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 attaches primary importance to human affairs rather than to divine or supernatural affairs. Humanists emphasize the potential worth and goodness of human beings; they emphasize common human needs and seek exclusively rational ways of solving 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 is insulting to 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 the belief in the advancement of mankind by their own efforts and, secondly, the British assert 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.
So what is metaphysical humanism? Are the two terms, metaphysics and humanism, simply married or is there a selection of proposed 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 for solving their own problems through reason. According to Dr. Douglas Kelley, founder of the International Church of Metaphysical Humanism, there are nine fundamental principles of faith. 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. Humans are responsible and capable of solving social problems.
4. We are a planet, a race, an ancestry, a destiny.
5. Recognize the divine energy that exists in all living things.
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, responsibility for oneself, and respect for free will create self-fulfillment.
8. Empowerment of the human spirit and 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 a race: the human race. The truth of this principle is worth reflecting on. If the fourth principle, “We are a planet, a race, an ancestry and a destiny”, came into being, what a wonderful world we would live in!
