Humanism: Is it religion or a philosophy?

Humanism is generally considered a philosophy rather than a religion. It is a broad and diverse philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value, agency, and dignity of human beings. Humanism is characterized by a focus on reason, ethics, and the potential for human progress and fulfillment.

While humanism does involve beliefs about the nature and worth of humanity, it doesn’t typically include the supernatural or metaphysical elements commonly associated with traditional religions. Humanism tends to be secular and non-theistic, meaning it doesn’t rely on the belief in deities or divine forces.

Humanism encompasses a range of perspectives, including secular humanism, which explicitly rejects religious dogma, and religious humanism, which may incorporate humanist principles into a religious framework. However, even in the case of religious humanism, the emphasis is often on human values, ethics, and the betterment of humanity rather than on traditional religious doctrines.