Pitching Humanism: That Feeling of Preaching to the Choir

It reminded me of this conversation I had with a friend about doing charitable works not
in the name of any religion but in the name of humanism. Why? Because the next
question that would pop up from the recipients would be What is humanism? Some of
them might not even be familiar with atheism, agnosticism or pantheism. But it recalled
an incident about an outreach program that involved one of the top humanist groups in
the Philippines.

There was this outreach program sponsored by the Humanist Alliance of the Philippines
International1 that intended to deliver goods to those who were affected by the typhoon
Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). Of course the group carried this banner
introducing who they are and what they do as an organization. The hosting town didnt
have much of a problem with it supposedly except for the tagline Good Without God.
The Cebu chapter of HAPI gathered more than enough funding for the outreach program
from its international allies like the American Humanist Association 2. So it is obvious that
God has nothing to do with this charitable act.

For some of the village heads, it posed as a problem. To rephrase some of the questions,
If you are not from God, from where are you? For a largely Catholic country
accustomed to acts of charity from people doing it in the name of their deity, it can be an
issue. This begs the question now: Are you more worried that the goods come from a
godless organization or are you more worried that the help is coming not from your own
religious organization? Because honestly, if godless people ended up helping those who
are supposed to be taken care of because of the religion they belong to, what does it say
of the church then?

Articles like these are meant to ask rather than judge. Because charity is still charity after
all. And right now, if the word charity is mentioned here in the Philippines, the first
organizations that come to mind are the religious organizations. Do they really need to
monopolize opportunities to be charitable to the needy in an effort to maintain their
stronghold in certain territories? Because if that is the main reason for the goodness
dished out of your pockets, then its less about your willingness to help. Its more about
maintaining your stronghold in the community.

Its the prejudicial attitude seen at this particular HAPI event that made pitching
humanism to the ordinary folk. The proselytization involving humanism hasnt taken
place yet. But village heads like the ones HAPI encountered in Cebu are quick to judge
such groups. Does humanism automatically equate to godlessness? Of course not. HAPI
has several members still actively participating in religious ceremonies. And its because
they get the point of humanism.

Humanism is more about helping fellow humans regardless of religion. In some way, it is
similar to the adage Love thy neighbor. You help because these people asked from you.

1
https://www.facebook.com/HAPIkami
2
thehumanist.com/news/international/deny-your-atheism-or-cancel-your-charity-event
It is less about the religious obligation and more about your sense of humanity. No guilt
trip involved. Just a willingness to share what you have with those who dont have any. If
they refuse your help after learning of your (lack of) religious beliefs, its not your loss.
The Philippines is a poor country. But not all communities are ready to accept donations
from organizations like AHA and HAPI. Then again, not all Filipinos are religious bigots.
This explained why other programs after the HAPI outreach stint turned out to be
successful. And there are 7,107 islands for you to choose from where help will be very
much appreciated.

Dont worry. The bigots in this country are not as shameless and aggressive as their
American counterparts. (Hello, Pat Robertson.) They would rather be called out for their
ignorance or that false sense of religious pride. If they use their religion to deny their
communities donations from well-meaning people just because these well-meaning
people are godless, it says more about their sense of humanity than their loyalty to their
religion. Hello, politics.