What of values and morals or of the good life? Most of us try to do the right thing and are guided through cultural norms of ethics and morals, But there are no secular-humanist holy scriptures to give us guidance; rather, we rely on our own natural tendencies and the facilities of reason imbued in us by nature. Sympathies for our fellow men and women and our societally and self-imposed consciences can guide us in the right direction.

Without some sort of ethical framework, by which we can agree that certain things are unacceptable and others are acceptable, secular humanism is mere atheism. Without concerted and continued determination to try to discover and describe the bases for these duties, rights, obligations, and liberties, we are expressing just another faith.

Can we help to convince the world that the path of reason, humanism, and science is more fruitful than dogma, fear, and mysticism? Secular humanism offers an alternative to dogmatism. It looks to the power of reason over superstition--science over supernaturalism.

I believe reason will prevail, guided by our humanist passion and emotions and by a clear vision of where secular humanism fits in the lives of ordinary people.

--Flo Wineriter