I am in my twenties and my name is Ezinne Deborah Oti. Though I detest being addressed as Deborah because the name feels like one emanating from one of the most popular folktales of all time.
Here is my reflection on the journey so far, and how I became a humanist.
Growing up in a devout Christian home in a religious society, I always felt a sense of unease when faced with unquestioning acceptance of certain beliefs. While I respected the community and traditions, a nagging curiosity about the world around me pushed me to seek answers beyond the confines of dogma.
This yearning for understanding eventually led me down the path towards humanism, a philosophy that embraced reason, empathy, and the inherent value of human life, all without relying on supernatural entities.
The Seeds of Doubt
My journey began with a growing skepticism about certain religious narratives, particularly when confronted with scientific explanations that seemed to contradict them. As I delved into philosophy and critical thinking, the idea of a divine being controlling our fate became increasingly difficult to reconcile with my observations of the world.
It was during this period that I first encountered the concept of secular humanism, which presented a framework for morality and ethics grounded in human experience and reason, rather than divine authority.
The Appeal of Human Potential
What truly resonated with me about humanism was its unwavering belief in the potential of humanity. It emphasized our capacity to create a better world through compassion, social justice, and active engagement with the issues that affect our communities.
This perspective offered a sense of agency and responsibility that I had been searching for, replacing passive acceptance with proactive action.
Finding Community
As I explored humanist ideals further, I discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who shared my values and were actively working to improve the lives of others.
Joining local humanist organizations allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds who were united by their shared commitment to reason, ethics, and social progress.
Such associations include Secular Advocacy Forum with a Media Advocacy TV, Secular Advocacy TV which I was the founding Manager. Having worked as an ad-hoc presenter at Humanist TV Africa, I met beautiful minds and more.
The Humanist Ethic
The core principles of humanism, such as empathy, critical thinking, and respect for individual autonomy, became the guiding lights in my decision-making process. I found it empowering to base my moral compass on what I considered to be the intrinsic worth of every human being, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a humanist was not a sudden conversion, but rather a gradual evolution of my worldview, fuelled by a desire for intellectual honesty and a deep-seated belief in the power of human compassion. It provided me with a meaningful framework to navigate life challenges, offering a sense of purpose rooted in the betterment of humanity, here and now.
By Ezinne Deborah Oti