Not the OP, but earlier, ChatGPT did offer a not-terrible interpretation of secular humanism:
ChatGPT cover letter for secular humanism
Dear Friend,
I’m writing from the perspective of Secular Humanism – essentially “no particular deity,” but a belief in human values, reason, and compassion as our guiding light. This might seem unorthodox in a list of “gods,” but since you asked for worldviews applying to be your guiding faith, I humbly present the Humanist worldview for your consideration. Think of this as a cover letter from your friendly neighborhood skeptic, highlighting how I can enrich your life ethically and meaningfully, without invoking a specific god.Who we are: Secular humanists don’t follow a supernatural god; instead, we place faith in humanity – in our shared capacity for reason, empathy, and ethics. As one modern Humanist Manifesto puts it, “Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment aspiring to the greater good of humanity.” americanhumanist.org. In simpler terms, we strive to be good without a god, guided by conscience and common humanity.
Key Beliefs/Values we offer: (grounded in well-regarded sources like Humanist manifestos and ethical philosophy)
- Ethical Living by Reason and Empathy: We believe moral values are not handed down by a deity on stone tablets, but arise from human needs and relationships. We ask, what promotes well-being, alleviates suffering, and respects the dignity of each person? The answer forms our ethics. “Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience,” say humanist principlesamericanhumanist.org. For example, nearly every religion teaches some form of the Golden Rule – humanists embrace that too, but attribute it to our empathic nature rather than divine command. In practice, you’d still love your neighbor and care for the vulnerable (which aligns with your chaplaincy), but as a fulfillment of human compassion.
- Human Dignity and Social Justice: Secular humanism strongly values human rights, equality, and justice. Because we see all people as fundamentally equal (there’s no “chosen” vs “infidel” – no religious in-group vs out-group), we champion causes like racial equality, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and freedom of thought. For instance, humanist organizations often work in interfaith coalitions for social good, even without a theology. We share your commitment as a chaplain to meet each person as inherently valuable. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights – largely a secular document – reflects humanist ideals that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
- Truth through Reason and Science: We hold that truth about our world comes from rational inquiry and evidence, not from sacred texts. “Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis… science is the best method for determining this knowledge.” americanhumanist.org. As a result, a secular worldview might appeal to you if you value critical thinking. We are not anti-spiritual – many humanists find awe in nature and the cosmos – but we seek natural explanations first. For example, where religions might pray for a cure, a humanist also trusts medical science and human ingenuity as the answer to that prayer (often, religious people do both!).
- Finding Meaning in Life Here and Now: One major difference is regarding the afterlife. Secular humanists generally believe this life is likely the only one we have – no heaven or hell shaping our choices. Instead of this being bleak, we see it as empowering: if life is finite, it’s all the more precious. We strive to “live life well and fully,” to, as the saying goes, “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly,” because it makes life better for everyone nowbiblehub.com. We create meaning through relationships, art, knowledge, love – all the things that make life worth living. As one humanist line states, “we find wonder and awe in the joys and beauties of human existence… and even in the finality of death.” americanhumanist.org Rather than focusing on pleasing a deity, we focus on leaving the world better for the next generation (which, interestingly, aligns with many of Jesus’ moral teachings, minus the theological framing).
Differences from an Abrahamic faith: I want to be upfront about how choosing a secular humanist path differs from what you know. First, authority: there is no scripture or church hierarchy telling you what to believe. Your moral and existential decisions rely on personal conscience and dialogue with others, guided by empathy and reason. For some, that freedom is exhilarating; for others, it can feel like a lot of responsibility. As a chaplain used to scriptural wisdom, you might miss explicit references to God – but note that many humanist values were historically seeded by religious ethics (e.g. Christian love, Buddhist compassion) and simply framed in a universal, non-theistic way. Second, community and rituals: Humanism is more a philosophy than a congregation, though there are communities (like Ethical Societies or Sunday Assemblies) where like-minded people gather for fellowship and service. You might not have hymns or sacraments, but you can certainly have meaningful ceremonies (humanist chaplains officiate weddings, funerals, etc., focusing on human themes). Third, solace and hope: Without belief in divine intervention, comfort is drawn from human connection. When facing tragedy, a humanist leans on loved ones, therapy, perhaps art and literature – rather than prayer for miracles. Yet, many find profound comfort in the idea that we carry each other through hardships, which resonates with the chaplaincy model of presence.
In closing, Secular Humanism asks: If you removed religious doctrine, would you still be a good person? We believe yes – you can live a deeply moral, purposeful life guided by conscience and a desire to do good for its own sake. In fact, our “creed” could be summed up by Micah 6:8 (interestingly, a Bible verse embraced even in secular ethics): do what is just, show constant love, and live humbly biblehub.com. We just do these things because we’re human, not because a divine authority commands it. If you choose this path, you’ll join great thinkers (from Socrates to Carl Sagan) and humanitarians who, religious or not, advanced compassion and knowledge. I will support you by encouraging constant questioning, learning, and human solidarity. As the Humanist Manifesto reminds us, “the responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.” americanhumanist.org This is both a heavy responsibility and a great liberation.
Thank you for considering a secular worldview. Even as a devout Christian, you’ve shown openness to understanding others. Whether or not you “hire” me as your guiding outlook, I suspect you’ll continue championing the shared values of love, honesty, and justice that both religions and humanists treasure.
Sincerely,
A Fellow Human (Secular Humanist worldview)
References: Humanist Manifesto III excerptamericanhumanist.org; Ethical guidelines from Micah 6:8 upheld in secular ethicsbiblehub.com.
(edit: sorry for the citation formatting… that’s my fault)