Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/83

Contributor - Nellie Tuinhof

Title - Humanism and The Christian

Topic - Humanism

As the season of Christmas once again approaches, one is reminded of the purpose of Christ's birth, to bring salvation to those who believe on him, through the redemptive shedding of His blood. It is a known fact, that not everyone embraces the truths of Scripture and the salvation available to them. One such group of people are Humanists, and the following is a discussion of the philosophy they hold to, called Humanism.

The philosophy of Humanism was first conceived in fourteenth century Italy. Since its birth it has grown and spread to other parts of the world and is a part of modem culture even today. Contemporary Humanism can be defined as 1 4 a doctrine attitude or way of life centred on human interests or values; a philosophy that asserts the dignity and worth of man and his capacity for self realization through reason and that often rejects supernaturalism".

First one notes that Humanism is a philosophy "centred on human interests or values".' The Humanist is one who lives by the rules of his own choosing. He is one who thinks issues through and makes decisions based on what he perceives to be morally right and good. He does not live by the values and morals of any one institution, for to do so would be to deny his own self fulfillment.

The Humanist's attitude is one of pessimism as he feels that life has no meaning unless he gives it meaning and has "no other end but death".' There is no reason for the existence of this world and there is no future event that one can look forward to. Rather, his destiny and his future lie totally within his power and his control.

Second, one notes that Humanism is a "philosophy that asserts the dignity and worth of man and his capacity for self realization through reason". In other words the Humanist can only find self fullfilment and dignity through cultivation of a world view, basing that view on the knowledge that he has, and acquires as he goes through life. He believes that knowledge will set him free and enhance his life and that the knowledge he possesses is the only true source of truth. He tends to believe in that which has been proven through scientific method and that which has been experienced in his own life. Through this acquired knowledge he perceives society around him and develops what he would call a realistic approach to life.

Third and most importantly the Humanist "often rejects supernaturalism"'. As has been seen, the spirit of Humanism is "secular, liberal and tolerant and appeals to human reason rather than to any external authority"'. The "external authority" that Humanists reject is God and all that God is and represents. The Humanist would argue that "it is dangerous as well as absurd to rely on Authority when it is no longer generally accepted"'. Humanists are of the opinion that God and the "mythology" found in the Bible is out of date, cannot be proven, and is therefore rejected by "almost all educated people"'. Rather, when dealing with issues in society, more up to date and proven knowledge should be applied to the daily needs of people and to the situations in which they find themselves.

Belief in God and the doctrines of Christianity obstructs the freedom of Humanism and therefore destroys the philosophy itself. Humanists would argue that it is impossible to follow Christ unless one is "bound by the example of Christ as the supreme model for human living" . . . "the archetype of unqualified submission and obedience of the will of God,". . . "and the Humanist finds acceptance of these terms a violation of himself and his whole experience . For the Humanist therefore, God is unknowable and man must live for himself and himself alone.

How is the Christian to respond to Humanism" In the preceding definition Humanism emerges as something that is evil, and as a philosophy it is. Practically speaking however, it is not always easy to recognize the works of the Humanist in day to day living. True, Humanists live their lives without God at the centre of their existence and as a result do not concern themselves with the standards or morals set aside for mankind in Scripture. Keeping in mind the philosophy of the Humanist one can easily predict his response concerning issues such as abortion, homosexuality, divorce, infanticide and euthanasia. The Humanist is also concerned, however, with the plight of the poor, the hungry, the widowed, the orphaned and works to better the situation of the unfortunate. Here it is more difficult to distinguish his works as stemming from a godless philosophy.

To counteract this philosophy in society, Christians need to become actively involved. Christians need to be seen tackling sociological issues. They need to be heard speaking out and offering alternative solutions based on God'S word, to a lost and hopeless world. His voice needs to be heard on the political platform, in the educational system, on medical boards, in union board meetings, and in every other facet of life in which he is involved and that affects his life.

But where is the Christian? Where can his involvement in society be seen? All too often the Christian separates himself from society to the extent that his voice is not heard at all. To stand back and not exercise the Christian faith both inside and outside the church is a direct violation of the commands of God. The Scripture says that the Christian is to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13,14). He is called to stand out and to be recognized as different, to affect his environment and those around him. He can only do this through reliance on the strength and the power of God.

The Christian also needs to be wary of those who would call themselves Christian Humanists. These two terms are in direct contradiction to one another. Yet many would qualify themselves to be Christian Humanists - holding to Christian morals and standards as found in Scripture and exercising them in society, all the while denying any kind of submission to God's control over their lives. It is true that one can be a born again Christian and be "humane" but he cannot also call himself a Humanist. There is a distinct difference.

As stated earlier the Humanist does not believe in God for to do so obstructs his freedom of choice and his power to work out his own life as he sees fit, through the development of his own morals and guidelines. Scripture sheds quite a different light on what submission to God and His authority really means. It is only as one truly submits to God and His precepts that he can experience true freedom. For Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32) As the Christian experiences this knowledge of the truth he is called not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing O' f his mind. Then he will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will (Rom. 12:2). As he follows God's will and God's commands, the Christian will be blessed, for "the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). Therefore it is only through Christ and an understanding of His Word, that one can experience true freedom.

As one looks at the philosophy Of Humanism in comparison to Christianity, one is struck by the absurdity of the philosophy. In the limited space available, it is almost impossible to thoroughly deal with the subject of Humanism and show how it contradicts what God teaches in His Word. However in this brief overview, it can be seen that everything the Humanist strives for as the ideal life, can only be completely experienced as he bows in submission to God's will for him, as outlined in God's inerrant Word. In this time of Advent, take some time to reflect on the purpose of Christ's incarnation and the impact the incarnation has for the Christian.

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