Metaphysical Humanism: What It Means

From philosophy we learn that metaphysics deals with the first principles of things. This includes abstract concepts such as ‘being’, ‘knowing’, ‘substance’ and ’cause’. In addition to these concepts, metaphysicians are interested in identity, time, and space. Any of these could involve a lifetime of study.

Humanism is a philosophical system of thought that places primary importance on human affairs rather than divine or supernatural affairs. Humanists emphasize the potential value and goodness of human beings; they emphasize common human needs and seek uniquely rational ways to solve human problems. There is an emphasis on human fulfillment in the natural world. There is a rejection of the idea of ​​God. This last idea offends many of the world’s major religions.

The British define Humanism as the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity; the rejection of religion in favor of a belief in the advancement of humanity through its own efforts, and secondly, the British claim that humanism is a philosophical position that emphasizes the autonomy of human reason as opposed to the authority of the Church, that is, the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.

What then is metaphysical humanism? Are the two terms, metaphysics and humanism, just married or are there a selection of defended tenants? There are several surprisingly apparent similarities. Among these is the belief that there is no God, humans are responsible for their own behavior and solve their own problems through reason. According to Dr. Douglas Kelley, founder of the International Church of Metaphysical Humanism, there are nine fundamental tenets of belief. These, telescopic as they are, include the following:

1. Do no harm; do the right thing.

2. The power of the human spirit is indomitable.

3. Human beings are responsible and capable of solving social problems.

4. We are one planet, one race, one ancestry, one destiny.

5. Recognize the divine energy that exists in all living beings.

6. The nature of the human being encompasses both a physical and a spiritual aspect and that human consciousness survives the death of the human body.

7. Self-acceptance, self-responsibility, and respect for free will create the wholeness of oneself.

8. The empowerment of the human spirit and the improvement of the human condition is achieved through education in metaphysics, metapsychology and life skills.

9. The true nature of consciousness and human existentialism will ultimately have a positive impact on human evolution and peaceful coexistence.

It can be assumed that the fourth principle includes the belief that we are one race: the human race. The truth of this principle is well worth a second thought. If the fourth principle, “We are one planet, one race, one ancestry, and one destiny,” came to be, what a wonderful world we would live in.