Humanism in the UK & Canada
Apr 17th 2007, 6:43 pm
#16
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
Rich.
Apr 17th 2007, 6:44 pm
#17
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Location: Black Creek, Vancouver Island since December 2012
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
At the risk of placing my head above the parapet and getting it knocked off, I have to confess that I am a Humanist celebrant, trained and accredited by the British Humanist Association. I conduct around 100 funerals a year, some of which are woodland burials, and a number of Humanist weddings and baby namings. In Britain these funerals are becoming increasingly popular and many funeral directors are geared to contacting a Humanist to conduct a ceremony if the deceased, (in advance of their death) or their family ask for a non religious ceremony.
It is important to say that you do not have to have been a Humanist to have a Humanist ceremony; it is a ceremony with no religious content. Instead of hymns, and prayers there will be instead a tribute reflecting the life of the person, and music, readings and poetry chosen in conjunction with the family. There is actually no requirement to have a funeral ceremony at all, or to use an officiant/celebrant. I have on occasion just acted as an advisor, and the family have conducted the ceremony themselves, though for obvious reasons this is quite rare.
The Humanist Association of Canada have a few trained people who do offer this type of ceremony though my understanding is that they conduct a lot more Humanist weddings (they are legal in Canada but not yet in Britain sadly) and naming ceremonies than funerals. Here in Nova Scotia I have found no evidence of any interest in Humanist ceremonies due primarily to traditional conservative values. Most funeral directors seem to to default to a church minister as they did in Britain until fairly recently. What motivated change in Britain was public demand so perhaps it will change here too. After all there is choice in almost every other aspect of life, why then should there not be choice when it comes to how we plan our deaths.
It is important to say that you do not have to have been a Humanist to have a Humanist ceremony; it is a ceremony with no religious content. Instead of hymns, and prayers there will be instead a tribute reflecting the life of the person, and music, readings and poetry chosen in conjunction with the family. There is actually no requirement to have a funeral ceremony at all, or to use an officiant/celebrant. I have on occasion just acted as an advisor, and the family have conducted the ceremony themselves, though for obvious reasons this is quite rare.
The Humanist Association of Canada have a few trained people who do offer this type of ceremony though my understanding is that they conduct a lot more Humanist weddings (they are legal in Canada but not yet in Britain sadly) and naming ceremonies than funerals. Here in Nova Scotia I have found no evidence of any interest in Humanist ceremonies due primarily to traditional conservative values. Most funeral directors seem to to default to a church minister as they did in Britain until fairly recently. What motivated change in Britain was public demand so perhaps it will change here too. After all there is choice in almost every other aspect of life, why then should there not be choice when it comes to how we plan our deaths.
Apr 17th 2007, 6:59 pm
#18
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
I grew up in Mid Wales and this is what one of the local farmers has done to diversify...
http://www.greenlaneburialfield.co.uk/
My OH's uncle had a humanist ceremoney as did one of my friend's Dad's and the families really liked them. One of the main cemetaries in Edinburgh offers woodland burials, too.
http://www.greenlaneburialfield.co.uk/
My OH's uncle had a humanist ceremoney as did one of my friend's Dad's and the families really liked them. One of the main cemetaries in Edinburgh offers woodland burials, too.
Apr 17th 2007, 7:29 pm
#19
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
what a great job! So is this something that you will promote in NS then? There must be a percentage of the population that aren't conservative. Do you have to retrain out there? Hope this works out for you, keep us updated on how you do, I'm interested.
May 13th 2007, 8:55 am
#20
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
This has been a very interesting thread. My mother in law died seven years ago and had a humanist funeral. At the time I had no idea what that was and was really surprised by now beautiful it was. I've always considered myself a humanist ever since, until reading this thread I didn't know I could have had a humanist wedding (we opted for a civil one two years ago), it was lovely but I always felt the ceremony lacked something.
May 13th 2007, 11:43 am
#21
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Location: London, Ontario, eh?
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
When my dad died last year mum just happened to mention that they followed the philosophy of humanism and that she was arranging a woodland burial. This was the first time that I became aware of my parents fitting into any particular category as far as their beliefs, ethics, morals and way of conducting themselves throughout life, was concerned.
So I did a bit of research and found The British Humanist Association and today I checked out The Humanist Association of Canada.
I hadn't realised that this way of living fits with the way that I think about life and how I live it, or try to, as a result of my upbringing.
I didn't believe that there existed a label that would fit so appropriately, I'd never really looked into our family way of thinking. We just are the way we are.
No one else I know or have asked knows what I'm on about when I mention the 'Humanism' word, so I thought I'd provoke a debate here and see what comes along.
Are there any views out there on this?
Is this too deep a subject for the Maple Lounge?
So I did a bit of research and found The British Humanist Association and today I checked out The Humanist Association of Canada.
I hadn't realised that this way of living fits with the way that I think about life and how I live it, or try to, as a result of my upbringing.
I didn't believe that there existed a label that would fit so appropriately, I'd never really looked into our family way of thinking. We just are the way we are.
No one else I know or have asked knows what I'm on about when I mention the 'Humanism' word, so I thought I'd provoke a debate here and see what comes along.
Are there any views out there on this?
Is this too deep a subject for the Maple Lounge?
When Laura and I got married, we elected for a simple registry office ceremony. Later on (like many) we felt the desire to renew our promise to each other and began to investigate the possibilities.
To our surprise, we found that there was no "civil" equivalent to renewing vows (as done in church). The registrar explained that 'normally' this is a religious ceremony.
After some searching, we discovered a Humanist ceremony that fit our way of thinking and aims perfectly. In 2008, we will have been married for 20 years and we will be celebrating the event with a Humanist ceremony.
Simon & Laura
May 13th 2007, 12:08 pm
#22
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Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
Hi Robin,
When Laura and I got married, we elected for a simple registry office ceremony. Later on (like many) we felt the desire to renew our promise to each other and began to investigate the possibilities.
To our surprise, we found that there was no "civil" equivalent to renewing vows (as done in church). The registrar explained that 'normally' this is a religious ceremony.
After some searching, we discovered a Humanist ceremony that fit our way of thinking and aims perfectly. In 2008, we will have been married for 20 years and we will be celebrating the event with a Humanist ceremony.
Simon & Laura
When Laura and I got married, we elected for a simple registry office ceremony. Later on (like many) we felt the desire to renew our promise to each other and began to investigate the possibilities.
To our surprise, we found that there was no "civil" equivalent to renewing vows (as done in church). The registrar explained that 'normally' this is a religious ceremony.
After some searching, we discovered a Humanist ceremony that fit our way of thinking and aims perfectly. In 2008, we will have been married for 20 years and we will be celebrating the event with a Humanist ceremony.
Simon & Laura
May 13th 2007, 12:24 pm
#23
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Location: London, Ontario, eh?
Posts: 1,175
Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
Hi Steve,
We plan to settle (initially at least) in London. We have relatives in Toronto and Kingston.
Are you Ontario as well?
We plan to settle (initially at least) in London. We have relatives in Toronto and Kingston.
Are you Ontario as well?
Last edited by simon876; May 13th 2007 at 12:49 pm. Reason: Spelling (again)
May 13th 2007, 12:49 pm
#25
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Location: London, Ontario, eh?
Posts: 1,175
May 13th 2007, 12:58 pm
#26
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,999
Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
When my dad died last year mum just happened to mention that they followed the philosophy of humanism and that she was arranging a woodland burial. This was the first time that I became aware of my parents fitting into any particular category as far as their beliefs, ethics, morals and way of conducting themselves throughout life, was concerned.
So I did a bit of research and found The British Humanist Association and today I checked out The Humanist Association of Canada.
I hadn't realised that this way of living fits with the way that I think about life and how I live it, or try to, as a result of my upbringing.
I didn't believe that there existed a label that would fit so appropriately, I'd never really looked into our family way of thinking. We just are the way we are.
No one else I know or have asked knows what I'm on about when I mention the 'Humanism' word, so I thought I'd provoke a debate here and see what comes along.
Are there any views out there on this?
Is this too deep a subject for the Maple Lounge?
So I did a bit of research and found The British Humanist Association and today I checked out The Humanist Association of Canada.
I hadn't realised that this way of living fits with the way that I think about life and how I live it, or try to, as a result of my upbringing.
I didn't believe that there existed a label that would fit so appropriately, I'd never really looked into our family way of thinking. We just are the way we are.
No one else I know or have asked knows what I'm on about when I mention the 'Humanism' word, so I thought I'd provoke a debate here and see what comes along.
Are there any views out there on this?
Is this too deep a subject for the Maple Lounge?
Although humanism rejects the concept of faith, it has essentially become a faith in itself. Also, there are problems with its presumption of man as a rational actor. But is it not just atheism with a bow wrapped round it?
May 13th 2007, 2:04 pm
#29
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Joined: Apr 2007
Location: London, Ontario, eh?
Posts: 1,175
Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
When we visited Ontario in 2005 we had a good look around the Orangeville area and found some nice rolling hills that form part of the Niagara escarpment. Surprisingly, Ontario is not as flat as I first thought.
There are loads of clubs and events in Ontario, so I am looking forward to racking up the miles (or kilometres) as soon as I can.
I do have plans to one day ride the Tour de Canada - an epic coast-to-coast of 7550 Km. http://www.tourducanada.com/
I also have a desire to ride the length of the Icefields Parkway - all in good time.
Do you cycle?
Simon
May 13th 2007, 2:15 pm
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 128
Re: Humanism in the UK & Canada
Thought it might be useful to post what it is humanists believe. If that is atheism with a bow, I am fine with that.
BHA Vice-President Claire Rayner says: "I was a humanist without knowing it for many years before I found the Association - when I did, it was like finding a sort of home. Here were people with a range of views that matched my own, who shared my respect for life in all its forms, and who, above all, did not try to bully other people to follow their beliefs".
From the British Humanist Association:
Humanism
Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.
What humanists believe
Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason - humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.
Humanism encompasses atheism and agnosticism ‑ but is an active and ethical philosophy far greater than these negative responses to religion.
Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms ‑ but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important.
Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world's problems ‑ so that quality of life can be improved for everyone.
Humanists are positive ‑ gaining inspiration from our lives, art and culture, and a rich natural world.
Humanists believe that we have only one life ‑ it is our responsibility to make it a good life, and to live it to the full.
cmk03 and Simon - pleased to hear of your positive experiences with humanism.
BHA Vice-President Claire Rayner says: "I was a humanist without knowing it for many years before I found the Association - when I did, it was like finding a sort of home. Here were people with a range of views that matched my own, who shared my respect for life in all its forms, and who, above all, did not try to bully other people to follow their beliefs".
From the British Humanist Association:
Humanism
Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.
What humanists believe
Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason - humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.
Humanism encompasses atheism and agnosticism ‑ but is an active and ethical philosophy far greater than these negative responses to religion.
Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms ‑ but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important.
Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world's problems ‑ so that quality of life can be improved for everyone.
Humanists are positive ‑ gaining inspiration from our lives, art and culture, and a rich natural world.
Humanists believe that we have only one life ‑ it is our responsibility to make it a good life, and to live it to the full.
cmk03 and Simon - pleased to hear of your positive experiences with humanism.