Deed Before Creed: Ethics and Non-Theism

Hugh Taft-Morales

Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society

What does it mean to commit to “deed before creed”? To Hugh Taft-Morales, it simply means that it is more important how you treat people than the reasons behind your actions. Treating people with compassion and respect matters more than the motivating philosophy. Whether you help someone as an expression of your existential values, or of your commitment to Ethical Humanism, or because you believe we are all “God’s children,” means little to those in desperate need. Non-theism–which sets aside theological debate–helps those who embrace Ethical Humanism focus on deed before creed.