| Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers |
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| Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers |
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Without Burnt Offerings: Ceremonies of Humanism by Algernon D. Black, New York, The Viking Press, 1974 (231 pages, paperback).
Algernon Black (1900 - 1993), a long-time leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, described how as a young assistant in the society he began to realize that through ceremonies humanism could help people face difficulties and crises; offer creative and loving ways to celebrate life; nourish lives with dignity, honesty, and beauty; and help people live with greater meaning and courage - none of which need to be based on dogmatic theologies or religious and mystical myths. The result was this moving book with sections on naming, initiation, marriage, memorial services, and invocations. As Black wrote, the ceremonies are not, nor can they be, fixed and inflexible; each is shaped by particular people in unique situations. In his book, Black shared a number of his experiences and expressions, all of which were intended to help people "find ways of meeting the challenges of nature and the most difficult problems of the world of human relationships."
Each of the sections noted above begin with a brief introduction that includes a brief historical context. One of the most moving and personal meaningful to me was his statement on "three wishes at death" which are summarized here: (1) that those we love, our family and friends should understand what we lived for, our values and intentions, what we meant by our life at best, seeing our faults and mistakes with understanding and generosity; (2) that our lives have made a difference and that because of us the world might be a better place; and (3) that we would wish that those we love and whose lives are close, should not be confused, lost or depressed but rather have the courage to face the future with a clear sense of direction and concern for each other.
Two of the most moving memorials were for a person I did not know but wish I had and a person I knew quite well and proud that I did. I did not know Andrew Goodman, one of the three young civil rights workers who was killed in Mississippi in 1964 and whose service was held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. The other was Alice ("Nanny") Pollitzer who - among many other leadership roles - served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Encampment for Citizenship which I attended many years ago. "Nanny", as we all called her, lived to the age of 102. She was the "youngest" person I ever knew. Here, in part, is what Al Black quoted from "Nanny" in his memorial talk: "... And when she was 101 she said, You know something? Love can keep you alive, Love can keep you young, And it can go on forever."
Bob Bhaerman
May 7, 2009
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