I just put down my headphone after finishing milk bottles and listening to my favorite podcast (http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org). I am so excited that I have to tell you guys immediately. My prayer has just been answered. I found the label to my faith: humanism.
For years, I’ve been troubled by continuous questionings from people about my religious affiliation since I immigrated to Canada. I was looked down by a very lovely and kind classmate in UofT after I failed to produce any affiliation to any super natural power. She was the first white girl with whom I established a good rapport. Since then, I didn’t recall see her around much for whatever reason. In US, I was blatantly told that I am going to hell, period, for being a non-believer as if I were a Satan. On the contrary, I believe I am a very good man who hold high moral values, and believe in the life-long purpose of doing good deeds to the mankind. I hardly think God would be so narrow-mind and sending me down there when I faces His judgment, simply because I hadn’t indulged His existence in my mortal life. Nonetheless, this lack of affiliation and this seemingly “faithless” state of mind of mine bothers me. Especially, I increasingly felt that faith is so very important for people after seeing the changes taken place in China after faith died a few years ago.
After listening to the latest talk on that podcast about humanism (http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/speakingoffaith/20080327_new_humanism.mp3), I found the answer to my confused mind. I am one of many humanists. Humanism lives in part of our humanity for centuries. Its recorded origin is dated back to the Greeks centuries ago. I suspect Confucius (孔夫子) is the Chinese father of humanism. I need to read more about humanism before making more hypothesis:) Above all, there is such a well studied and versed philosophical (or theological, if I may say) foundation I can now resort to when I am confused and challenged. I am falling into a good sleep tonight. Then, again, a new chapter is opening up ahead for me to explore. There is so little time….
I highly recommend you to listen to this talk. You may get as excited as I am. The program page, http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/new_humanism seems to be a good starting point for resources on humanism.
I discovered this wonder podcast about discussion of faith after listening to another podcast of panel discussion on faith and religion in Princeton University. Krista Tippett is one panelist. Her talk show is the center of the discussion. I was so intrigued by it. The panel discussion itself is also wonderful to listen to: http://coblitz.codeen.org:3125/www.princeton.edu/newmedia/podcast/20080205_publect_tippett.mp4 I’ve only heard a very few discussions on Krista’s podcast. I think it is by far the very best discussion I’ve ever heard about religion. The people interviewed have very insightful knowledge about the religion they believe in. They are not bible or Koran quoting minded people.
