Why I choose Humanism Over Faith - Leo Igwe

by Dwede James

When I reflect on the talk presented by Leo Igwe, these three points below stand out most clearly.

Three Key Points from the Speaker

1. Human dignity grounded in shared humanity, not supernatural sanction
 The speaker argued that every person has worth and dignity simply by virtue of being human, not because a divine being endowed them with it. In other words, we don’t have to be “God’s favorites” or “saved” to be valuable. That moral equality is inherent, and it demands respect and rights.

2. The need for moral courage to question religious or cultural certainties
 A second strong point was a challenge to question inherited beliefs, traditions, and doctrines even those deeply embedded in society. The speaker encouraged people not to remain quiet out of fear, but to probe, critique, and demand clarity, especially when those beliefs justify injustice or silence suffering.

3. Building communities of secular meaning, solidarity, and justice
 The third point was that humanism is not a solitary project. The speaker insisted that we must construct networks, institutions, and social action grounded in compassion, rationality, and justice. Humanist life requires community spaces where dissent, support, growth, and service happen together.

My Feelings, Thoughts, and Responses

Hearing these ideas, I felt a surge of affirmation. In Liberia, religious belief is woven into every facet of life morality, identity, politics. To hear someone claim that dignity is not a reward from God but a basic human condition feels liberating. It asserts that even those excluded by organized faith have value.

The call to moral courage resonates deeply. Many people in my society fear questioning religious or cultural norms because of social backlash, ostracism, or worse. Yet the speaker’s insistence that silence may become complicity moved me. I feel challenged to speak, to ask, to push boundaries in respectful but honest ways.

I also love the vision of building secular communities of care. I do not want humanism to be just critique or rejection, but construction. The idea that we must build institutions, rituals, gatherings, service projects these give flesh to humanist ideals. Otherwise, humanism becomes an abstract philosophy disconnected from people’s lived struggles.

Still, I hold reservations and caveats. First, claiming universal dignity without appealing to God may not be persuasive in many parts of Liberia now, especially to those steeped in religious language. Many people will ask, “On what basis do you say that?” So I worry whether the speaker’s moral foundation is strong enough in societies that deeply value religious authority. A humanist message must find ways to speak in the moral languages people already understand, then gradually shift them.

Second, moral courage is noble, but the costs are real. I have seen people punished—socially, economically, even physically for questioning powerful religious figures. The speaker’s call may understate how dangerous it can be. To move forward, questioners must find allies, protection, and patience not act rashly.

Third, building secular communities is necessary, but difficult. Where do you start? In a country with weak public institutions, scarce resources, and strong religious networks, creating alternative centers (for dialogue, service, ritual) is a huge challenge. The speaker’s vision is inspiring, but I’d like more practical pathways how to start small, survive opposition, sustain motivation.

Do I Agree? Why or Why Not

In sum, I agree strongly with the spirit and intent of the speaker. I accept that dignity is human, not conditional; that we must have the courage to question; and that humanism must build, not just critique. These are principles I want to live by.

However, I disagree with any version that underestimates risk, naively dismisses religious belief entirely, or imagines ideas alone can transform societies. I assert that humanism in Liberia must be humble, relational, incremental, and contextually sensitive. We must listen to religious people, find common moral ground where possible, and work patiently to shift culture while building new spaces of possibility.

As Dwede James, I feel energized but aware of the uphill path. The video gives me a clearer sense of direction: affirm human dignity without arrogance, speak truth with courage but care, and begin crafting communities of meaning even in tough places. My task is to bring those ideals down to earth in neighborhoods, schools, conversations and to do the hard work of humanism in Liberia, not just in thought but in committed, often difficult action.