NATURE EVOLVES MAN; MAN EVOLVES MYTH

I am fascinated by the continuum of beliefs and nonbeliefs, and respect all worldviews.  Religions and communities of faith have tended to benefit humankind by rewarding and reinforcing virtuous and ethical behavior.  However, our value of human life, and sense of ethics, has a biological (not theological) basis.  Virtue is not guided by a supreme being, mythical figure, or supernatural entity. 

Good (moral, ethical, and altruistic) behavior has evolved as part of the evolutionary process which perpetuates the species.  The responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.  

I affirm our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.  I will confront unjust power structures and challenge oppressive policies.  I act to advance human rights and social justice in our world.  I envision a world free from oppression and injustice, where all can realize their full human rights.  I value and strive for empirical truth and human achievement.

I am an atheist and humanist.  My worldview and philosophy of life is secular, and free of supernatural and mystical elements.  I believe in determinism (all effects have natural causes), and empiricism (evidence-based truth). Thus I do not believe in a creator, intelligent design or free will.  I reject notions of a theistic God and associated beliefs in an afterlife, a cosmic destiny, a supernatural origin of the universe, an immortal soul, the revealed nature of the Bible and the Q'uran, and a religious requirement for morality. 

Will Walsh © 2023 - 2024