A Humanist creation story
Who are we? Where did we come from?
Once upon a time the world was empty of humans; the seas were full of fish and the land was populated with many kinds of life. Gradually the world has been filling up with people and now the seas are warming, the land and air are polluted, and many creatures are facing extinction. Human achievements have, indeed, been transformative, but human beings do not appear much different from the days when Paleolithic artists painted their first pictures in a cave. Will nations fight to the last fish, the last tree, the last piece of earth, or can common global problems become the starting point of learning to share and care for what remains?
All humans originally came from Africa, so we are all related through common ancestors. Most of the genes that govern our physiology are shared with our primate cousins; bonobos and chimpanzees. Much human behaviour is squarely based on this primate ancestry so it certainly isn’t evil as some people suggest. It is the foundation on which human civilization has been built.
After some millions of years these early ancestors wanted to know who or what possessed the awesome powers of storms and floods that affected them so acutely. A heightened sense of self-consciousness was dawning; they were becoming aware of their own mortality. They needed answers to the troubling questions of birth, death and a possible afterlife. Could it be that the spirits of the earth were angry with them? Were their dead ancestors still alive, but unseen? Did the deceased continue to hold grudges, or cry out for revenge? In the absence of better knowledge they made up plausible answers.
For thousands of years, throughout nearly all of human existence, humans have been dominated by cultures of superstition and fear. If someone died unexpectedly some kind of magical influence was suspected. Rituals were developed to keep evil forces at bay, to bring rain, or provide more abundant game.
Tribes expected their leaders to use secret spells or prayers to assure prosperity. And certain places, deemed sacred, were set aside where ancestors could be worshipped and relatives safely buried. Sacrifices were seen as essential, either to gain favour with the gods, or to avoid their anger. Special food was laid out for the spirits to share.
In their huts and meeting places shamans and charismatic leaders mesmerized the population with imaginative stories, doubtless in much the same way as parents sometimes mesmerize their children. And who could dispute the truth of events that happened in the time of the ancestors?
Thoughts about magic and religion are still buried deep in folk traditions the world over. Because they have such a long human history many such beliefs remain potent. Ancient signs still exert their magic, not only in temples, mosques and sacred buildings, but also as symbols of national or political identity. Since each religion upholds a somewhat different idea of truth, individuals continue to argue over ways to worship and which is the real God. Others question whether God even exists.
This is the point where science and religion diverge. As with many disputes, the same phenomena can be seen from various viewpoints. Since conflicting beliefs continue, it is easy to understand the plight of our ancestors as they quarrelled and fought over each other’s views and customs. It is easy to believe that a particular God intervenes in human affairs like a divine parent, and most people can probably think of examples.
But whether one believes the universe is governed by God, or by some kind of magic, a more direct question is are the gods or supernatural forces influenced by human actions? Do they care what any of us do? Do prayers work? Are sacrifices effective? Are the symbols men die for any more substantial than illusions?
How do we know the real cause of what we call “acts of God?” Are they divine interventions, examples of magic, or the random effect of humans acting upon themselves? Do religions give us support, or do they divide us by providing elements of conflict?
We still don’t know for certain, but before the advent of experimental science, sacred opinions held sway for millennia and could not be effectively disputed or challenged.
This is an abbreviated extract from Ray Cunnington’s book “Towards Less Adversarial Cultures.”