The Task of Theological Humanism
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extremes of doubt and certainty, always one’s outlook and stance in life thereby better to respond to the human calling of responsible life. charged to essay, to put on trial,
Theological humanism means developing fundamental moods and atti-tudes that can ground habits of thinking and acting. Fundamental moods Manifesto
are ways of being open to truth, beauty, and goodness in the world, wher-ever they may appear. Moods of joy, dread, and courage; faith, hope, and love; awe, gratitude, and humility; compassion, generosity, and good will – these moods inform the heart of theological humanism. Fundamental
moods are more than ways of being open to sources of meaning and worth; they are ways of actively seeking out the goodness in this world. To live as a theological humanist one vigilantly seeks the life of integ-rity in oneself and in others. A life so dedicated will become different
through its call and commitment to see the truth of things and to serve goodness.integrity of life to evTo inhabit a tradition self-critically means to apply the norm of the ery aspect of the community’s beliefs and practices.
Theological humanists who are Christian (or Muslim or Jewish or Buddhist or ...) and wish to remain within their religion have a mandate to judge how that religious outlook is lived and expressed. It is to live religiously in a free and responsible way. It becomes incumbent upon religious people to
work for the change they desire within their chosen communities. Appreciate whatever brings the integrity of life; criticize whatever demeans and destroys it. And in all things, seek a humane future for life in its many forms as the dedication in one’s religious life.
the resources of Western culture and the religions: humanistic, religious, and cultural and religious resources and the range of possible responses to those We began this essay by noting conflicts among different attitudes towards open but skeptical attitudes. We took that as a signal about deep flaws in
flaws. We have tried to articulate, analyze, and respond to those flaws that arise within the legacy of this civilization. Yet we have also provided a por-trait, a sketch, of a way to inhabit religious and cultural resources that seeks to meet the future responsibly and hopefully.
challengeand does lead to the clash among peoples and also the wanton destruction This essay has sought, in other words, to meet an of our age in a way that thwarts the celebration of power that can interpretive and practical