Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation.
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Religious Belief » Atheism and Agnosticism and Humanism

Atheism and Agnosticism and Humanism

Atheism

Atheism is the disbelief in the existence of God or Gods.

The word “atheism” comes from the Greek language''a'' meaning “without” and “theism” meaning “belief in God or Gods”. Atheists are people who do not believe in God or other spiritual beings. Some atheists go further and deny that God or other Spiritual Beings exist.

Reasons for being an Atheist:

  • There is no firm evidence to prove that God actually exists.

  • Atheism is a person's chosen philosophy.

Agnosticism
Agnostics have doubts about the existence of God. They do not believe that God exists, but they do not believe that God does not exist, either.
 

Humanism
Humanism originated in the Greek secular contribution and was formalised in the UK in the Ethical Union, which was founded in 1896. The British Humanist Association was formed in 1963, under the Directorship of Sir Julian Huxley.
 
Humanism is the outlook of goodwill and reason for those who do not accept God or a Divine Plan and see the highest good as what is best for mankind.
 
Humanism is concerned with morality and having a faith in man's intellectual and spiritual resources, which is believed will bring knowledge and understanding of the world and how to solve the moral problems which arise in using that knowledge.
 
They believe strongly in the individual's freedom of choice.
 
Humanism respects man regardless of class, race or creed. It is also believed that the solution to a person's problems lies within themselves.
 
Humanism considers freedom and tolerance to be the basic moral principles, and looks to achieve happiness for all.
 
Humanism accepts that everything in the universe is the result of naturalistic processes.
 
Humanism aims to give vision to inspire people and guidelines form which moral judgements can be built. There is a belief that the ideals of co-operation and tolerance, the use of the constitutional process and reasoned persuasion can win through and form the best framework for the Open Society.

Special Considerations

Care will need to be taken to ascertain the patient's individual attitudes and requirements. Only general principles apply to humanists, so a variety of cultural preferences and customs may influence the needs of a patient.


Diet

There are no dietary restrictions but many humanists will be vegetarian. Many humanists have objections to intensive farming methods and the pollution of food by chemical additives.


Care of the Dying

A humanist counsellor may be requested. There are no special rituals or practices, but it may be useful to be aware that humanists are more likely than most to believe in euthanasia.


Post Mortems and Transplants

There should be no objections


After Death
Routine last offices are appropriate.
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