The Dangers of Hopeless Humanism

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

There is a body of beliefs that has permeated our culture without many of us noticing. It had its birth in the Garden of Eden when the serpent first tempted Eve. It has remained with mankind throughout history taking on different forms like a chameleon to camouflage its appearance. Its purpose is the same as that of the evil one, to deceive mankind, to attempt to hinder the will of God and to draw as many as possible down the path which leads away from a relationship with the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

 

This accumulation of falsehoods and lies has subtly infiltrated our society to the point that it is almost indistinguishable unless revealed by the truth of scripture. This “religion of man” is known as “secular humanism.” You may not be that familiar with this term so let me define it for you.

 

Secularism is a doctrinal belief that morality is based solely in regard to the temporal well‑being of mankind to the exclusion of all belief in God, a Supreme Being, or a future eternity. In other words the standard for moral choice is based on how it benefits mankind in the here and now. God or any form of a Supreme Being has nothing to do with a “secular” approach to living one’s life.

 

Humanism is a philosophy or attitude that is concerned with human beings, their achievement and interests, and the condition or quality of being human. It is the religion that deifies man and dethrones God. It is a doctrine centered solely on human interests and values. In Secular Humanism, man becomes his own god since the true God of the Bible does not exist. Humanism deifies Man collectively and individually, whereas theism worships God.

 

This belief is egotistical pride at its worst. It demonstrates the innate rebellion that resides within the heart of man. Unfortunately the demonic forces that surround us desire to feed this rebellious spirit in any way they can to promote rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Secular Humanism has drastic ramifications as it seeks to alter mankind’s perception of truth and reality. It seeks to eradicate religion and destroy any belief in the God of scripture. Its poisonous doctrine taints all areas of society and social behavior.

 

The “scriptures” of humanism are the “Humanist Manifestos” I and II. The first version appeared in 1933 and the second in 1973. Another declaration was issued in 1980 and other additive statements were issued in 2000. The core statements and beliefs are contained in the original manifestos released in 1933 and 1973. These Manifestos openly deny the existence of a Creator, urge abolition of national sovereignty in favor of world government, and embrace complete sexual freedom, abortion, homosexuality, suicide, and even euthanasia. I list below some quotes from the 1973 “Humanist Manifestos II” to illustrate the basic concepts of this man‑made religion of self‑worship.

 

“We believe, however, that traditional dogmatic or authoritarian religions that place revelation, God, ritual, or creed above human needs and experience do a disservice to the human species. Any account of nature should pass the tests of scientific evidence; in our judgment, the dogmas and myths of traditional religions do not do so…. We find insufficient evidence for belief in the existence of the supernatural; it is either meaningless or irrelevant to the question of the survival and fulfillment of the human race…. We can discover no divine purpose or providence for the human species. While there is much that we do not know, 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…. There is no credible evidence that life survives the death of the body…. We strive for the good life, here and now…. 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…. There are many varieties of sexual exploration which should not in themselves be considered “evil.”

 

Another quote from the creed of the British Humanist Association brings even further concern to mind, “I believe in no God and no hereafter. It is immoral to indoctrinate children with such beliefs…. I believe that religious education and prayers in school should be eliminated…Unborn babies are not people; I am as yet unsure whether the grossly handicapped are people in the real sense…. I believe there is no such thing as sin to be forgiven and no life beyond the grave but death everlasting.”

 

These beliefs can be found in our everyday life in all forms of our media, in the laws of our country and the everyday practices of our fellow man. It leaks out in statements we hear on television, in airports, in restaurants. We hear comments of how, “Man is getting better.” or “Eventually man will solve all reasons for human suffering and evil.” This deception demonstrates itself in the behavior of society as a whole. We find acceptance of abortion, promotion of divorce, and encouragement of sexual preferences that are condemned in scripture. Even the church is guilty at times of falling prey to secular humanism’s insidious lies.

 

The problem with “Secular Humanism” is that it fails to realize that belief in God cannot be proven scientifically. Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ requires faith in God and trust in the Holy Scriptures. While humanism seeks to portray itself as the promoter of the rights of mankind it is in reality, trumpeting the morals of those creatures spoken of in Ephesians 6:12‑13 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” It fails to acknowledge the truth spoken of in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It denies the penalty for such rebellion and sin by ignoring Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death,” and the hope available in the same verse, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

Secular Humanism places modern science upon its altar and worships it as its god. It is simply atheism and agnosticism in another form. While it seems to place value upon human potential, in reality it devalues human life and degrades the creation that God has made in His image. It promotes living for the moment and therefore justifies activities and behaviors that benefit the individual in the present, without considering the eternal consequences. Galatians 5:19‑21 lists all sorts of behaviors that result from living without belief in God and confronts us with the result of such a lifestyle.

 

Failure to believe in God does not make God cease to exist. He is omnipresent (present everywhere), omniscient (knows everything), and omnipotent (all‑powerful). He is self‑existent and self‑sufficient. He does not need us to believe in Him to establish that He really exists. We can choose to live by His Word, accept His Son’s sacrifice and live eternally or we can ignore His Holy Bible, reject the atoning work of Christ and be condemned to eternal separation from Him when we die. Death brings another dimension to our existence. We will all live eternally, the only question is where.

 

Christians need to be cautious of this system of beliefs that has influenced our society. We need to seek to discern with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth and the spirit of error that we hear from the mouths of those we associate with. In love, we need to confront those we know who speak of such false beliefs and speak the truth to them. In boldness, we need to hold accountable those we elect to office and who lead our government as they make the laws that govern us. In prayer, we need to uphold all who seek to live according to the truth of scripture, especially our pastors and elders who are on the front of the battle line facing the spiritual forces who war against us.

 

In 2 Peter 2 there is a description of false teachers who attempt to lead believers away from the truth. I share some of these verses with you below which I believe accurately describe those who would adhere to belief in “Secular Humanism.”

 

“This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings…but these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed‑an accursed brood! These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity‑for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”

 

May we all seek to live according to the truth of God’s word and hold to the standard that our Lord and Savior has set before us. May we bring Him glory as we live for Him and in Him.