Symbols, Gods, and Humanists

It is a common mistake to assume that humanism is an atheistic “ism.” We Humanists tend to have unconventional ideas of deity, but not only (or even primarily) negative ones. There is no pope of Humanism. Practices vary. Humanist honor every person and every person’s attempts to find meaning and purpose in this life, including trying on various styles of “god.” Humanists tend to be Pragmatists concerning ideas: if an idea works for you, go with that.

If not, not.

For example, I have a book of poetry published in the late-nineteenth century by two…