A friendly discussion between a Humanist and a Christian

Dean Brett and I have known each other for many years having numerous friends in common. We were aware that despite our mutual respect, we had some significant differences in views of the world, politically and religiously. Recently, we had breakfast together and talked about writing and publishing. One result was Dean starting a Substack, which he has used to explore and explain his perspective on different issues. A recent post is published below and it prompted me to respond. He agreed to publish my response on his Substack as well. I believe both Dean and I would be very interested in readers commenting and sharing their views on this discussion.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash. Where did it all come from, including us who contemplate these questions? This is at the heart of the discussion between a secular humanist and Christian.

A Humanist’s confession to his Christian friend.

Dean Brett

Jun 7

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I am a Humanist living in a Christian society.

When my Christian friends ask, “What is a Humanist?” I refer them to the website of the American Humanist Association whose motto is “Good without God,” although I prefer “Morality without the Mythology.”

When pressed, I explain by contrasting Humanist thought with the beliefs of Fundamentalist Christians — though many of my Christian friends no longer hold those fundamental beliefs. (I try to…