Atheism - Humanism

I didn't find enough on how atheists and the environment are connected so I am going to talk about humanism and the environment. This is a segway blog entry to tell you about the similarities and differences between atheism and humanism.

Here are the definitions straight out of the American Heritage Dictionary:

Atheism:
* Disbelief or denial of the exsistence of God or gods.
* The doctrine that there is no God or gods.

Humanism:
* A system of thought that rejects religious beliefs and centers on humans and their values, capacities and worth.
* Concern with the interests, needs, and welfare of humans.
* In medicine: The concept that concern for human interests, values, and dignity is of the utmost importance to the care of the sick.
* The study of the humanities; learning in the liberal arts.
* A cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance and study of the literature, art, and that emphasized secular concerns as a result of the rediscovery and study of the literature, art, and civilization of ancient Greece and Rome.civilization of ancient Greece and Rome.

HOW THEY ARE ALIKE:
*Neither atheism nor humanism focus on the existence of God or gods. (Eventhough some humanists do believe in God).
*Both believe in the capability of humans to choose how to live their lives. (As opposed to religions such as Christianity and Islam, which believe in surrendering and obeying God or Allah).

HOW THEY ARE DIFFERENT:
I found a paraphrase in Elaine Friedman's "Debate: Atheist vs. Humanist" article that puts it simply. On The Institute For Humanist Studies Web site Friedman sums up humanist Edd Doerr's thoughts:

HUMANISTS believe in science, reason and compassion.
ATHEISTS do not believe in a diety.