As headlined in last month's issue of the Utah Humanist the discussion of the relationship between humanists and atheists continues to be vigorous. When I make presentations to various groups on the history and philosophy of humanism the question invariably is asked "Are humanists atheists?" My answer is always "Some humanists are atheists some are religious."

My explanation involves where the two philosophies put their major emphasis. Atheists' major point is proclaiming there is no god, Humanists major point is human relationships. While atheists are intent on convincing their audience that there is no God, humanists are trying to convince their audience that everyone has the responsibility to make life as good as possible for all humans.

Religious humanists are usually active in Unitarianism, the American Ethical Union, or Humanistic Judaism. Recent polls indicate that more than 50% of Unitarians in the U.S. are humanists. The American Humanist Association was actually established by a group of Unitarian Ministers.

Humanism features an optimistic attitude concerning the moral and social capacity of people. Their ultimate goal is human flourishing, making life better for all. The focus is on doing good and living well in the here and now. They believe the rewards of living the good life will be enjoyed during this life, not in a life after death.

Ted Sorensen, a Unitarian and a top assistant to our only Catholic president, John F. Kennedy, has written a book about JFK, Counselor, published this year by Harper. In it he quotes from the commencement speech the president delivered at the American University in 1963, "Our problems are man-made therefore they can be solved by man." Sorensen goes on to say, "In many broader senses of the word, he (JFK) was a humanist because he looked to human beings to solve problems caused by human beings."

Dave Burton, a Salt Lake artist and humanist, told me, "In order to become a true disbeliever you must learn a great deal about what it is you disbelieve."

Are humanists atheists? I believe we are so busy seeking ways to act as a moral force in the world we simply don't have time to debate the existence of gods.

--Flo Wineriter