Humanism is typically not considered a religion. It is seen as a philosophical or ethical outlook – emphasising morality, human dignity, reason and the value and agency of human beings both individually and collectively.
Humanism normally rejects religious doctrines, supernatural beliefs, and dogmatic authority, focusing instead on rational thought, scientific inquiry, empathy, and secular ethics as guides to improving human life and happiness.
However, there are some distinctions:
Secular Humanism – is how it is most often understood – is explicitly non-religious, emphasising reason, science, secular morality and the separation of church and state. Considered a non-religious philosophy or worldview.
Religious Humanism – incorporates humanist ethical values and principles into religious structures or communities, sometimes including ritual or communal practices. Examples include Humanistic Judaism, some Unitarian Universalist congregations and Ethical Culture societies. But even here any beliefs in supernatural elements tend to be minimal / symbolic with greater emphasis on ethics and community instead of traditional religious doctrines.
From a ‘legal’ perspective sometimes humanism is recognised as a religion for legal purposes (such as First Amendment protections) to help ensure equal rights and protections under the law.
What's Humanism? 