By Harlan Garbell
The average Humanists of Minnesota member may not know that our board members have a job description. Although we are not explicitly required to proselytize, we are required to appropriately represent the organization and its values. Personally, however, I am always looking to proactively get our message out. Taking on this type of responsibility presents a dilemma for me as I am, unfortunately, a card-carrying introvert–with the test results to prove it.
By Audrey Kingstrom
How are you feeling now that the midterm elections are almost over. As I write this at the end of October, I donāt know if Iāll be cheering or grieving the morning after. However, no clairvoyance is needed to predict that the country will be awash in emotional outbursts of one sort or another. For some, it will be a great day, for others not so much.
By Audrey Kingstrom
The ānones.ā Youād never know there were so many of us because, as a recently designated demographic cohort, we go by many different names and identities ā humanist, atheist, agnostic, the āunaffiliated,ā skeptic, freethinker, lapsed (insert former religious identity), āspiritual but not religious,ā or nothing at all. Hence, our political leaders donāt pay attention to us. Itās time we change that!
By Audrey Kingstrom
Itās early August and Iām feeling wistful. I just turned another year older and Iām already anticipating the end of summer. While Iām reticent to acknowledge another birthday, I remind myself of the alternative of not chalking up one more year. As for summer, I treasure the long days, balmy nights, and less structured time. I love how summer evokes a sense of timelessness when the garden beckons and delights, vacation days have their own ebb and flow, and starry nights offer a glimpse of eternity.
By Audrey Kingstrom
Can humanism be defined in a nutshell? Iām not so sure. Most of us are hard pressed to concisely explain humanism to the uninitiated when asked. We donāt have our elevator speeches down cold. And weāre not predisposed to soundbites. That characteristic may be lacking in the DNA of the average humanist.
By Harlan Garbell
It is May 2018 and I am still trying to process the political events of November 2016. Similar to other life events people experience, like the sudden loss of a job or the ending of a relationship, the election of Trump left me disoriented, confused, angry.
Audrey Kingstrom
What if everyone in the world were an atheist? Would our problems be solved? Hardly. Would the world be a better place? Iād like to think so, but the evidence to date is inconclusive. Throughout history awful things have been done in the name of religion as well as positive things. Likewise, awful deeds have been done by the godless as well as noble deeds for the well-being of all.
By Audrey Kingstrom
I find discussions about the āend of workā due to artificial intelligence and automation just a tad overstated and dire. But then, by my sights, itās mostly men who are sounding the alarm. Perhaps thatās because men have been defining work for far too long.
By Audrey Kingstrom
The year 2017 brought many new developments to Humanists of Minnesota. These efforts took a lot of work on the back end for the Board and diligent member-volunteers, but for the record and the benefit of the entire membership, hereās an overview of what transpired this past year.
By Harlan Garbell
Many of you reading this are likely familiar with the late writer and purported philosopher Ayn Rand, even if you have never actually read any of her articles or books. The privileged daughter of a prosperous businessman in St. Petersburg, Russia, her family lost it all in the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
By Audrey Kingstrom
āTis the season of excess. But then for most Americans, every seasonāand day and month and yearāis a time of excess. The American economy and increasingly the world economy is based on excess. Economic growth is the mantra for keeping us all personally, emotionally, physically, socially, and politically healthy and thriving.Ā
By Harlan Garbell
A key principle of humanism is rejection of the belief that a supernatural force or being is responsible for what happens on Earth (or anywhere in the universe for that matter). When it comes to politics, however, Iām not so sure anymore.
Recently I traveled abroad for the first time in my life. My trip to Germany and Amsterdam with my husband as companion was wonderful! I can now better understand why so many are smitten by the lure of travel.
Humanism as a worldview serves as that kind of moral compass. It doesnāt offer perfection through its method or in its results. As a life stance, it doesnāt turn its adherents into saints. But it functions as a very useful and time-tested guideāto lead us toward a better life for all.
Branding Exercise Aims to Help Bring Humanism to a Wider Audience
January 6, 2019
By Audrey Kingstrom
Thanks to everyone who completed the branding survey Humanists of Minnesota undertook last November with the design firm Imagehaus. The Board very much appreciates the participation of our members and friends. HofMN member Amparo Gonzalez won our participation lottery and will receive a $50 gift card.
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