Why I think the Beatitudes are a wonderful statement of Humanism – despite the religious language.
Here is probably one of the most famous quotes about beatitude:
“Not from earthly riches but from the milk of human kindness comes true beatitude.”
Attributed to St. Gregory of Nyssa, A mystic who lived in Cappadocia in Asia Minor around 380 AD.
I love this quote – because I agree with it. Miriam Webster defines beatitude as “a state of utmost bliss.” Actively practicing kindness feels really good. In fact, I would say that the above quote is a perfect encapsulation of the Humanist approach to happiness.
Which brings me to – The Beatitudes – which are the 8 blessings Jesus gave during his Sermon on the Mount. What you will notice is that – Jesus sounds A LOT like a Humanist – except for his references to God and Heaven and what he thinks will be their rewards.
Basically, he is saying that those who are the most blessed are people who choose to live their lives like the Humanists do. Here me out.
If you were to describe the values a Humanist holds dear – this is a pretty darned good list. And, I can tell you from personal experience – that practicing these character traits does indeed leave to high levels of beatitude in your life.
So live life as Jesus wanted you to – like a Humanist.
Here is probably one of the most famous quotes about beatitude:
“Not from earthly riches but from the milk of human kindness comes true beatitude.”
Attributed to St. Gregory of Nyssa, A mystic who lived in Cappadocia in Asia Minor around 380 AD.
I love this quote – because I agree with it. Miriam Webster defines beatitude as “a state of utmost bliss.” Actively practicing kindness feels really good. In fact, I would say that the above quote is a perfect encapsulation of the Humanist approach to happiness.
Which brings me to – The Beatitudes – which are the 8 blessings Jesus gave during his Sermon on the Mount. What you will notice is that – Jesus sounds A LOT like a Humanist – except for his references to God and Heaven and what he thinks will be their rewards.
Basically, he is saying that those who are the most blessed are people who choose to live their lives like the Humanists do. Here me out.
- Blessed are those that are poor in spirit – people who aren’t very religious. Check.
- Blessed are those who mourn – people who feel deep empathy for those who suffer and die. Check
- Blessed are the meek. People who are humble enough to realize they don’t know everything. Check
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Check.
- Blessed are the merciful – people who care enough to help the needy. Check
- Blessed are those who are pure in heart – people who are unstained by guilt or who act morally. Check
- Blessed are the peacemakers – people who seek out compassion based solutions instead of fighting all the time. Check
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Given how often Humanists are attacked for standing up for the poor, truth and for advocating for peace – yeah – Check.
If you were to describe the values a Humanist holds dear – this is a pretty darned good list. And, I can tell you from personal experience – that practicing these character traits does indeed leave to high levels of beatitude in your life.
So live life as Jesus wanted you to – like a Humanist.
Ah yes Jenny. Perfectly describes the very best way to live. On a "religious note" I read a year or so ago a book about a Christian group in Germany that lived in communities run on principles derived from the Beatitudes. The founder wrote quite a few books and pamphlets from the early 20th century on. They were hounded by the nazis and set up I think from memory in the UK and other places. I have tried to track down this man's name and the group name to share with you, but with my very horrible memory I can't even help myself find them haha. The reason I though you might be interested is that while they were Christians their focus was on these humanist values and the bio I read had very little emphasis on religion. If I manage go dig up anything I will send it to you.
ReplyDeleteAh yes Jenny. Perfectly describes the very best way to live. On a "religious note" I read a year or so ago a book about a Christian group in Germany that lived in communities run on principles derived from the Beatitudes. The founder wrote quite a few books and pamphlets from the early 20th century on. They were hounded by the nazis and set up I think from memory in the UK and other places. I have tried to track down this man's name and the group name to share with you, but with my very horrible memory I can't even help myself find them haha. The reason I though you might be interested is that while they were Christians their focus was on these humanist values and the bio I read had very little emphasis on religion. If I manage go dig up anything I will send it to you.
ReplyDeleteAwesome - I would love to learn about them! I'll see if I can find something.
Deletehttp://web.augsburg.edu/acfl/journals/2009%20docs/Emily_Feld,_The_Beat.pdf Is this is Dietrick Bonhoeffer.
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