The Black Humanist Experience: An Alternative to Religion (Paperback)

by Norm R. Allen (Editor) "Humanism is a rational, human-centered life stance that is primarily concerned with life in the here and now..." (more)
Key Phrases: humanist movement, Nation of Islam, United States, African American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"a lively, intellectually stimulating collection in support of rationalism and humanism and in opposition to ignorance and despair..." -- Free Inquiry, Summer 2003

Product Description
As the first book exclusively dedicated to humanists of African descent, THE BLACK HUMANIST EXPERIENCE gives Black humanists the opportunity to discuss their many and varied reasons for leaving the religious fold and embracing a humanist life stance. As a minority within a minority in the United States, African American humanists often feel isolated and misunderstood. And across the globe humanists are in the minority among Blacks just as they are among all races. These thoughtful essays help draw attention to the vitality of the humanist movement within the Black community while putting to rest many myths about humanists.

Contrary to popular stereotypes, most humanists do not reject religion out of disillusionment, ignorance, desperation, or misanthropy. The contributors to this volume, coming to secular humanism from many different backgrounds, demonstrate that the decision to adopt the humanist viewpoint is based on intellectual honesty and the best information provided by science, history, comparative religion, and other scholarly disciplines. Moreover, they show that a central concern of humanists of all races and nations is the preservation and promotion of what humanist philosopher Paul Kurtz calls the "common moral decencies" shared by most religious and ethical systems.

At a time when faith-based organizations are favored politically, especially within the Black community in America, this timely collection of essays shows that humanism, with its emphasis on reason, free inquiry, moral decency, and justice, offers much to Blacks worldwide.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 275 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573929670
• ISBN-13: 978-1573929677
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,554,682 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)