farnham HUMANISTS

Dr D Savage, 37 Frensham Vale, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3HS. Tel 01252 794021

david.savage44@btinternet.com www.farnham-humanists.org.uk

15 June 2007

Farnham Herald

Dear Sir/Madam,

Would you please be kind enough to publish the following letter?

‘Reverend Williams writes that many of society’s troubles and ‘moral meltdown’ are caused by a lack of religious/Christian belief. May I offer a more constructive view?

For several millennia, and predating Christianity, there has been a very consistent view of our common human morality:

"He should treat all beings as he himself should be treated. The essence of right conduct is not to injure anyone." (JAINISM, about 550 BCE)
"Do not do to others what you would not like for yourself." (CONFUCIANISM, about 500 BCE)
"I will act towards others exactly as I would act towards myself." (BUDDHISM, about 500 BCE)

All the above are non-theistic life stances. However, this morality was subsequently adopted by most modern religions; it is shared and valued across, cultures, peoples and beliefs. Millions of religious and non-religious people are trying to live according to this morality.

Sadly, history and our world today show that sometimes peoples will put nationalism, race, political doctrine and religious dogma before our common human morality. This has resulted in German Nazism, Stalinist atrocities, religious wars and terrible sectarian conflict. Even today, it is too easy to inflict harm on our fellow human beings in the name of country, politics or God. I am sure that Rev Williams will join me in condemning all such actions.

Similarly I share Rev Williams’ concerns about the stability of families and about children’s welfare. Whilst the view that, if Christian, parents will not divorce and children will not suffer mental health problems does not accord with reality, I think we all have a wish to build a society more at ease with itself.

Rather than focus on differences I would like to build on common values, our common human morality, ‘to treat other people as you'd want to be treated in their situation; don't do things you wouldn't want to have done to you (British Humanist Association, 1999 CE)’. I would like to invite the Rev Williams and other local religious organisations to contact me with a view to forming a group to help promote our shared values.

David Savage

Farnham Humanists www.farnham-humanists.org.uk