What's in a Name?
The Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan is significant in terms of the name. Although we do not fully embrace all the tenants of Humanism, it is one of many foundations that form our religious beliefs. Humanism is an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems. Alkebulan, the original name of the known African continent, means "Mother of Mankind" which indicates the beginning and original people of the Earth. Science has proven that modern humans originated on the African continent, so we are taking it back to the beginning. We recognize a need to embrace, educate, and empower the people of Alkebulan and their descendants, while embracing some of its many cultures and traditions that are in harmony with nature and natural order.
At some point in one's life, the question is asked, "why are we here?" or "what is our true purpose in life?". "Where do my religious beliefs come from?" We look to science and religion for those answers. When humanity began, we had religion. It was a way of explaining the unexplainable. The Bible for example, was a way to explain the occurrences of nature. Science then steps on the scene. Science comes along and explains and proves what could not be explained or proven in nature. But why do most people cling to religion over science? Religion still tries to explain why we are here, and what will happen after we are not here. Science gives truth and understanding, religion simply gives comfort. Most humans will choose comfort. The Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan seeks to achieve comfort through humanistic thought. Humanism stresses the importance of human values and dignity. It proposes that humans can resolve societal problems through science and reason. Rather than looking to "traditional" religious doctrines, humanism focuses on helping people live well, maximize personal growth, and making the world a better place.
What is Rational Thought?
Rational thought is described as thoughts based on reason and not emotions or superstition. Although some superstitions can be based on reason, the superseding thought is not.
How is this Institution Different?
The Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan promotes rational thought and accepts truth in the process of spiritual enlightenment. Science and truth are accepted over myths, superstitions, and unverified supernatural occurrences. God is the universe, we are part of the universe, as is all that exists within the known realm of the universe, including what is considered the spiritual realm. Our focus is to be one with the natural design and order of the universe. Truth and reason are the foundation of this institution, hence the name "Humanistic".
One of many examples of why this institution cannot adhere to Judeo-Christian beliefs is the mythology, inconsistency, and proven incorrectness and interpretation of the Bible. According to the Bible, "concerning the age of the Earth, the Bible's genealogical records combined with the Genesis 1 account of creation are used to estimate an age for the Earth and universe of about 6000 years, with a bit of uncertainty on the completeness of the genealogical records, allowing for a few thousand years more." https://www.letu.edu/academics/arts-and-sciences/files/age-of-earth.pdf
"Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old, plus or minus about 50 million years. Scientists have scoured the Earth searching for the oldest rocks to radiometrically date. In northwestern Canada, they discovered rocks about 4.03 billion years old." https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/resource-library-age-earth/#:~:text=Earth%20is%20estimated%20to%20be,about%204.03%20billion%20years%20old.
Take the story of Adam & Eve. The attempt to explain nature is evident in these Biblical accounts. God created man and then woman from his rib (help mate). Adam (man) & Eve (woman) were innocent until they ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge (sexual awakening). They knew nakedness and was cast out of paradise (self-awareness) and forced to bear the pains of childbirth, and difficulties of survival (adulthood). Clearly men and women begin in a utopia of their own innocent minds and ultimately become self-aware during human growth, which includes higher responsibility, survival, sex, relationship and child rearing. Human anatomy also tells us that men are not missing a rib. "Although many people might think that males have fewer ribs than females — most likely sparked by the biblical story of Adam and Eve — there is no factual evidence. Most people have the same number of ribs, regardless of their sex." How many ribs do humans have? Men, women, and anatomy (medicalnewstoday.com)
Although we mention just one, it is just one of many examples of why it may seem reasonable for a person to reject these ancient beliefs. Do we continue to blindly follow beliefs, or rituals that we know is not rational or disproven for the sake of comfort or fitting in? We leave that up to every individual. The Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan's doctrine promotes virtuous living. Tolerance is a virtue we embrace so we do not want to disparage, discount, or simply bash any religion because most have redeeming qualities and lessons, but truth and reason and seeking virtues of universal good are of the highest importance.
So why the Humanistic Temple of Alkebulan? To receive and provide comfort, understanding, and inspiration, guidance to lead a virtuous life, maximize one's fullest human potential, explore one's own purpose and that of humanity, and be spiritually enlightened while being one with the universe is the mission of this institution. Being one with the universe also requires a respect for nature and natural design. Exercise the virtue of patience and join us on our journey of love, learning, understanding, and righteousness. If this is your calling, then this institution may be right for you.