Institute Provides Online Education for Growing Non-religious Population

The Institute for Humanist Studies is the first education provider to market online courses to the approximately 30 million nonreligious people in America. "Search the Web for online religion courses, you'll find more than 100," said Matt Cherry, executive director of the Institute for Humanist Studies. "Now search for online humanist courses...up until now, there weren't any. COHE fills the growing need for non-religious, rational online education."

Albany, NY (PRWEB) January 13, 2005 -- There are 30 million non-religious adults in America. The Institute for Humanist Studies is the first education provider to market online courses to this rapidly growing population. This summer the Institute for Humanist Studies launched the Continuum of Humanist Education (COHE), the world's first online, interactive humanist educational program.

"Search the Web for online religion courses, you'll find more than 100," said Matt Cherry, executive director of the Institute for Humanist Studies. "Now search for online humanist courses...up until now, there weren't any. COHE fills the growing need for non-religious, rational online education."

The Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) is an Albany-based think that specializes in pioneering new technology and methods for the advancement of humanism. The philosophy of humanism maintains that science and reason are the best means to promote human welfare. Humanists accept that people can live ethical, moral, happy and well-adjusted lives free from religious or supernatural convictions.

COHE strives to explore and advance humanist thought in fresh and stimulating ways. Interactive exercises, student-controlled glossary options, and a community bulletin board are just a few of the tools COHE students use to enhance their humanist learning. All courses contain quizzes, essay assignments, critical thinking exercises and field problems.

All introductory COHE courses, like the Introduction to Humanism, are free and accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. Higher level courses are $10 and $25.

Initial courses include:
·Evolution, Creationism and the Nature of Science, by Dr. Massimo Pigliucci
·Psychology and Humanism: Understanding Ourselves and Our Universe, by Dr. Reid Johnson
·Religion and the Constitution, by Dr. Timothy Gordinier
·Developing Human Potential without Religion, by Dr. Jeaneane Fowler
·Sacred vs Secular Ethics, by Lewis Vaughn

"COHE reflects the Institute's commitment, as an innovative nonprofit, to remove as many barriers as possible from the advancement of humanism," Cherry said.

To explore COHE simply go to www.humanisteducation.com.

Not for publication: Journalists contact Duncan Crary for a press pass that will grant you full free access to COHE.

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