Secularism is often associated with a lack of respect for history and tradition. This is undoubtedly true in many cases, but to refrain from taking part in religion-based culture and embracing its identity is not always necessary. Secularism could in fact help people come to grips with their cultural identity. In my opinion, we don’t need God to appreciate tradition based on theism.

I just found an excellent example of this combination of secularism and respect for heritage. When browsing through some secular blogs I came across the website of the Society for Humanistic Judaism. I think they prove a superb example of reason coexisting with a culture and identity sprung from religious superstition.

The humanistic Jews define themselves as follows:

• A Jew is someone who identifies with the history, culture and future of the Jewish people.
• Jewish identity is best preserved in a free, pluralistic environment.
• Jewish history is a human saga, a testament to the significance of human power and human responsibility.
• Judaism is the historic culture of the Jewish people.
• We possess the power and responsibility to shape our own lives independent of supernatural authority.
• Ethics and morality should serve human needs.
• The freedom and dignity of the Jewish people must go hand in hand with the freedom and dignity of every human being.