Humanism as a Lifestance: Intro to Ethics without Religion

Are you new to humanism? Do you want to explore humanism more deeply? Or are you interested in learning how to explain humanism to others? If any of these apply, then this three-part series examining humanism as a lifestance is for you.

Participants are encouraged to come to all three sessions, but folks are welcome to come as they are able. Each presentation will focus on one salient aspect of humanism interspersed with discussion.

Session Two: Intro to Ethics (March 18)
In this second session of our series we will focus on the ethical imperative of humanism and disentangle ethics from religion. We will explore the evolutionary origins of moral instincts and the philosophical moral theories that have influenced the humanist outlook. In addition, a contemporary secular process for ethical deliberation will be put forward. Come explore the heart of humanism.

Session Three: Intro to Meaning and Mattering (April 1)
Humanists believe we are the products of an un-designed, evolutionary process. What meaning or purpose can there be to our lives? Do our lives really matter? In the last session of this series, we will look at how a naturalist worldview and humanism’s ethical commitments contribute to our experience of meaning and mattering.

Presenter: Audrey Kingstrom is a humanist celebrant and Board member of HumanistsMN as well as a member of First Unitarian Society, a humanist congregation. Audrey holds a Master's of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a Master's of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, also in NYC.

Session One: Intro to Naturalism (March 4)
The first session of our series began by looking at the naturalist worldview which lays the foundation for modern-day humanism. We highlighted the scientific developments and philosophical perspectives over the course of centuries – and across the globe -- that shifted our attention from the supernatural to the natural world and we considered how this outlook changes our understanding of ourselves.

These sessions are sponsored by HumanistsMN and First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, a humanist congregation. Please consider supporting one or both of these associations to help cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Click on the embedded links above to donate or join.

HumanistsMN is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and caring community for all our members. We welcome everyone who shares our humanist principles. We acknowledge the dignity and worth of all people -- every race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, social class, abilities, or disabilities. We actively promote a culture of respect, belonging, and compassion as we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. By participating in HumanistsMN events, you agree to conduct yourself in accordance with these values.