(Originally written December 2, 2005 in Book 1)
Secular Humanism: Threat & Challenge
Robert E. Webber
1982
Chapter Three - What is Secular Humanism?
Many different types of secular humanism:
-Ethical humanism
-Existential humanism
-Scientific humanism
-Utilitarian humanism
-etc.
One of the most apparent characteristics of secular humanism is its evangelical approach to atheism.
In 1980, "A secular humanist declaration" was signed by 61 prominent scholars
Secular humanism insists on thought and knowledge being free of the shackles of ecclesiastical, religious, political, ideological or social constraints.
Religious institutions have been guilty of censoring thought, for example: Theodosius' declaration of Christianity as the only legal religion in the empire, the Medieval Papacy, the Inquisition, the Crusades, the Salem Witch Trials. Contemporary Christian Humanism however, advocates free thought.
"A secular humanist declaration" contains ten theses of secular humanism. Education, science and technology, evolution, moral education, religious skepticism, knowledge through reason, free inquiry, separation of church and state, freedom and critical intelligence.
Secular humanism intends to "tolerate diversity of opinion" and to "respect the rights of individuals to express their beliefs.
Truth is more likely to be produced in an area of exchanging opposing opinions in this worldview.
Secular humanism's hypocrisy is shown through groups like the ACLU advocating for free speech of the Nazi movement, but oppressing the religious right.
Secular humanists advocate for a complete withdrawal of religion from politics. They insist that if a certain religion is given primacy then minorities will suffer.
Secular humanism is completely against any form of totalitarianism.
Secular humanism rejects moral absolutes that come from God.
Ethics come from critical reason and existed before religion. A guide to discovering personal moral beliefs should be taught in public schools.
It is the duty of the government (public schools) to give people choices for morality. (Hypocrisy - this is a form of totalitarianism).
Reason is the ultimate means of knowing truth.
Science and technology offer salvation.
Evolution is the origin of man and the evolutionary process is not yet finished; however, it is not "an infallible principle of science". Creation cannot be taught because it is not a scientific fact. (Hypocrisy - Secular humanists admit that evolution is not "an infallible principle of science" yet it is taught as a scientific fact).
Evolution has not reached the final stage.
Education is essential for a free and humane society.
The church and Christianity are enemies of the people and progress.
Potential Dangers of Secular humanism:
1 Destructive, irresponsible freedom
2 Naïve Utopianism
3 Moral chaos
4 Loss of human dignity
Destructive and Irresponsible freedom
Secularist point of views promote a sick, narcissistic society concerned only with personal rights. There is no basis for caring for the welfare of other humans aside from altruism. It weakens society's sense of duty and obligation. Charity is done only to promote one's self.
Naïve utopianism may introduce totalitarianism. Secular humanism states if man were free of everything that binds or restrains him he would create the perfect society. This does not take in account for man's inborn evil nature.
Moral chaos
When man is free of any higher force (God) he must determine what is right and what is wrong. If man is the determiner of right and wrong then right and wrong become subjective and can change.
Loss of human dignity
In a secular humanist society man will only be worth his contributions to that society.
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