Our aim is to promote a parity of esteem for all faith and non-faith positions and to support schools and teachers in whatever ways possible to articulate the humanist perspective. We also offer support to those parents who do not hold religious views and wish to exercise their rights.
Humanists wish to see all children educated together under the one roof.
In accordance with Scottish Government guidelines we urge all schools, both denominational and non denominational, to offer a real choice to parents and to provide a suitable curriculum of philosophy and moral education for those pupils who do not wish to study religion. This would include an appreciation of the main religions and their contribution to our culture from an historical perspective.
The subject of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) studied and externally examined at level 4, 5 and higher should give equal weight to the secular life stance as an alternative to religion. Pupils should be given the option to choose Atheism / Humanism as a subject for individual study as an alternative to the six world religions at presently offered.
We would encourage the teaching of philosophy to all children, starting in the primary school where it has been shown to be very successful.
In schools it should be made clear that 'religious' and 'moral' are not the same thing, God should be introduced as an idea and not a fact, especially to young and therefore impressionable children. The teaching of various religious stories should not contradict what they learn in science; there should be a clear distinction between the supernatural and the natural. The great wealth of human achievements and discoveries which have gone towards the understanding of the universe, our world and ourselves should be emphasised.
This understanding, coupled with the immense wealth of scientific knowledge, is a sound, rational basis for moral values. It is important that young people should be aware of the great variety of cultures and beliefs and they should be encouraged to see what we all have in common and thus unite us as humans rather than divide us by our differences.
To find out more, or to become involved with our work in education, please contact our education officer.
