A while back I saw a poster which read “From the Humanist Manifesto: ‘… guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience… Humanists are concerned for the well being of all, are committed to diversity, and respect those of differing yet humane views. Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis. Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience. Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.” Another reading stated, “Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.” Though many reject the premise that “humanism” is a religion in and of itself, the following is sited in the Oxford Companion to Philosophy: “…an appeal to reason in contrast to revelation or religious authority as a means of finding out about the natural world and destiny of man, and also giving a grounding for morality… Humanist ethics is also distinguished by placing the end of moral action in the welfare of humanity rather than in fulfilling the will of God.”
Humanism can be traced back as far as the Biblical account of the “Tower of Babel” in the Book of Genesis.
Genesis 11:1-4 states,
“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
The purpose of this tower and city was to form a center of unity for the human race that would serve to keep the race together. This in itself was in defiance of the command of God for mankind to fill the world with people.
Genesis 9:1 states,
“And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”
It was God’s will that the human race be spread abroad over the face of the earth, not that people remain concentrated and huddled together in one locality.
But behind the purpose of maintaining a center of unity, there was an even more sinister purpose: “Unity was to afford the possibility for founding a gigantic empire, glorifying man in his independence of God” (G. Vos, Biblical Theology, p. 71). They wanted to make themselves a name, that is, a reputation for fame and greatness. God interfered with the execution of their plan, and scattered them – lest their impious spirit would have had free reign, the progress of sin would have not been checked, leaving the whole of humanity concentrated, and the power of sin united. The unity of the human race is, of course, the true ideal. But due to the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the original unity of the race was broken. And during the continuance of human sinfulness, it is absolutely necessary that sin be checked and limited by being divided up into many political units and many false religions. It is contrary to the will of God that the human race, while still sinful, be united in one single political sovereignty. A secular or non-Christian world government might indeed bring worldwide peace, but it would be the peace of a worldwide prison or a worldwide cemetery. Consider the prophetic words of Revelation 13:5-7,
“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
You are left with two choices, 1) follow humanism [man’s reasoning, ethics, morality, destiny]; 2) follow Christ, John 5:39,
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
