Sir, - I was interested to read Dick Spicer's article on humanist philosophy apropros rites of passage (July 15th) in which he outlined humanist alternatives to religious rites surrounding the key moments of birth, marriage and death. One was left with the impression that while humanism does away with religion, it is still very attached to the practice of rites and ceremonies central to which is the use of symbols.
An instance was the use of candles. In Christian ceremonies candles symbolise a range of things - the light of Christ, the flame of the Spirit, the light of faith, etc. In a humanist ceremony they are "symbols of the light and energy which lie at the heart of matter and the universe". But why should this be significant? The religious answer is obvious. Take away the religious connection and it seems we are left with "the spiritual dimension of humanity" and nothing more. What we are also left with, as the writer confirms, is "the basic need to celebrate" in the case of joyful occasions, and the need for "comfort to the bereaved" in occasions of grief.
Freud tried to discredit religions by claiming that it was an illusion designed to provide comfort and security in our alien world. Humanists, I fear, will have to face the same challenge that Freud laid at the door of religion, but in their case without the metaphysic. On the positive side, humanism has a contribution to make to the wider society by making people more aware of the social and moral - if not spiritual - significance of the key rites of passage which it appears we all want to celebrate in one way or another. - Yours, etc.,
P. J. Clarke,
Bohola Village, Co Mayo.