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34. Michael Bauer on Community Services Without Religion: Practical Humanism for a Secular Future
Manage episode 486232798 series 3511126
“The highest value, the most precious value we have is not peace—it’s freedom.” — Michael Bauer
This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom.
From ceremony to solidarity, Bauer shows how organised humanism is more than a philosophy—it’s a movement of services, institutions, and action. Discover how practical humanism is creating a visible, inclusive, and values-driven future.
We discuss:
- How the Humanist Association of Germany began in the 1848 and how it survived twice being banned
- The importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communities
- How humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural belief
- Why inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyone
- The Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safety
- The need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting change
- A powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisis
About Michael Bauer
📰 Interview with In-sight Publishing
Connect with Humanistische Vereinigung
🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de
📷 @humanistischevereinigung
🐦 @HV_Presse
🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigung
References:
- Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische Vereinigung
- Cause for celebration: M
Support us on Patreon
Advertising opportunities
Click here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics.
Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod
This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.
Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes.
Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or [email protected]
Chapters
1. Introduction to Michael Bauer (00:00:00)
2. Humanistische Vereinigung's Legacy of Survival Since 1848 (00:02:55)
3. Professional Humanist Services in Practice (00:06:44)
4. Reception of Secular Services from Religious Users (00:10:53)
5. Defending the Right to Provide Community Services (00:13:22)
6. Protecting and Providing Shelter for Humanists at Risk (00:15:37)
7. Political Approach to Humanist Change (00:23:44)
8. Changing Minds on Defending Freedom (00:29:19)
36 episodes
Manage episode 486232798 series 3511126
“The highest value, the most precious value we have is not peace—it’s freedom.” — Michael Bauer
This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom.
From ceremony to solidarity, Bauer shows how organised humanism is more than a philosophy—it’s a movement of services, institutions, and action. Discover how practical humanism is creating a visible, inclusive, and values-driven future.
We discuss:
- How the Humanist Association of Germany began in the 1848 and how it survived twice being banned
- The importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communities
- How humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural belief
- Why inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyone
- The Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safety
- The need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting change
- A powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisis
About Michael Bauer
📰 Interview with In-sight Publishing
Connect with Humanistische Vereinigung
🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de
📷 @humanistischevereinigung
🐦 @HV_Presse
🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigung
References:
- Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische Vereinigung
- Cause for celebration: M
Support us on Patreon
Advertising opportunities
Click here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics.
Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod
This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.
Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes.
Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or [email protected]
Chapters
1. Introduction to Michael Bauer (00:00:00)
2. Humanistische Vereinigung's Legacy of Survival Since 1848 (00:02:55)
3. Professional Humanist Services in Practice (00:06:44)
4. Reception of Secular Services from Religious Users (00:10:53)
5. Defending the Right to Provide Community Services (00:13:22)
6. Protecting and Providing Shelter for Humanists at Risk (00:15:37)
7. Political Approach to Humanist Change (00:23:44)
8. Changing Minds on Defending Freedom (00:29:19)
36 episodes
All episodes
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