Such an approach cannot begin to discuss what it means to be a person. What they do not seem to have noticed is that physicists have lost enthusiasm for the claim that ultimate reality is material. Or it may be argued that evolution follows an ever-rising curve which affirms present human achievement and guarantees the brightest of futures. It is unable to do justice to all that it means to be human. Nor is there justification for a belief in inevitable progress.
Ultimate pessimism is no better as a faith stance.
We are reinforced in our conviction that science in itself does not provide a basis for answering ultimate questions. Humanism puts humanity at the centre of reality. Secular humanism remains trapped in collective self-centredness. For us this is a vital distinction. Nevertheless we sympathize with much that humanism stands for.