Secular Humanism is understood to be the default point-of-view. We don't debate the existence of god or argue with theists here. Human_ism is a virtual meeting place where secular humanists express themselves without having to make allowances for theistic sensitivities. Members from outside the USA are encouraged to introduce topics and ideas whether Americans are familiar with them or not. We're here to educate ourselves and increase understanding, as well as to make friends with Humanists wherever they may be. Critical thinking skills are a must; vigorous debate is the norm. Civilised behavior is expected: trolls will be unsubscribed. Announcements will not be accepted from those who do not participate in discussions on the list.

Secular Humanism as defined by this group: Humanism is a philosophy, world view, or life stance based on naturalism--the conviction that the universe or nature is all that exists or is real. Humanism serves, for many humanists, some of the psychological and social functions of a religion, but without belief in deities, transcendental entities, miracles, life after death, and the supernatural. Humanists seek to understand the universe by using science and its methods of critical inquiry--logical reasoning, empirical evidence, and skeptical evaluation of conjectures and conclusions--to obtain reliable knowledge. Humanists affirm that humans have the freedom to give meaning, value, and purpose to their lives by their own independent thought, free inquiry, and responsible, creative activity. Humanists stand for the building of a more humane, just, compassionate, and democratic society using a pragmatic ethics based on human reason, experience, and reliable knowledge--an ethics that judges the consequences of human actions by the well-being of all life on Earth. (def. assembled by Steve Schafersman)