Defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a system of values and beliefs based on the idea that people are fundamentally good and that problems can be solved using reason instead of religion (Merriam-Webster), Humanism takes an ethical and philosophical stance that is expressed through myriad typologies including Literary Humanism, Renaissance Humanism, Western Cultural Humanism, Philosophical Humanism, Christian Humanism, Modern Humanism, Secular Humanism, and Religious Humanism (American Humanist Association). While there are many different “denominations,” if you will, of Humanism, they are all typically aligned with secularism and a perspective that believes in “human nature,” or how humans naturally think, feel, and act. The Origin and History of Humanism Humanism is complex due to the vague nature of the belief system. Humanism, first coined Humanismus, was employed by a Bavarian educator, Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer, to describe the classical curriculum he intended to introduce into German secondary schools, and by 1856 Humanism had gained universal acceptance (Wikipedia). This humanism is now referred to as Renaissance humanism, which is the type of humanism that encompasses the spirit of learning and the revival of classical letters that gave birth to a new faith in humanity to determine truth and falsehood (American humanist). Because humanism developed as a general consensus humanism among other belief systems, it is difficult to place limits and “rules” on what humanists believe; however, it is commonly believed that the humanist mentality is an intermediate point between medieval supernaturalism and the modern scientific and critical mentality (Renaissance humanism). Because humanism places such a high emphasis on human nature, Gods are n...... middle of paper ...... fs (American Humanist). Humanist principles on how to think and determine ethics can be defined below :• Need to test beliefs • Use reason, evidence, scientific method to find answers • Achievement, growth, creativity • Search for truth • Emphasis about this life • Maintaining good ethics • Justice and fairness • Building a better world These hallmarks embody the principles and humanism provide a general consensus on how to live and interact with the concepts of the world. Through the evolution of the religion of Humanism, changes have been made to maintain an updated version of thinking for those who identify as humanists. Whether members identify as Christian humanists, secular humanists, or modern humanists, they all agree on the idea that we are here on this Earth to serve humanity and leave the Earth better than we found it..
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