Thank you, you are also very kind.


I try to but not as much as I would like, never done competitive riding though. We're bringing out our bikes, but I have problems with those objects at the end of my legs which don't function as they should. I'm hoping to get that right before coming over.

I'm considering fitting skis to the wheels and riding up and down the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa during the winter freeze.

I have just read through the Wikipedia article on humanism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism it's the first time I've looked at the subject up so I may be talking out of my ar$e as far as rank and file sect members are concerned.

Some points:
"humanists search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests" and "humanists tend to be less supportive of the animal rights movement than they should be, in sharp contrast to their full support of human rights issues".
Would you say these are broadly correct statements?
If this is a humanist belief then I disagree.

"it supports scientific skepticism and the scientific method, rejecting authoritarianism and extreme skepticism, and rendering faith an unacceptable basis for action." - Something which I personally agree with.

I agree with tableland that humanism is a 'religion', in the sense that it's a group which has sets of rules and guidelines which members live and respond to, it also has, as far as I'm aware, a certain hierarchy within it's membership.

Wrap up a set of beliefs, and give it a label.

<<Resistance to the organized mass can be effected only by the man who is as well organized in his individuality as the mass itself.
- Carl Jung>>

Hmmm,

Now we're talking...

According to the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003:
"religion or belief" means any religion, religious belief, or similar philosophical belief. This does not include any philosophical or political belief unless that belief is similar to a religious belief. The courts and tribunals may consider a number of factors when deciding what is a ‘religion or belief’ (e.g. collective worship, clear belief system, profound belief affecting way of life or view of the world).

According to the UK law, at least, Humanism might be considered to be a religion or belief. I am unsure whether or not 'collective worship' takes place but in all other respects, Humanism seems to fit the definition.

Simon

I thought you were a 'humanist', or do you just pick out the bits that suit you, like me.

Do humanists have to join, as in go through some sort of signing up or oath thing? Do they have meetings as per masons or quakers?

I'm not sure I ever said I was a Humanist. I did say that Laura and I rather liked the idea of the Humanist ceremony to celebrate our 20 years of marriage. We do feel strong reasonance with many aspects but as to whether or not we should join... I really don't know.

As for picking out the bits that suit us best - why not? After all, when I last looked I was still fortunate enough to be able to make my own mind up.

For me, belief is personal and I would not expect anyone else to agree with or follow my individual perspective. It's fascinating to see the world through the eyes of others - you don't have to agree or disagree.

I did have a very lengthy conversation once with a Pagan follower and admit that I found much of interest there too.

Simon

I was expecting a difference of views, instead you've answered as I would have. It was moonraker I was aiming the questions at so maybe he'll enlighten me later.