Humanity in Our Day
The word “humanity” has several overlapping meanings. It is about belonging and identity – we are all part of one human race with a common human nature. It also speaks of the compassion with which we respond to those in need. And often the “humanity” of our response depends on seeing others as fully human.
People of different faiths building deep friendships Photo: courtesy of Edinburgh Interfaith Association
In the West, the roots of this “humanism” lie in the Judeo-Christian tradition with its conviction that every person is sacred, made in the image of God. This insight has informed much secular morality and contributed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, leading to much positive change. In many societies, women are moving nearer having fully equal rights; LGBT+ people are finding far greater freedom to be themselves and to love the people they love; people with physical or intellectual disabilities are finding greater acceptance and inclusion, and their achievements properly celebrated. Real progress has been made, yet there is still such a long way to go.
Celebrating all sexualities and gender identities
The struggles of the past remain. In wars, enemies are still dehumanised, legitimising the mass killing of civilians. Adomnan, one of Columba's successors, would surely be profoundly disappointed that the "Law of the Innocents" which he wrote is needed today more than ever. Columba himself would grieve for the estimated 40 million people trapped in modern slavery in our world, a figure that testifies to the brutality of the profit motive once people are seen merely as a means to an end. LGBT+ people are still subject to abuse and violent intimidation. Women around the world - half of humanity - are still subject to a vast amount of exploitation, violence and murder. While in the USA women's reproductive rights are being denied in many states. Britain, too, has seen a rolling back on human rights, such as the right to protest. Asylum seekers, in desperate need, are dehumanised, treated as criminals, or shut out by a hostile bureaucracy. Nationalistic, racial or religious tribalism undermines, or blatantly denies, the full humanity of outsiders. Anyone who is seen as different can be treated as “other” and victimised.
The Holy Family as refugees: a crib in front of St Columba's church Photo: David Paton-Williams
“Othering” has also affected humanity’s relationship with the rest of nature. We have seen our specialness as separating us from other creatures, justifying exploiting them as merely a means to an end. The solution to this, given the continuing struggle of many people for dignity and freedom, lies not in diminishing our understanding of human value. Rather it involves rediscovering the sacredness of all things and all people, and recalling our essential connection to them.
How we understand what it means to be human may be more important today than ever.
Here are some thoughts on what Journey means to us at St Columba's.
Exploring Further
You will have your own ideas - here are some of our recommendations
EXTERNAL LINKS
Amnesty International - Nobel Peace Prize winning organisation, exposing abuses of power and mobilising the public to create a safer, more just world.
Edinburgh Interfaith Association - Promoting religious and cultural harmony and diversity in Edinburgh by bringing peoples of all faiths together.
Pride Edinburgh - Scotland’s longest running annual celebration of the LGBTQI+ community.
Transform Trade Exchange - Challenging the way global trade works and using the power of trade to create lasting solutions to poverty.
FILM & TV
Hidden Figures - (2016) The story of the team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
Marvellous - (2014) A joyous, life-affirming BBC film about a man with learning difficulties, who shrugs off what others perceive as limitations to live an incredible life. Video Link
BOOKS
Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul by John Philip Newell (2021) Exploring how wisdom from the Celtic Christian tradition, broadly understood, can help reconnect us with ourselves and nature.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri (2019) A Syrian family taking the refugee trail to Europe and finding new connections.
One Word of Truth by Alexander Solzhenitsyn; the Nobel Speech on Literature 1970.