Being a Secular Humanist
Atheist: No belief in god(s). Agnostics lean that way but aren’t 100% sure.
Secular: Puts humans (and all Earth’s co-habitants) first, without god beliefs. Basically, it’s atheism with decency. Disbelieve in gods but don’t be the puppy-hating asshole.
Humanist: Philosophy of treating people as you’d like to be treated, often putting religious beliefs second. You can even be a Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish or Islamic Humanist.
I’m a Secular Humanist: Humans first, regardless of religion, race or creed. No gods, faeries, dragons (though dragons would be cool). Santa? Definitely real at any time of year and I’m always striving not to be on the naughty list! 😊
Secular folks (athests, freethinkers, agnostics, humanists) are everywhere: friends, neighbours, coworkers, loved ones. Too often they hide due to persecution from the “loving” religious people out there.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann (1927) nails the vibe:
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste… You are a child of the universe… With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”