Last month we lost a national treasure. Bill Oddie was loved by many and enhanced countless lives. He was a comedian, TV presenter and naturalist. He raised awareness of mental health issues and campaigned on the environment and animal welfare. But it may come as news to you that he also identified as a Humanist.
Speaking about plans for his funeral, Bill told the Daily Mail: ‘I’m an atheist, so I will have a Humanist funeral. I want to come in to Nothing Compares 2 U by Prince and disappear to Cocktails for Two by Spike Jones. My ashes can be scattered on Hampstead Heath. I love it there.’
Many are oblivious to the prevalence and impact of Humanists – that is people with no religious belief who try to live by decent values. Lack of awareness is hardly surprising. Humanists don’t wear special clothing and there is no Humanist equivalent of a church, temple, mosque or synagogue sign-posting presence in the community. In fact, many people only come across Humanism in relation to a funeral. It’s one occasion when a person’s beliefs are key and will be expressed publicly.
For many years my group has had a stall promoting awareness of Humanism at the popular Wanstead Festival on Christchurch Green, held this year on Sunday 13 September. The stall features two light-hearted quizzes: ‘Are you a Humanist?’ and ‘Guess the Humanist.’
The former helps people assess where they are on the religiosity/humanism spectrum. It comes as a revelation to many that the word ‘Humanist’ better describes their positive outlook, rather than just ‘atheist,’ which simply describes what they don’t believe.
The images of Humanists in the second quiz can also surprise and enlighten: Brahms, George Clooney, Whoopee Goldberg, and Marie Curie, to pick some random diverse examples.
Redbridge is among the most religious Boroughs in the country. Even here, the non-religious comprise the third largest belief group after Christians and Muslims (Census 2021). As a new school year dawns, it’s as important as ever to ensure students are taught about Humanism, now part of the Borough’s agreed RE curriculum, not least to promote social cohesion and understanding of shared values.
Bill Oddie will above all be remembered for spreading kindness, joy and appreciation for the natural world. That is a legacy we can all aspire to, whether we are religious or not.
Paul Kaufman
Chairperson East London Humanists
