</a>,<a href="http://www.nikeshoxshoess.com">Nike Shox R4</a>,<a href="http://www.coachfactorystore.ca">Coach Outlet Canada</a>,<a href="http://www.donikeshox-shoes.info/">Nike Shox Shoes</a>. All these kind of shoes would be benefit for your foot as they can release their pressure. They are very comfortable and excellent for sports. <a href="http://www.jumpman23footwear.com">Air Jordans For Sale</a>,<a href="http://www.nikeshoxshoess.com">Nike Shox NZ</a>,<a href="http://www.coachfactorystore.ca">Cheap Coach Bags</a>,<a href="http://www.donikeshox-shoes.info/">Nike Running Shoes</a> are on cheap prices but top quality can match your many needs. Welcome for <a href="http://www.jumpman23footwear.com">Cheap Air Jordans</a>,<a href="http://www.nikeshoxshoess.com">Nike Shox</a>.
i like go to washinton.
goo.gl/gvN0Y
goo.gl/GTG74
goo.gl/XwlJ7
goo.gl/xLPvW
JY1 <a href="http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/">louis vuitton outlets</a>
JY2 [url=http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/]louis vuitton outlet[/url]
JY3 [discount louis vuitton=>http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/]
JY4 <strong><a href="http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/Louis-Vuitton-Bags.html">louis vuitton bags sale</a></strong>
JY5 http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/Louis-Vuitton-Handbags-Clutches-And-Evening.html
JY6 louis vuitton discount - http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/
JY7 http://www.louisvuittonoutletforu.com/
That is http://obatherbals.net what the Institute for Humanist Studies represents. We are that voice of logic http://zuhli.com and reason. By bringing together top minds within the academic and scientific http://xamthoneplus.obatherbals.net communities, we serve the unique role of http://caramengobati.obatherbals.net providing policymakers with the http://obatalami.obatherbals.net information they need to make sound decisions, focusing on what we know serves our interest as human beings and removing the justification to make policy http://jellygamat.obatherbals.net decisions based on personal belief systems. We also will promote greater public awareness, understanding http://acemaxsherbal.biz and support for humanism, and will provide accessible and authoritative information about humanism and nontheists to the media, academia and the general http://caramengobatis.com public.
justification to make policy http://jusmanggis.obatherbalalami.biz decisions based on personal belief systems
http://obatherbalxamthoneplus07.wordpress.com/cara-pemesan-xamthone-plus/ That is http://obatherbalxamthoneplus07.wordpress.com/cara-pemesan-xamthone-plus/ what the Institute for Humanist Studies represents. We are that voice of logic http://obatherbalxamthoneplus07.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/obat-infeksi-saluran-kemih/ and reason. By bringing together top minds within the academic and scientific http://obatherbalxamthoneplus07.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/ekstrak-kulit-manggis/ communities, we serve the unique role of ation about humanism and nontheists to the media, academia and the general http://jantungkoroner.biz/ public.
But the IHS http://pengobatantradisionalgagal.ginjal.biz/305/obat-tradisional-ambeien/ rejects that assertion as false. In fact, the founders of this nation purposefully drafted the Constitution with the direct intent to have a clear and total separation of church and state
http://www.cuhfzfvukx.com | cuhfzfvukx, <a href="http://www.cuhfzfvukx.com">cuhfzfvukx</a>;, [url=http://www.cuhfzfvukx.com]cuhfzfvukx[/url]
Thales questioned the notion of anthropomorphic gods and Xenophanes refused to recognize the gods of his time and reserved the divine for the principle of unity in the universe. These Ionian Greeks were the first thinkers to assert that nature is available to be studied separately from the supernatural realm. Thanks.
Regards,
http://www.pressreleasewriters.org/
Most forms of charity are concerned with providing basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, healthcare and shelter, but other actions may be performed as charity: visiting the imprisoned or the homebound, ransoming captives, educating orphans, even social movements. Thanks.
http://youtu.be/7m7QEilKvRk
great information
i like washington DC
http://www.arts4webs.com Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to came here! Thanks for sharing the such information with us.
http://www.get2tech.com
Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Of course what a great site and informative posts I will bookmark this site.
For sports that require http://www.fakesunglassesreplicasale.com/ fake oakley sunglasses a mix of eye-hand coordination http://www.fakesunglassesreplicasale.com/ fake oakleys and clear vision
This is a concept that needed to be cleared out because there are many people following those crazy Quick Weight Loss Diet in which they starve them self to lose weight.
http://www.weightlossguide.eu
If you go right now to Argentina with lots of USD, you’ll be king. $1 buys you about 6 pesos (or more) in the street, compared to less than 4 some years ago. Most Argentines are facing dire restrictions to buy USD and will do anything to get their hands on them. I’d like to go there again next year… but only time will tell if the USD will still stand strong by then
http://www.weekendtripsplan.com
Thrift stores can be a gold mine for finding items such as new and used clothing, electronics, kitchen items, home décor, jewelry, and much more. Some people buy items from thrift stores to resell on eBay. I have found True Religion jeans for $5, Ferragamo shoes for $3, and Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie for $1. Whether you are buying thrift store items to keep or resell on eBay, there are ways you can pay less than the shelf price of the item.
http://www.discountstoresreviews.com
To succeed at skating, children need properly fitted ice skates. Selecting ice skates for children can be easy. The best place to buy a pair is a pro shop, usually at an ice skating rink. Improperly fitted skates or ones without proper support cause frustration and could possibly lead to injury.
http://www.themenshopping.com
To succeed at skating, children need properly fitted ice skates. Selecting ice skates for children can be easy. The best place to buy a pair is a pro shop, usually at an ice skating rink. Improperly fitted skates or ones without proper support cause frustration and could possibly lead to injury.
http://www.optimizarseo.com
The Institute for Humanist Studies takes the position that scientific understanding is the only practical basis for making policy decisions that impact us all.... http://www.clubmz.com/
http://www.prlog.org/10325108-cell-phone-listening-devices-cell-phone-spy-gear-15-only.html
You don’t have to give all your secrets away, just enough to let your potential customers/clients know that you are experienced. Thanks.
Regards,
http://www.webryze.net/
Hello there! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me. <a href="http://3s3n.com/">judi online</a> Anyhow, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
I could have sworn I've been http://www.magicalcool.com/
In the design of the new season sunglasses,FAKE Oakley Eyepatch 2.<a href="http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/">oakley sunglasses cheap</a> Nostalgic retro style round glasses, exaggerated style is a lot of fun.If you want wholesale sunglasses online purchase is a good choice. This is a great way to compare different sunglasses provide them with the price of their articles,<a href="http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/">discount oakley sunglasses</a> their brand of wholesalers and retailers.A variety of Internet Service Providers for the convenience of the customer’s request, select one of the men and women likely to be accurate and appropriate glasses and identity,replica Oakley Eyepatch 2.Three-time winner of the Tour de France champion Greg LeMond choose Eyeshades functional protection products,<a href="http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/">oakley sunglases sale</a> accurate and completely rewritten the sport sunglasses.People tend to sunglasses lenses and frames, decided to buy a Oakley sunglasses may be better than other brands a little more expensive,Oakley is well-known classic and timeless fashion fashion, this collection is unique and exquisite charm of the essence <a href="http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/">cheap oakleys</a> of a truly representative.Oakleys can absorb the harmful rays of the sun, the filter performance of international standards, and effectively block light, and filter out the scattering function of the beam.The contours of 8.75 base lens curvature of the expansion of peripheral vision and improve side protection PLUTONITE lens material <a href="http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/">cheap oakley sunglasses</a> stops all UV cold.Oakley sunglasses sales with many styles for you to choose.We also offer Iridium lens coating to balance light transmission to give you the best visual style of the targeted environment.
In the design of the new season sunglasses,FAKE Oakley Eyepatch 2.[url=http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/]oakley sunglasses cheap[/url] Nostalgic retro style round glasses, exaggerated style is a lot of fun.If you want wholesale sunglasses online purchase is a good choice. This is a great way to compare different sunglasses provide them with the price of their articles,[url=http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/]discount oakley sunglasses[/url] their brand of wholesalers and retailers.A variety of Internet Service Providers for the convenience of the customer’s request, select one of the men and women likely to be accurate and appropriate glasses and identity,replica Oakley Eyepatch 2.Three-time winner of the Tour de France champion Greg LeMond choose Eyeshades functional protection products,[url=http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/]oakley sunglases sale[/url] accurate and completely rewritten the sport sunglasses.People tend to sunglasses lenses and frames, decided to buy a Oakley sunglasses may be better than other brands a little more expensive,Oakley is well-known classic and timeless fashion fashion, this collection is unique and exquisite charm of the essence [url=http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/]cheap oakleys[/url] of a truly representative.Oakleys can absorb the harmful rays of the sun, the filter performance of international standards, and effectively block light, and filter out the scattering function of the beam.The contours of 8.75 base lens curvature of the expansion of peripheral vision and improve side protection PLUTONITE lens material [url=http://www.cheapsunglassesonlinesale.org/]cheap oakley sunglasses[/url] stops all UV cold.Oakley sunglasses sales with many styles for you to choose.We also offer Iridium lens coating to balance light transmission to give you the best visual style of the targeted environment.
this is a very good site that provides lots of information about the topics covered in depth. I am so excited that I have found this your post because I have been searching for some information about it. http://www.ffxibank.com/
For obtaining trip of this way of livings, there are a lot of means to do, known, doing workout, taking a trip, or merely giggling.
http://www.breaksec.com/
Break Security specialized in security functions and application assessments like penetration testing, code review, client-side and mobile penetration testing.
Post a Comment