(Originally written December 1, 2005 in Book 1)
Secular Humanism: Threat & Challenge
Robert E. Webber
1982
Chapter 1 - Introduction
America changed in the 1960's & 1970's. According to Jerry Falwell, "Secular humanism has become the religion of America".
History used to be divided into two eras, the pre-Christian era and the Christian era. Now we are entering a third era: the post-Christian era. (C.S. Lewis). The post-Christian era has brought about a change in society. Those in favor of this change see it as abandoning religion, which is false, for science, which is true.
Even Christians have changed. They now separate the secular and sacred aspects of life. Prayer and church no longer have a place in the public persona of Christians.
This book is about the recovery of an authentic Christian humanism.
Secularization has driven a wedge between religious faith and our life in the world. Secular humanism is a potent force in American society. The extreme religious right does not have the answers. The extreme religious left does not have the answers. The alternative to the religious right and left is the recovery of authentic Christian humanism.
Chapter 2 - What is Humanism?
"Humanism challenges every principle America was founded on" - Jerry Falwell
Humanism is defined as a reference to man and man's importance. Humanism is interested in what man is capable of creating, especially by using his mind.
Education is important to humanism.
Humanism came from the Greco-Roman world and the Judaic-Christian world.
Protagoras (500 BC) wrote, "man is the measure of all things". He was the first humanist.
Biblical humanism comes from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs.
The difference between Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian humanism is that the first is naturalistic and the latter is supernatural. Christian humanism asserts that God became human and understands what humanity faces. It also makes God knowable.
Human life is sacred because man is created in the image of God and because God became human.
The Incarnation affirmed that moral absolutes were real. This is contrary to the pagan or secular belief that morals are relative.
Christian humanism has been perverted over the years (the Inquisition, the Crusades and Theodosius' decree of Christianity as the only legal religion are examples of this).
The rediscovery of Greco-Roman humanism in the Renaissance period paved the way for today's secular humanism. That humanism denies anything that is supernatural. That humanism sees religion as an obstacle blocking growth as a species. That humanism sees religion as imposing beliefs upon individuals, denying them the opportunity to live by personal convictions.
Humanism does not wish to negate all morality however. Because their view lacks an ultimate God or an ultimate good. they have no common way of measuring good or evil.
Humanism acquires its values from experience, observation and rationalization only. Humanism seeks to individualize all beliefs and values.
Christian humanism contrasts secular humanism in four ways:
-Confidence in God, in Christ
-A supernatural worldview
-The power of Christ through the Church
-Incarnational humanitarianism
Christ is the model human for Christian humanism. Christ came as a man due to the dehumanizing of men.
Christian humanism seeks to stop the dehumanizing effects of secular humanism and restore the intended nature of man in society. Christian humanism recognizes the battle between good and evil, light and darkness and between God and Satan.
In death, Christ destroyed the power of evil. In resurrection, Christ demonstrated his power to recreate in his new body.
A Christian humanist explains the evils that still exists today in two ways:
-Christ's work will only be completed when He comes again
-The Church is the presence of the future world to come
Christian humanism is rooted in God's love for humanity
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