I am all about the music, having listened and played for decades. I usually post #thoughtfuldailypost (@Wesphilbin waves the @thoughtfulposts flag) on Thursdays and have incorporated music for quite a while. So, why not switch it up and join the fun on #threetunetuesday as well?

To set the tone, a little Heaven & Hell to balance out 2 contrasting sources of wisdom.

Secular Humanism

Secular Humanism is a new term to me. I have looked no further than the surface but A comprehensive, nonreligious lifestance is an interesting concept!

What do we have? Non-religious, worldview-rooted, naturalistic, philosophical, humanist ethics. That certainly is a mouthful but you have my attention. I am not a huge fan of mysticism and doctrine but do value faith in certain context rather than as a blind submission. Reason, compassion and common sense seem to be in flux in certain circles and I have faith we will get through this for example.

Integrity, benevolence, fairness and responsibility I am all for. Wait, there is more? Reason, open marketplace of ideas, good will? Hell ya! Progress toward building a better world for this and future generations? Who doesn't want that? Maybe some of the power drunk and corrupt we have in charge. Might be a challenge but I digress.

A pretty fantastic concept in theory and we should all do our own research how to weave some of these essences into our spiritual mindset.

Is humanism more human than human?

Do Your Own Research

Leave it to me to start with Secular Humanism and follow it up with Michael Svigel who is Department Chair and Professor of Theological Studies, Interim Director of PhD Studies and Coordinator of the PhD Program at a private evangelical seminary. With an open mind, we can learn something from everyone.

I must admit I am annoyed when I see "Do your own research." It can mean anything from "I am too lazy to back my opinions up with facts but you need to" to "I learned something but won't teach it to you" to a condescending dismissal to a conversation. Good advice notwithstanding.

Now to think that that truly entails. Access to raw data, knowledge on how to properly research, ability to sort and evaluate evidence, fallacy identification prowess, and access to smart people. That sure seems like a tall order. Something to aspire to!

I would recommend simplifying this to basing your opinions on fact, questioning and challenging those facts consistently, and evolving stance with the wisdom you pick up along the way. Research is a muscle worth exercising.

I have reread this quote another few times and couldn't think of a tune to go along with it. So, here is some Deep Purple I am listening to while writing this!

So happy to be combining #threetunetuesday and #thoughtfuldailypost with some thoughtfulness and music. If being thoughtful is up your alley, you have the option to delegate to @thoughfulposts to increase the rewards for positivity.
@thoughtfulposts/thoughtfulposts-introduction-or-a-thoughtfuldailypost is the post that started it all way back in 2020!

Here's to introspection, discussion and MUSIC!