Secular Humanism
Student Name
Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University
Rlgn 104: Secular Humanism
Prof. Name
Date
Secular Humanism
Question of Origin
According to the text, “Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World, Revised Ed,” A worldview is a person’s philosophy of life, a framework a person brings to decision-making, and a filter or lens that a person uses to interpret life and the world around them (Weider & Gutierrez, 2015). Often referred to as humanism, “secular humanism is a comprehensive, non-religious life stance incorporating a naturalistic philosophy, a cosmic outlook rooted in science and a consequentialist ethical system” (“What is secular humanism?,” 2018).
Secular humanism is a worldview ground in the beliefs of science. They query nature using the scientific method, which forms the base of their knowledge obtained. Hence their explanation for the origin of life derives from scientific theories such as the big bang theory and evolution theory (Hindson & Caner, 2008 p.444). Secular humanism asserts that supernatural entities like God do not exist. It warns individuals that knowledge gained without appeal to the natural world and impartial review by multiple observers is unreliable (“What is secular humanism?,” 2018).
Humanism’s perspective is directly the opposite of that of a Biblical worldview or Theism. Theism asserts that God exists, the one true God, and everything that exists in the world/universe is the result of God, including humans (Weider & Gutierrez, 2015, p.63). Theism’s assertion is evident in psalm 24:1 (KJV) “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” The only common ground between both world views is that they both agree the universe and life emerge or are created from some form of essence. However, both viewpoints bifurcate into two, if not more remarkably, opposing directions.
Question of Identity
Secular humanist’s view of identity is the scientific acknowledgment of evolution. According to Weider & Gutierrez, (2015), “they purport that everything has evolved, mankind is simply a more sophisticated animal but is not greater in value over the animal kingdom” (p.65). Humanists are often some of the sizable animal rights activists and identify an ancestry similarity between animals and humankind; hence they believe humanity should not be seen or valued as superior in species (Weider & Gutierrez, 2015, p.65). While equality between animals and humankind is the belief, this also leads to a feeling of superiority but no dominance over animals.
On familiar ground, both Christians and Secular humanists believe in the importance of taking care of animals, but then they venture off into various aspects. Due to the belief in a familiar ancestry, Humanists believe animals, their lives, and their role in nature deserve respect. However, Christians honor animals’ lives and acknowledge their role in nature due to God’s spiritual guidance, but they believe to dominate animals. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and overall the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Gen 1:26, KJV). From that Biblical guidance, Christians are appointed to be good stewards of the given resources from God.
Question of Meaning/Purpose
Due to Secular Humanists’ belief that there are no supernatural forces at play in the creation or ending of life, there is no intrinsic meaning to life. Hence humankind’s value and purpose are weighed based on the ability to leave or positively impact others and the world. However, due to their belief, the idea of having some form of significance in nature is an apparition. “How can something that evolved from the impersonal and insignificant and whose existence ends without significance have any significance or value in-between?” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2015, p.68). Oppositely, the biblical worldview protests that all life has meaning and purpose or a calling from God. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God created humankind for his glory; this was evident in Isaiah 43:7 (KJV) “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”
Comparing both worldviews (secular humanism and Biblical) side by side, one would express that they are at odds with each other as if they are repelling regarding meaning and purpose of life. However, they have one commonality in which they support each other—creating a positive and safe world where everyone leaves a positive impact on the future and current generation (Toumey, 1993, p. 286). Christian is a Biblical gesture of love to love thy neighbor as thyself (Matthew 22:39).
Question of Morality In terms of morality secular humanist worldview does not base their foundation on any divine authority but that of cultures and surroundings which dictate what is morally correct. But they also follow a maxim found in most religions, the “golden rule,” which is treating others as you want to be treated. Humanists believe that ethical judgments can be formulated independently and free from the influence of religion and that humankind can cultivate practical reason and wisdom and, by its application, achieve lives of virtue and excellence (“secular humanist declaration,” 2018).
From a Biblical worldview, Christian apply the concept of Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The Bible scripture Matthew 7:12 is the embodiment of the golden rule that humanists tend to follow and the only similarity in morality. Comparatively, both worldviews encounter separate paths as it pertains to the topic of what is right or wrong. A biblical worldview holds that “ethics is based upon the nature and character of God. Right and wrong are not relative to man’s perspective, but are based upon God’s holy standard” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2015, p.72). Although humankind is not perfect, the Biblical worldview highlights that humanity can have guidance to achieve right from wrong through a higher presence.
Question of Destiny
The humanist view of destiny lies in returning to the earth. However, death might be the most challenging aspect of life for a secular humanist worldview. Secular humanists believe that there is not an afterlife where a person’s soul exists in any tangible or cohesive way, which is somber. According to Kitch, (2014), death is “the end of pain, of suffering, and frustrated striving” (p.96), which is the belief of humanist death is the end of their life’s journey though they might have wanted to or try to prolong life.
Although secular humanists and Christians share the same knowledge/view that death is inevitable, Christians share a hope or belief that there is an afterlife. Christians reward in the afterlife is to rest in heaven with God or spend eternity in hell away from God as one did on earth. However, both worldviews do believe that they will return to the ground after death. The Bible noted this in Genesis 3:19, “for you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
(Word Count 1176)
Reference
A secular humanist declaration. (2018, September 11). Free Inquiry. https://secularhumanism.org/a-secular-humanist-declaration/
Bible gateway passage: King James Version. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com
Hindson, E., & Caner, E. (2008). The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Kitcher, P. (2014). Life after faith: the case for secular humanism. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu
Toumey, C. (1993). Evolution and Secular Humanism. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 61(2), 275-301. Retrieved August 4, 2020, from www.jstor.org/stable/1465312
Weider, L., & Gutierrez, B. (2015). Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World, Revised Ed. B&H Academic. https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
What is secular humanism? (2018, August 16). Free Inquiry. https://secularhumanism.org/what-is-secular-humanism/