Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change 34. Michael Bauer on Community Services Without Religion: Practical Humanism for a Secular Future
“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: Mubarak Bala arrives in Germany, Humanists International
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Music: Blossom by Light Prism