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Secular Humanism. Wisdom And Instruction Lesson 2. What Is Secular Humanism?. Secular : Worldly, material—opposite of spiritual. Humanism : System of thought according to which human interests, values, and thought predominate. What Is Secular Humanism?.
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Secular Humanism Wisdom And Instruction Lesson 2
What Is Secular Humanism? • Secular: Worldly, material—opposite of spiritual. • Humanism: System of thought according to which human interests, values, and thought predominate.
What Is Secular Humanism? • “As nontheists, we begin with humans not God, nature not deity.” • “It holds that man alone is responsible for the realization of the world of his dreams, thus, holding that God has nothing whatsoever to do with it.” • In summary: humanism is the demotion of God and the glorification of man as supreme being in the creation.
The Effects of Humanism • As an organization: It is very bold, dogmatic, evangelistic. • As an influence: It permeates our society: TV, schools, legislation—even churches! • TV: Evolution (stated as fact), acceptance and glorification of immorality. • Schools: Evolution (taught as fact), approach to curriculum, eradication of mention of God. Quote from John Dunphy (pg. 5). • Legislation: Laws passed, not based on justice, but on personal agendas and what make people feel better.
The Effects of Humanism • Humanism in churches? • Bible classes: “Make it relevant” • God not relevant, therefore salvation not relevant. • Bible characters not relevant. • Only human interests relevant: how to feel better about self or make others feel better.
The Effects of Humanism • Humanism in churches? • Preaching: morality not an issue, therefore preachers job to help others feel better. • “Social gospel”: The result of humanism in the church—Care of physical, social interests rather than spiritual. • “We’ve closed our minds to such trivial considerations as the question of the resurrection of Christ” (a minister in Virginia). • “We’re interested in human life and destiny on earth…The function of a minister is to guide the thinking of people along social and economic lines. Morals, like religion, are out of date. The world today requires a new social order” (another minister).
How Affect Us? • Some through blatant attacks. • Mostly through subtle philosophies, gradually inching us away from God. • Positive vs. negative preaching. • Preach the Man, not the plan. • Make to feel good, not convict of sin. • Accepting, not legalistic. • Not mention God or Christ, may be offensive!
How Affect Us? Hebrews 5:14“…by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” • Up to Parents, elders, teachers, brethren to make selves, children, and others aware. • Must exercise senses by examining all things—being vigilant and watchful for the influences of such philosophies. • Turn thinking back to God, not human society (Eph. 4:17-24).
Overcoming Humanism • Though it is anti-religious, humanism is itself a religion. Why? • Must be accepted by faith. • Establishes its own moral standard. • Evangelistic in its cause. • Seeks devotion from those who believe in it. • Overcoming humanism first requires a decision on our part: “Will I put my faith in a religion that exalts man as God, or will I put my faith in the one true God who created all things?” • The evidence of God far outweigh the evidence of evolution.
Overcoming Humanism • When we acknowledge God as our creator, His word provides the means to overcome humanism. • John 17:17: God’s word is truth, not human opinion; It is constant and objective, not fickle and subjective. • Rom. 1:21-32: Modern humanists are not the first to “not like to retain god in their knowledge.” Learn from the mistakes of past generations who denied God. • Jer. 10:23: Constantly remember our need for God’s guidance. • 1 Cor. 3:19-21: No matter what men say, God’s wisdom is far greater than our own (Isa. 55:9).
