American Humanist Association
2003 Chapter of the Year

Education is our primary focus, because after 200 years of modern science and public education, more than half of the people in the world are still operating on the basis of beliefs rooted in myth and superstition. A growing number of governments prohibit criticism of the state religion, and the United States is moving increasingly in that direction. These beliefs and practices threaten to send humanity back to the Dark Ages, heightening the risks of war, terrorism, mass destruction, overpopulation and environmental suicide. This is a stark outlook, but one that appears to be a very real possibility to many scientists and analysts today, including Jared Diamond (author of Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse and Kimberly Blaker, author of Fundamentals of Extremism. Some religions even embrace this dismal future as the inevitable fate of a fundamentally evil human species and part of some "god's plan."

Humanism offers an alternative view of humanity, the world around us, and our future. While recognizing our weaknesses, we are proud of our historical struggles and continually strive for a better world with genuinely prosperous and fulfilling societies. We see religious delusions as serious barriers to progress and human rights, and we seek ethical alternatives based on practical approaches and accumulated wisdom. We value the Constitution of the United States as a truly revolutionary basis for law and government. Humanism is the dominant philosophy that came out of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe and the United States during the 18th century, a major period of political reform and scientific discovery. It continues to guide our way into the future.

Children's Sunday School

Our children will make that future, so we want them to know the principles of Humanism. The HSNM Family Co-op is a group of families dedicated to providing children with an opportunity to learn and play with children in an environment that teaches Humanist values. The Co-op also provides parents an opportunity for support and friendship with others who seek a non-religious community.

The Co-op follows the parenting philosophy outlined by Dale McGowan and other authors in Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion and Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief.

We will be holding another workshop by Dale McGowan on April 17, 2010, at 1:30 PM at Page One Books at Montgomery and Juan Tabo in Albuquerque. A $10 donation per parent will be requested at the door and Dale's books will be available for purchase from Page One. Register at Meetup.com or call 505-292-4375 for more information.

We think it is important that children receive a broad education in religious literacy, ethics, and personal responsibility in order to make well-informed decisions as they grow up. Older children in our school are exposed to ideas about civil rights, conflict resolution, skepticism, and social responsibility. We also think children should be encouraged to appreciate science and offer service to their community. To teach these principles, our program incorporates stories, games, songs, crafts, science experiments, field trips, environmental awareness and community service projects in an informal setting. Above all, we have fun! To see our lesson plans from 2009, click here, and then click on "Humanist Society of New Mexico Lessons."

The Family Co-op classes have been on-hold for several months, but we usually meet at a traditional "Sunday school" time, 11:00 AM, on the first and third Sundays of each month. The classes will be meeting regularly at a new location following the McGowan workshop. For more information please contact Ron at (505) 292-4375, or you can send an email to him.

Adult Classes

The late Harry Willson, author and former HSNM Vice-president, was the original instructor for a class entitled “Introducing Humanism”. Harry’s plan was to tell his personal story as a former Presbyterian pastor who finds "Freedom from God," but has his wonder restored when he discovers Humanism. He planned to examine the role of mythology in confronting morality, creation, and more. Harry died on March 9 after a short illness, and Fred March, current President of HSNM, agreed to teach the class. Fred’s class will distinguish between humanism as a philosophy with origins in ancient Greece, and as a modern worldwide movement that advocates for an ethical society that relies on human nature and not on God for its moral grounding. For more details about the class, click here.

The Humanist Society will also soon offer a course titled Human Progress: Milestones in the History of Science and Religion. We see history as the key to understanding human nature and current events. The purpose of this series will be to explore two essential and often misunderstood aspects of human development from prehistoric times to the present day. It will (1) show the fundamental differences between scientific and religious inquiry over time and (2) review their conflicting and sometimes hostile relationship. Classes will offer the opportunity for discussions of critical issues, personal perspectives, and current dilemmas. There will be no charge for the course. If you would like to register in advance, or contribute to the development of our Lesson Plans, contact Ron Herman at (505) 292-4375 or via email.

Seminars

Other courses are planned on more scholarly levels on Humanist philosophy, scriptural criticism and scientific discoveries. Our president, Fred March, has already given a seminar on The Bible Through the Eyes of Its Authors: A Political History of Ancient Israel & Judah, and he and others will be offering additional sessions in the near future. If you would like to conduct a seminar as part of our program, contact Fred March at (505) 366-8721 or via email.