A.      Previously in this series, we have considered certain issues that are central fronts of the spiritual war that is ongoing in our nation and our world.

B.      In this lesson, we will consider the ungodly philosophy of humanism that has changed the thinking of this people and moved them to embrace false beliefs and practices that deny Almighty God.

II.      HUMANISM

A.      Consider a brief explanation of humanism.

                                                             1.      Humanism is a philosophy that embraces human reason and experience as the only guides for human life.  Humanists reject the concepts of deities, spirits, and life after death.

                                                             2.      This philosophy is not always explicitly called humanism, but it can be identified by its principles.

a.       On its website, the Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) states, “Whether or not they use the term humanism, tens of millions of Americans and hundreds of millions of people around the world agree with the humanist philosophy of living a happy and productive life based on reason and compassion.”

b.       Whenever the tenets of human reason and experience are exalted above divine revelation or any other rationale, the philosophy of humanism is invoked.

                                                             3.      The best explanations of humanism are found in the words of humanists themselves via the IHS, the American Humanist Association (AHA), and their manifestos on humanism.

a.       The first manifesto (A Humanist Manifesto or HMI) was published in 1933, the second (Humanist Manifesto II or HMII) was published in 1973, and the latest (Humanist Manifesto III or HMIII) was published in 2003.  Each edition was signed by multiple Nobel Laureates and other notable philosophers, authors, professors, etc.

b.       Limitations of this lesson prevent an in-depth exposition of these manifestos, but a few points should be noted regarding humanism as a religion.

i.         HMI is very clear that the intention of the humanists was to form a new religion.  It states, “To establish such a religion is a major necessity of the present.”

ii.        HMI also states the humanist definition of religion: “Religion consists of those actions, purposes, and experiences which are humanly significant…It includes labor, art, science, philosophy, love, friendship, recreation … The distinction between the sacred and the secular can no longer be maintained.”

iii.      HMI declares the new humanist religion in this way: “In the place of the old attitudes involved in worship and prayer the humanist finds his religious emotions expressed in a heightened sense of personal life and in a cooperative effort to promote social well-being.”

iv.      HMII (1973) further explains humanists’ opposition to belief in God: “As in 1933, humanists still believe that traditional theism, especially faith in the prayer-hearing God, assumed to live and care for persons, to hear and understand their prayers, and to be able to do something about them, is an unproved and outmoded faith.  Salvationism, based on mere affirmation, still appears as harmful, diverting people with false hopes of heaven hereafter.  Reasonable minds look to other means for survival.”

v.       HMII elevates man above God: “Traditional dogmatic or authoritarian religions that place revelation, God, ritual, or creed above human needs and experience do a disservice to the human species… Humans are responsible for what we are or will become.  No deity will save us; we must save ourselves… Promises of immortal salvation or fear of eternal damnation are both illusory and harmful.  They distract humans from present concerns, from self-actualization, and from rectifying social injustices.”

vi.      HMIII (2003) is written in more general terms with less specific language.  It is evident that contemporary humanist writers have become skittish about the word “religion,” but the principles are unchanged.

B.      Humanism has shaped and promoted the issues that have been considered in this series.

                                                             1.      Regarding separation of church and state: “The separation of church and state and the separation of ideology and state are imperatives” (HMII).

                                                             2.      Regarding evolution: “Religious humanists regard the universe as self-existing and not created… Humanism believes that man is a part of nature and that he has emerged as a result of a continuous process… Holding an organic view of life, humanists find that the traditional dualism of mind and body must be rejected” (HMI).  “The human species is an emergence from natural evolutionary forces” (HMII).  “Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change” (HMIII).

                                                             3.      Regarding abortion and homosexuality: “In the area of sexuality, we believe that intolerant attitudes, often cultivated by orthodox religions and puritanical cultures, unduly repress sexual conduct.  The right to birth control, abortion, and divorce should be recognized” (HMII).

C.      Humanism, like each of these issues, has been advanced by means of “big lie” propaganda.

                                                             1.      Humanist organizations make extensive efforts to convince the public that belief in God is not the solution to problems, but rather it is the cause of problems.

a.       Their publications (such as The Humanist magazine) and productions (such as Bill Maher’s movie Religulous) are dominated by this purpose.

b.       Consider the words of Congressman Pete Stark (CA), AHA’s 2008 Humanist of the Year: “I think it’s this sense (belief in God – SED), misguided or not, that has gotten this country into war, brought economic problems, denied our children education, denied 47 million people decent health care, and has led the United States into an economic disaster.”

                                                             2.      Humanists are also bent on promoting the idea that mankind is completely self-determining.

a.       According to humanists, the fulfillment of mankind is totally dependent upon mankind’s achievements (scientific discovery, advances in technology and medicine, progressive government, etc.).

b.       By their reasoning, God is not a factor in the destiny of mankind collectively or individually.

D.      The result of the big lie of humanism is that it has become the new national religion of the United States.

                                                             1.      This is evident by the extent to which the philosophy of humanism has shaped government, politics, laws, education, culture, and churches since the publishing of HMI in 1933.

                                                             2.      Modern humanists will deny that their philosophy is a religion, for they resent the term, but by their own definition it is a godless religion that now dominates our nation.

III.   THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH

A.      Note: No attempt is made here to convince humanists of the reality of God.  Humanists have rejected all divine revelation, so Scriptural references will mean nothing to them.  The purpose here is to alert Christians to the influence of this godless philosophy and the truth of God that proves its error.

B.      Inconvenient Truth #1: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1).

                                                             1.      God’s existence is self-evident in the world, His creation.

a.       The intricate detail and perfect design of the creation demand that a wise and powerful Creator made it all.  God’s works testify of Him (Ps. 19:1-6).

b.       Even within ourselves, we find the undeniable evidence of God (Rom. 1:18-20).

                                                             2.      Those who believe in humanism are built upon a foundation of abject foolishness.

a.       Although humanists declare that their philosophy is founded upon reason and intellect, they lack “the beginning of knowledge,” which is the fear of God (Prov. 1:7).

b.       Humanists seek for fulfillment through knowledge and experience, but they fail to observe the whole duty of man, which is to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).

c.        “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1; 53:1), but humanists go beyond foolishness when they declare their disbelief openly and proudly.  Moreover, humanist organizations extol the virtues of disbelief.

d.       Humanists fail to acknowledge the spiritual part of man that is made in God’s image and will exist forever.  By this neglect, they condemn themselves to an eternity separated from God (2Thess. 1:9).

C.      Inconvenient Truth #2: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).

                                                             1.      Human reasoning cannot account for the origin or the destination of anything.

a.       Humanists say that the universe is “self-existing and not created” (HMI).  “Self-existing” is the same as saying that the universe made itself.  It that reasonable?

b.       Humanists make no attempt to predict mankind’s ultimate destination.  The only explanation humanists have for the goal of humanity is to make humanity better.

c.        What good are we if we do not know from where we have come or to where we are going?  What satisfaction can such meaningless life bring?

                                                             2.      Because humanists do not believe in God’s creation, they fail to see man in the proper perspective.

a.       The meaning of life can only be understood through an understanding of God.  Man exists to serve and glorify God (Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 5:16; 1Cor. 11:7; Eph. 2:10).

b.       Man is mighty in this world, but he is insignificant in comparison to the God of heaven.  The psalmists expressed this well in Psalm 8:3-8 and 33:6-9.

D.      Inconvenient Truth #3: “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

                                                             1.      Whenever man has attempted to guide himself, it has been an abysmal failure.

a.       Individually, a person who lives without regard for God walks in darkness and is bound to stumble without the light of God’s word (Ps. 119:105).

b.       Collectively, when men attempt to eliminate God from a culture or nation, it is always a disaster (consider the failure and brutality of communism, which is a practice strongly advocated by the humanist manifestos).  Nevertheless, humanists diligently seek to eliminate God from our nation today.

                                                             2.      Without respect for God, accountability to Him, and fear of His wrath, there is no standard for man’s conduct.  This leaves us in moral chaos.

a.       Humanists claim that morality and ethics are the results of mankind’s experience and common interests.  Moral behavior has evolved in man by necessity.

b.       The truth is that without fear of punishment from an authoritative source (God, government, parents, etc.), man tends toward anarchy and self-destruction.

c.        Instead of afflicting ourselves with such foolish behavior, the Scripture counsels us to trust in God in Proverbs 3:5-7 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

IV.    CONCLUSION

A.      Humanism is a very real and powerful influence in our world right now.  Do not underestimate the effect that humanism has on this nation and our community.

                                                             1.      All of the issues covered in this series and more are promoted by humanism.

                                                             2.      Even in our own town, humanism has a strong presence.  Consider the words of the valedictorian from the Gallatin High School yearbook in 2006:

“One may ask in a universe without a why where only the mechanical how exists to what purpose is human life driven? It may shock many to learn that in general the answer is nothing. There is no higher purpose. Each and every one of us is alone and unguided. This however is not a curse. We are one of the few forms of life able to act on our own volition. This is what we must do. Each and every one of us must find for ourselves a reasonable, individual purpose for our lives and one that makes us happy. We must not try and live for a higher purpose that does not exist but instead must learn to live for our own purpose and our own satisfaction.”

                                                             3.      If the young people of our community hold such opinions, then what is to become of this nation in the near future?

B.      Let us always remember that regardless of what we may see in the world around us, victory is in Jesus.