Humanism for Parents - Parenting without Religion [Paperback]

Sean Curley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 2007

By some estimates, over 1 billion people in the world are non-religious (humanist/secular/atheist) yet we base some of our parenting techniques and traditions on religion. There are many books available on parenting around each of the major religions, but few around parenting in a Humanist household. This book is an attempt to outline how non-religious parents can have rites, rituals, and practices needed for a healthy, spiritually fulfilled family.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Mr. Curley has provided an insightful book on parenting without relying on religion. In his book Humanism for Parents, he provides valuable, practical information for any caregiver Mr. Curley has provided an insightful book on the difficult job of parenting without reliance on religion. In his book Humanism for Parents, he provides valuable, practical information for any caregiver who does not or cannot use religion as the basis for raising or teaching a child. This book is relevant to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and guardians of children.

From the Author

Regardless of religious affiliation, many parents today do not rely on religious teachings or history for parents. However, religions have a rich history of rites, rituals, and practices that aid in the healthy development of children and that can be lacking in a non-religious home environment. This books details these rites, rituals, and practices and givens alternatives to modern parents who want to raise healthy, spiritually fulfilled children without reliance on religion.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Lulu.com (May 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1430314257
• ISBN-13: 978-1430314257
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,354,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Start but Only a Start, June 11, 2008

By 

TammyJo Eckhart "TammyJo Eckhart" (Bloomington, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Humanism for Parents - Parenting without Religion (Paperback)

Sean P. Curley wants to offer parents who don't want to use religion as a tool for childrearing some other options. Given the scariness that can be seen in some religious doctrines and behaviors, it might be a worthy goal for some families. How good are Curley's suggestions in "Humanism for Parents: Parenting without Religion?"

The book is very short, only 87 pages long, and has 8 chapters with a conclusion and a list of resources. This is a general introduction to Humanism and parenting from a former minister, parent and grandfather.

The first three chapters explain Humanism, how morality should be defined from that perspective, and some basic guidelines and goals for parenting in the modern world. There is nothing really that new here, though if you are convinced that religion is necessary in order to be moral, you may be shocked, but then why would you be reaching for this book anyway?

Chapter four looks at how using traditions can help develop spirituality without the need for religion. Drawing from culture, biological and social development and even some religious practices, Curley offers several interesting ideas, never saying what you must do beyond feed your child's spiritual needs in some fashion.

The next three chapters explain why religious conflicts are problematic for the world and how to explain issues to different age groups. The questions and answers for younger children are good, but I found myself a bit offended by the set for older children when I tried to remember back to my teens and early twenties. I think wider reading and greater exposure to other choices would do just as much good, and this also encourages analytical thinking, which must be part of Humanism given Curley's repeated definition of it.

The final chapter looks at seven contemporary issues: Evolution; abortion; stem cell research; gay rights; global warming; neo-atheism; and theocracy and Christian nationalism. I really wanted more citations here and a deeper discussion of the conflicts between religions and Humanism and between Humanists themselves. This lends more realism to the problems and the possible solutions, plus it could be a great way to discuss these issues with older children and young adults who are open to Humanism or simply a more logical way of life.

I think that Curley touches upon several important considerations for all parents but in particular those who don't want to push religion on their children. Touching, though, is about all he does. Over and over I wanted more citations, more examples, more information. The book is a good start, but it is only a start.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Book lacking in specifics, September 11, 2008

By 

Kelly W. (Cincinnati, Oh United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Humanism for Parents - Parenting without Religion (Paperback)

While I love the idea that there are more and more resources for parenting children without religion, this book didn't do a whole lot for me. It's a short book, with a lot of space devoted to simply explaining Humanism. The author went from there to giving his opinion on some parenting issues, but there wasn't much meat to it. It would have been a nice essay, but as a book it left a lot to be desired. I would highly recommend Parenting Beyond Belief by Dale McGowan if you are looking for more substance. This book is a good primer though. Buy them both!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward and Easy to Read, August 28, 2007

By 

J. Weberg (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Humanism for Parents - Parenting without Religion (Paperback)

This is a straightforward guide that is well written and easy to read. The author has included a chapter for kids that helps to answer some of the questions children may have regarding Humanism, religion, science, etc., as well as another chapter for more inquisitive teens that answers many of the same questions in more detail. Also covered in this book are subjects dealing with Humanist philosophy, morality, traditions, and relevant social issues. The book is filled with helpful information, and includes many references for those who want to delve deeper into various subjects. Sean has written a book that should make it much easier for non-religious, Humanist parents to give their children a nurturing family life.