Biblical Christianity Versus Secular Humanism

Biblical Christianity Vs Secular Humanism

The worldview under critical consideration is Secular Humanism. Josh McDowell described this philosophy as, “One of the most organized, most challenging and most clearly non-Christian philosophies of today” (McDowell & Stewart, 1983, p. 259). The ensuing article discloses the fundamental tenants of this religion and worldview.

Regarding the origins of the universe, “some have concluded matter has always existed and given enough time and chance, the end result is what you see around you today (Naturalism)” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, pp. 55-56). Humanist insist the existence of the universe is sufficiently explained through Darwinian evolution and naturalistic processes (Halverson, 2005, p. 2)

When it comes to identity, Scientific Naturalism rejects the supernatural and views human beings as “products of evolutionary forces” and “simply a more sophisticated animal” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 57). Essentially, human beings are accorded no inherent distinction or superiority to other animals.

A consideration of the meaning and purpose of life points to naturalistic principles as well. As products of evolutionary processes humans have no vital significance if the Secularist remains consistent with his worldview. However, many Humanists reason that highly evolved humans have the right and responsibility to give meaning to their own life by making a positive impact on the world (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 59).

Now regarding morality, many secular humanists subscribe to Relativism rejecting any idea of absolute truth, but there is no common consensus among them. Many believe “truth is dependent upon society and is subject to change” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 60, 61). They see no need for an absolute moral standard beyond humans themselves (Halverson, 2005, p. 3).  

Finally concerning destiny, life after death is not a point of anxiety or interest for the Secular Humanist. They reason that death is a cessation of life and the body simply decomposes (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 63, 64). 

Critical scrutiny of Secular Humanism involving a contrast with the Biblical Christian Worldview reveals how extraordinarily incompatible the two worldviews are.

To begin with Biblical Christians regard the origins of the universe as the specific creation of a God who transcends space, time, and matter. This is the polar opposite of Darwinian naturalistic principles. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” asserts Genesis 1:1 (KJV). The mighty Creator is the First Cause. He brought the universe into existence out of absolutely nothing; thus the universe is not eternal.

Then any consideration of humanity’s biblical identity involves the specific creation of people in the “image of God” (Gen. 1:26, 27) distinct from the animal kingdom. Contrary to Humanists evolutionary concept, people are distinct designees of God placed over the earth as stewards. Baring the image of God enables humans to commune and relate to the Creator as they manage the world God made (Gen. 1:26-31; 2:15).

Naturally out of unique creation arises meaning and purpose. Inherent in any consideration of the “image of God” is relationship, personality, likeness to God and representation of God in the earth. The highest purpose then of humanity is to know God and glorify Him in all aspects of life (John 17:3; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). In contrast, Secular Humanists essentially view life as having no meaning or as meaningful because of what they contributed to society. Accordingly, there is no trans-mundane significance to life. Biblical Christians; however, have meaning and purpose in this life and for all eternity (Eph. 1:18; 1 Pet. 2:9; 4:11).

Morality and ethics are matters that Secular Humanist struggle with, but biblical Christianity centers matters of morality and ethics on the Bible (Ex. 20:1-17; 2Tim. 3:15-17; Deut. 32:4) and the scriptural nature of God (McDowell & Hostetler, 1994). While Secularists have no ontic point of reference for ethics, objective Christian morality is rooted in the person of God as the absolute standard of goodness (Hindson & Caner, 2011, p.199). Thus, Christian ethics are intensely anchored in the wisdoms and activities of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 5-7).

Then finally regarding destiny, Christians believe in the resurrection and the continuance of the human soul beyond physical death. Accordingly, the redeemed will live with God for ever in Heaven and on the new earth (Rev. 21:1-7), and non-believers will live forever separated from God in Hell (Rev. 20:11-15; 21:8). The only thing Secular Humanism has to offer here is death and decomposition; in contrast, biblical Christians have a wonderful eternal destiny.

References

Halverson, D. (1992, 2005). Secularism. Colorado Springs, CO: International Students Inc.

Hindson, E. & Caner, E. (2008). The popular encyclopedia of apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.

McDowell, J. & Hostetler, B. (1994). Right and wrong: What you need to know to help youth make right choices. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing.

McDowell, J. & Stewart, D. (1983). Handbook of today’s religions. San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers

Weider, L. & Gutierrez, B. (2011). Consider. Virginia Beach, VA: Academx Publishing Services, Inc.

FEAR NOT!

FEAR NOT!

If we are not careful, we will live out all our days and never realize what it means to really live. You see, many lives can be summarized as mere existences hemmed in by fears, timidity, and anxieties. Because of dominating and paralyzing fears, many people never even begin to realize their potential in Christ and much less reach it. Life for them is riddled with excuses, procrastination, plans that never materialize, and good intentions. It is a “Christian experience” that is not very Christian at all. If you listen to them talk about themselves long enough they will classify themselves as victims, held captive by their circumstances. They are uncertain about everything and are not certain about anything. And who can you trust anymore? The world is changing so rapidly..? Will our marriage survey? How do I keep my kids away from drug dealers and gangs while working two jobs? Is it my fault Mommy and Daddy are getting a divorce? What if I can’t make new friends in college? What am I going to do to make ends meet? My car is being repossessed…. We are losing the house…. I don’t want to face death alone…. These are real questions that are being asked by real people. Fears have canceled their faith. My intent is not to be harsh, judgmental, nor a facilitator of another cruel form of captivity. I know some of these challenges intimately, and I also know the joy of freedom from the dominance of anxieties. Frankly my aim is to introduce you to the One who sets captives free and breaks our chains of bondage. Yes, many of us are slaves to our fears. But, we must first realize we actually need Him to rescue us…to deliver us from our fears.

A FOUNDATION FOR TRUST
Fear not…we wish it was that easy! To just make up our minds determining to not ever live in fear again is consciously electing to marry delusion. Yet, it is possible to live free of any unreasonable unjustified and unhealthy fears. Not by naked determination, but by trusting Jesus Christ and obeying His command to "fear not."  I am reminded of a remarkable occasion in Scripture when The Lord Jesus uttered those precious words, “Fear Not.” John records the incident for us,

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev. 1:17-18)

John was so overwhelmed by the full-orbed glorious appearance of Christ that he literally collapsed. His astounded soul could not but refuse any more of this splendid vision of the Lord Jesus. John’s eyes blacked out, his knees buckled like limp noodles, and his natural metabolic constructs abruptly shut down. There John lay motionless and unconscious at the feet of Jesus. The next sensation he realizes is our Savior’s gentle touch encouraging him to resume consciousness. Upon awaking, John hears these precious words from the lips of our Lord, “fear not.” Yes, fear not was Jesus’ message to His beloved disciple. Its ok John, everything will be well!

And what is the basis for such counsel, you ask? Yes, it is reasonable to expect that such weighty counsel as “fear not” should have a rock solid premise. That reasonable foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord. Not as we knew Him in the Gospels primarily, but as we need to acknowledge Him presently. That is, for whom He is currently and the grandeur of the ministries He immediately executes. This is still according to the Scriptures’ portrayal of Him, of course. The glorious Christ is He! It matters who gave such counsel as “fear not.” This is not credible counsel if it comes from the lips of anyone else. In this case it is the very central Figure of our faith. It is The Lord who revives our faith with His truth. No one else except Christ; He uniquely affirms our faith with His assurances.

ETERNAL ONE
Upon recognizing that it is Jesus giving this counsel, it is imperative that we take a closer look at the reasons He gave. Not only is this counsel supported by His glorious Person, but also by three specific truths related to His present ministries. So, to begin with the Lord Jesus is the “first and the last.” He is The Eternal One who initiates and consummates (Rev. 1:8; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13). There is no situation we will ever face along the course of our lives that He is surprised by or dwarfed by! He is roundly aware of and in full control of all events concerning us. His plans for us will not be finally frustrated…ever. He is “the last”! From the circumference of eternity He commands the march of time with full control of every event we may face! Therefore, Beloved, fear not!

RESURRECTED ONE
The Lord Jesus is also the Resurrected One. Read carefully His words, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen” (Rev. 1:18). He is the One who died for our sins and rose again to live forever more! We have no need to fear because He has conquered death, hell, and the grave forever on our behalf. As Bible-Believing Christians we can face every day and all eternity without any fears because of the completed work of Christ! Beloved, we do not have a legitimate reason for spiritual fears! Yes, Christ is alive again, and we are forever alive in Him. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55). Beloved, we have the complete “victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

AUTHORITATIVE ONE
Lastly, our Lord says, He has “the keys of hell and of death” (v. 18). Keys refer to his authority—He is the supreme Authority—The Authoritative One. That is by His cross and resurrection He has stripped Satan of his power and He exercises complete control over death and hell. The devil cannot bully us or even touch us in any way our Lord does not permit, and that we do not personally sanction! Christ holds commanding authority over hell and death. Believers are in Him and we need not fear the realm of death ever again! Did you hear Christ say, “Fear not” just then?

FEAR NOT!

Beloved it is when we recognize who the Lord Jesus is that fear begins to evaporate. I believe the more we meditate on such truths and work them down into our understanding the greater spiritual benefits we will realize. In addition our knowledge of Him must be translated into praise and worship of Christ. We must use these truths as fuel for the fire of our worship. Fear survives and thrives in darkness and spiritual ignorance. The more we know our Lord the more fear loses its grip on our daily lives. It is through holy knowledge and the belief of that truth that we are set free from the power of darkness and fear. It is through exercising our faith in Christ that we overcome the fears that haunt and plague us. Beloved, we have been cowering in the shadows and darkness for far too long. It is time to step into the light of truth in Christ. The Apostle Paul said to the rather timid young Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Such fears do not come from God and they militate against the power, love, and the sound mind He affords. Perfect love cast out all fears according to 1 John 4:18-19, which says “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” Nothing provides real security like the assurance of the love of God in our lives, and such love will not tolerate the presence of horrifying tormenting anxieties and terrors. I invite you to step into the sunshine of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. Stand on the Word of God and focus particularly on the glorious Christ (2 Cor. 5:15, 16)!

KNOW THE GLORIOUS CHRIST!
While meditating on the Lord Jesus in the Gospel accounts is very helpful, we desperately need to KNOW Him in His present glory! He is the exalted resurrected Lord of Glory enthroned at the Father’s right hand! He is our Advocate with the Father and our Great High Priest. He is the wonderful Savior still seeking sinners. It is with august authority He addresses the seven golden candlesticks and holds seven stars in His right hand! He is the Lamb and the Lion. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords anticipating both of His returns for His saints and seven years afterwards with His saints. It is this glorious Christ that will rule throughout the Millennial Age and on into eternity! He is the Judge of the living and the dead; every tongue will confess that He is Lord! Cast away the ignorance and lack of spiritual insight that promotes and breeds a life hazarded by fears. Fill your soul with the truths of The Glorious Christ and allow these to set you free to walk in the light of truth. If we do this, we will go further in spiritual growth, launch ministries that fulfill God’s plan for us, engage people and confidently share our faith with them, and face down the enemy’s assaults in the power of Jesus Christ. Our lives will be bolder, empowered, deepened, relevant, transformed, and fully honoring to Christ!

Beloved, these are not mere theories to contemplate, but biblical strategies for combating paralyzing fears in our lives. Recount the process: 1) Recognize the fact that we struggle with fears, 2) Acknowledge the Glorious Christ as our Deliverer, 3) Fill our hearts and minds with the truths of Him, 4) Discard the lies, ignorance, and misconceptions that contribute to our anxieties, and 5) Use our faith to trust Christ for victory and boldly live for the glory of God. I am among the first to admit that there are times I am intimidated by some of the challenges I face. I realize the battles with these types of concerns are real and often painful. Though I hate to admit it, I sometimes turn to the Lord only after I have attempted to fix my situation myself. However, so much is lost and remains unexplored when we fail to believe God! The price is too great and there is too much at stake. The Lord Jesus promised you and me in John 8:32, saying “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” By the grace of Almighty God I take that specific promise to heart. Freedom in Christ is what I crave and fellowship with the Glorious Christ in the truth, victory, and faith! We will always fear what we do not understand, and the knowledge of The Eternal One, The Resurrected One, and the Authoritative One will free us from the horror and bondage of our fears. Beloved, choose real living in Christ. We must decide to believe God more than we believe our worries and anxieties. So, I say then unto you, Fear not, Fear Not, and FEAR NOT!

God Painted A Portrait of Devotion....

 

If you were asked directly about your spiritual temperature, what would you say? What terms would you use to describe your present spiritual condition? White-hot devoted, on fire for God, a little lukewarm, or as cold as ice…which fits best? I know these questions are a little intrusive, but we are only required to answer them before the Lord. I know this does not make it any easier to supply an answer, but at least God will not talk about us behind our backs! Seriously though, how would you describe the depth of your devotion and commitment to God?

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, devotion is “a feeling of strong love or loyalty: the quality of being devoted”. It is expressed in the usage of our time, money, energy, resources to achieve a certain design or purpose. We can always evaluate or validate what we are truly devoted to by glancing through our calendars and checkbooks! We spend our time and resources on what we value most. With regards to spiritual disciplines, devotion applies to private time with the Lord (in the Word and prayer) on a daily basis. Talking with the Lord and listening to Him speak truth into our souls through reading, studying, and meditating on His Word. With regards to Job, he evidenced a strong love and loyalty to the Most High and he generously used his resources in His daily worship of God (1:5, 20-22; 2:9-10). What was Job’s purpose? Evidently, he simply desired to please the Lord!

GOD’S PORTRAIT OF DEVOTION

If you will bear with me, I have one more question, how would God describe me and you? Do you think He will begin His sentence with a well-placed disclaimer? Well…oh…well…ah…Wayne? Yea, he is…well…sort of…kind of... "devoted,” but you know…only in a remote sort of way…. Actually God would speak the truth in clear straight-forward terms! But, the question still lingers for an answer, what portrait would God paint of the real me and you? Those Believers who make a sincere attempt to be transparent with God typically do not expect God’s summary of them to be bursting with soaring superlatives. I know I would not expect that either. It may surprise us to know that God, on several occasions in the Bible, actually gave glowing reports of certain faithful individuals (Ezek. 14:14, 20). Remember, He is not in anywise known for gross exaggerations, insincere flatteries, or blatant lies! What God said about these people was indeed the case with them. Would you like to read one such honest portrayal of a devoted servant He held in high regards? Consider perhaps the first thing God ever had written down as Scripture from the incredible Book of Job:

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1).
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east (Job 1:3).
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:8)

Did you hear God bragging on the commitment, devotion, and character of Job?! God viewed this man as fit and able to withstand any tests, trials, or temptations the devil could throw at him. The Lord had fantastic confidence in Job’s love for Him and commitment to Him. It is to our shame that we think of God as only recognizing our failures and hardly ever noticing our faithfulness. If we are honest in our heart of hearts, we need to admit that we have felt God was impossible to please. We may also have unwittingly espoused the notion that God is unwilling to even acknowledge what we do well. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth! Beloved, God bragged on Job with full confidence as He refuted Satan’s mischaracterization of Job as shallow, disloyal, and more self-interested than God-enthralled (2:1-9). That is correct; God defended Job’s devotion and character to the devil! This is incredible to recognize because so many Believers are convinced their devotion to God does not count for much. In reality God does appreciate genuine faithfulness and He will reward such Believers in this life and in the future. Still, do not miss what is happening here; God painted a portrait of devotion and Job was His subject. What picture would He paint of me and you?

GOD WAS FOREMOST IN JOB’S LIFE

Well by now you are wondering how this portrait turned out…right? What is God’s portrayal of devotion and what did He see in Job? Well, God begins by describing Job as “perfect” (v. 1, 8) that is, excelling in virtue—morally blameless—and free of any ethical stains. There is also an inherent idea of maturity, completeness, and wholeness that characterized this dear man of God. Today we would describe him as well-rounded and full of integrity. It is not that he never made any mistakes or sinned. You see, Job did not leave his failures unaddressed before God and his fellow man. He took responsibility for settling, correcting, resolving, and compensating for these in a righteous manner. He was also “upright” (v. 1, 8) meaning that he was categorically devoted to the revealed obligations God had specified for him. Job was strong in his devotion to absolute standards of morality. He habitually lived in the center of God’s will for his life, and he was not at all given to deviations for the sake of doing his own thing. He is also marked by a well-founded “fear of God” (v. 1, 8). This man of God lived in holy awe of the magnificence and majesty of God. He also feared God’s displeasure and earnestly craved His delight! This palpable abiding respect stirred and purified his motives, and strengthened his resolve to honor His Majesty in all his ways! Yes, this grand patriarch correctly held the mighty Creator-God, in the utmost regard. No one else could even remotely ascend to such heights in Job’s estimations. God was incontestably preeminent in his life.

SINFUL PRACTICES WERE UTTERLY REFUSED

Accordingly, Job was not the kind of person who often inquired about “what is ok for Christians.” There were no privately cherished notions of living as close to the world as possible. No, this Believer customarily “eschewed evil” (v. 1, 8). It was his decided intent to sidestep wickedness, and definitively rejected sinful practices of all sorts. He did not play the dangerous game of making strong public statements to condemn sinful practices while secretly enjoying them…even looking forward to being around those who indulge in them. Job did not dismiss certain iniquities simply because society regarded them as mere entertainment, acceptable, or desirable. Evil was no laughing matter with this Brother! No, his devotion to a holy God conjured feelings of hatred for sinful practices that offended Him. I would also imagine that Job was marked by a healthy fear of sin. Some of us, at least, ‘eschew certain evils’ because we have felt their sting, chains, or death! Clearly, this man Job epitomized holiness and righteousness from the heart—a man of God of the highest order.

SUCCESS COULD NOT STEAL JOB’S HEART FROM GOD

Furthermore, God mentioned Job’s abundant wealth and affirms that he was the “greatest” man in that part of the Eastern world (1:3). Job by today’s standards would be considered a multi-billionaire commanding a vast and diverse ranch and farming company! Yes, he was a man well respected and appreciated by others both far and wide. This godly man had worked hard and made wise decisions free of manipulations and shady underhanded business practices. He was successful! God had also generously blessed His devoted servant because of his wise and righteous private and public life. Is it not interesting to note how Job never permitted his incredible wealth to displace God in his life? Most Christians cannot handle wealth because it tends to steal their hearts from devotion to God (1 Tim. 6:6-12, 17-19). Material prosperity has destroyed or diluted the faith of more people than poverty ever could; this is a fact of biblical history! As a result God cannot bless some with material riches because this would only set up an unhealthy rivalry in their souls. Such was not the case with Brother Job; you might say his devotion to God was profoundly peerless. He was indeed the “greatest” (1:3) man because of his great devotion! God even went as far to say that there was no other person like Job in the entire world (v. 8). Again, without overstating the facts, God viewed Job in a class all by himself. Why? I think it is because of Job’s love and loyalty to Jehovah God.

Finally, it is important to note that these statements are not the assessments of mere whimsical human beings caught up in the celebrity of this great man Job. No, this appraisal fell from the lips of an all-wise all-knowing God. Please do not overlook the weight and significance of this passage; we have the clear-eyed perspective of a supremely judicious Lord recorded for our consideration (Job. 1:1, 3, 8). Few men or women in the entire Bible received such a sweepingly credible declaration of their deeply spiritual lives as did Job. Actually you can count such biblical instances on your fingers (Ezek. 14:14, 20)! While God faithfully recognized the faithfulness of all His servants throughout the Scriptures, only a select few of them received an endorsement of this magnitude! Yes, I am saying that it is God who ‘painted’ this accurate, but astounding portrait of Job. Beyond any doubt, Brother Job was indeed the authentic article—the epitome of devotion!
Are you willing to acknowledge one more little fact about Job? He did not even have the luxury of a complete Bible, yet He knew God deeply and enthusiastically welded his soul to that of the Most High God! Truthfully God testifies to this fact. That is correct; Job is the subject of God’s painting entitled, “Devotion.” So then, that brings us back to my question from earlier…what would He say about me and you? What portrait would God paint if I was His subject?