song for theme #10: Secular Humanism

“Rational World Dreaming” by Stephen P. Cook

to be sung to the tune of “California Dreaming” by John and Michelle Phillips / The Mamas and Papas

The God delusion’s¹ gone

It’s been swept away

Our childhood has ended²

With helpless yesterday

Life built on learning

In both work and play

Rational³ world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

No holy books and Church⁴

No God or need to pray⁵

With ethical⁶ caring

Love in new array

Life full of meaning

Put there our own way

Rational world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

Religion fueled hate

No longer on display

Faith based nonsense

Has no place today

Tolerance and sharing

Brotherhood⁷ please come stay

Rational world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

Take responsibility

For your life today

Help others where you can

You got dues to pay

With reason and caring

Let us find our way 

Rational world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

Rational world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

Rational world dreaming

Of this new brighter day

SONG—NOTES / COMMENTS

1—The God Delusion is the title of a book by biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins.  It is also referred to in the last verse of the

     song “Observe and Reason With Me”—the theme #5A song which in a way sets the stage for this song. The original songs that

     both theme songs are based on were performed by the same group: the Mamas and Papas.

2—Childhood’s End is the title of a book by science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke.

3—Rationalism is a philosophical orientation that links finding ultimate truth to employing reasoning.

4—Holy books: many monotheistic religions view theirs (the Bible, Qu’ran, etc) as being the word of God, if not literally, then certainly providing a lesson/message inspired by God.  Here is the potential source of intolerance where religious moralists find  inspiration—and sometimes intolerant rigidity. Church is capitalized symbolizing the 1500+ year reign of the Catholic Church. 

5—Prayer can be described as making a humble request of God—often preceded by praise, evidence of adoration, expression of

      gratitude, promises, etc—to annul the laws of the universe be on behalf of the one who utters the prayer. In general, praying is  

      initiating communication with God, a Deity, higher power, etc.

6—Ethical means related to ethics, the study of right and wrong in matters of conduct. 

7—Brotherhood refers to an idealized situation in which people treat each other in a highly considerate way as if they were

      members of the same family (brothers or sisters).  

Comment: While scientists and those guided by reason not faith often embrace this theme, others may do so in an attempt to cast off emotional baggage they carry based on bad experiences they associate with religion.