During a recent conversation with one of our members, the challenge of defining terms was discussed. Thinking about that conversation later, I thought the subject was worth further consideration, because clarity of terms is important to meaningful communication. These words have significance in the formulation of our individual attitudes and behaviors. Whether we realize it or not, each one of us has developed a core value system based upon our understanding of the following terms:

• Theism: A belief system based on the assumption that the supreme power of the universe is a Being, God, who is concerned about human affairs, and can intervene in any operations of the universe.
• Monotheism: The belief that there is only one God.
• Polytheism: The belief that there is more than one god.
• Deism: A belief system based on the assumption that the supreme power of the uiverse created the laws governing the universe, but is not concerned about its development, and does not intervene in the process.
• Atheism: A belief based on the assumption that there is no supreme being.
• Gnosticism: A belief system based on God giving information to selected humans.
• Agnosticism: A belief system rejecting gnosticism.
• Theology: The study of the nature of a supreme, universal power.
• Religion: A system often teaching the relationship between a supreme universal power, and humanity.
• Humanism: A belief system based on the ability of human beings to reason.
• Religious Humanism: The human ability to reason has a relationship with the Cosmos.
• Secular Humanism: The human ability to reason is an aspect of evolution, and rejects the notion of a supreme universal power that interferes with evolution.

Volumes of thoughts have been discussed, and written by philosophers concerning these words. Consequently, my definitions are very basic, simplistic, and only intended for casual conversation. However, I believe it important for us to have at least a vague idea of these terms, because how we each live our lives is to some extent determined by how we understand these terms. Our individual ethical systems, and moral behaviors are developed by how we view our relationships to each other, and to the universe. We consciously or unconsciously are affected, moment to moment, by our basic core values that we have incorporated into our mental process through our education, and our experience. We welcome your response for publication in future issues of The Utah Humanist.

--Flo Wineriter