Worldview: Secular Humanism vs. Christianity

Secular Humanism

Origin –

Secular humanism is largely based on the belief that there is no God (or gods) and thus, the answer to the origin of man must be found elsewhere. This worldview attacks the question by looking to science. A popular theory dealing with the origin of the universe is known as the Big Bang Theory. While there is no concrete evidence to support this notion, it is believed that the universe was basically condensed in an unknown density and temperature that began to expand around 14 billion years ago.[1] This supposedly led to the formation of proteins and atoms and eventually the formation of proteins and then life. No design, no direction, just random chance. Another theory, known as The Panspermia Theory, consists of life from another universe traveling to earth and spreading spores that eventually became human life forms. Here, there is no explanation as to the origin of said life forms.[2]

Identity -

Since humanists believe man evolved from primordial slime, man has no basis on which to elevate himself above animals or any other life form. Man is simply the most intelligent of the animal world. This reasoning has led to some extreme views including the attitude towards abortion and euthanasia. [3] It also led to Hitler’s attempted extermination of the Jews during World War II. 

Meaning/Purpose -

Since man, according to humanists, is simply a highly developed state of evolutionary process, he has no meaning or purpose. There is nothing outside of himself that gives him relevance. Some may argue man’s value but this is nothing more than philosophical opinion.

Morality -

There are no absolutes, according to many humanists; therefore, morality is determined by the individual person or his society. This idea is commonly referred to as relativism and it is not fixed; therefore, it is subject to change.[4] Carl Jung stated, “Without freedom there can be no morality.”[5] This would mean that moral decisions imposed by government institutions would not be morality if the citizenry had no choice in the matter. Consider Hitler killing Jews because he claimed they were inferior. The German people had to make a conscious, moral decision on whether this was right or not. It is also interesting that in the battle over homosexual marriage today, many who support it claim the moral high ground, commonly referred to as tolerance, but fail to offer this right equally to those who oppose it, regardless of their reasons. According to Jung, this cannot be a moral position. Without an absolute standard, it would seem that morality is nothing more than a construct of human imagination.   

Destiny -

If there is no God or universal cause, when man dies, he ceases to be.

Most humanists seem to be okay with this concept but in all honesty, do they ever ask, what if? When they look at their spouse, children, and grandchildren, do they consider, if God does exist, that their loved ones will go to hell based on their ideals? Perhaps their acceptance of nothingness after death is palatable because they are free to live their lives in whatever way they choose without having to question being accountable to a holy and righteous God.  

Christianity

Origin –

The Christian, or perhaps better stated traditional Christianity, believes all of creation comes from God. John said, “He” (Jesus) “was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:2-4, NKJV). Genesis chapters 1 and 2 document the creation but secular humanists dispute the claims of Scripture and argue that science refutes the biblical account and proves it wrong. Many Christians have bought into this notion and mix evolution and an old earth view with the biblical account. There is much scientific evidence that supports the biblical account but it is important to remember, for the Christian, God’s Word is the final authority. Charles Darwin, in the Origen of Species, admits that if every living thing evolved from something else, there should be huge amounts of fossil evidence to demonstrate the transitional stages but this is not the case. He admitted that this lack of evidence was the strongest case against his Theory of Evolution.[6] Many secular scientists today are acknowledging that science does actually support creation and Scripture, leading many to become creationists.  

Identity -

The Christian obtains identity or worth because of his relationship to God, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth’” (Gen. 1:26, NKJV). God gives man worth and demonstrates the value He places on us by taking on human flesh and suffering and dying so that we will not be eternally separated from Him (Rom. 5:8). A Holy God suffering and dying for sinful, fallen man. That says we have immeasurable worth to the Creator of everything that exists. The humanist would have us believe we are no better than animals or plants. They would have us reject our Creator and live our lives in rebellion to the One who loves us and died for us. No one likes an ungrateful child. To reject God is the epitome of ungratefulness. At the same time, many secularists rally to treat animals with dignity and value while trumpeting a woman’s right to abortion on demand. Life is sacred to God and He clearly instructs us not to murder. The humanist mindset, whether they realize it or not, is in complete rebellion against Holy God.

Meaning/Purpose -

When God created man, He chose to make him steward over His creation (Gen. 1:26). It was also His desire that mankind worship Him and fellowship with Him (Deut. 10:12-13). For the humanist, since he has no higher power to serve or answer to, his life is whatever he desires. If mankind has no relevance, why should he not seek to make himself happy? Since there is no one to answer to, if his ambitions come at the expense of others, what difference does it make? Even so, it is only fare to say that there are many humanists who seek to do good. Some give to charitable organizations while others seek to save lives (e.g. doctors, firemen, policemen), try to be good neighbors or serve others in another capacity. At best, their efforts are motivated by a desire to make them feel good about themselves. If there is no gain or judgment after death, what benefit is there?        

Morality –

According to Mirriam-Webster, secular humanism can be defined as, “a system of values and beliefs that are opposed to the values and beliefs of traditional religions” or, “humanistic philosophy viewed as a nontheistic religion antagonistic to traditional religion.”[7] While I respect Mirriam-Webster, this may not be an entirely accurate description. Many humanists share the Christian beliefs that murder, adultery, stealing, and lying are wrong. Perhaps the biggest difference here is how they come to share these beliefs and values. The Christian bases his views on Scripture while the humanist may simply conform to excepted societal beliefs and behaviors. Apart from these age old beliefs, a difference of opinion does seem to emerge. In regard to sexual morality or other moral issues, the humanist tends to move left of Christianity.   

Destiny –

In his gospel, John wrote, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Earlier, David wrote, “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Ps.1:6, NKJV). Throughout Scripture, God promises that those who receive Him, trusting in Christ, will spend eternity with Him after death. The humanist has no such hope. Whether he believes in hell or not, his rejection of the Messiah will lead him there.

Bibliography

DeWitt, David A. Unraveling the Origins Controversy. Lynchburg: Creation Curriculum, 2007.

Joshi, Sonali. "Origen of Life: The Panspermia Theory." Helix Magazine. https://helix.northwestern.edu/article/origin-life-panspermia-theory.

Mirriam-Webster. Accessed February 20, 2015. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular%20humanism.

Morris, Tom. Philosophy for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 1999.

Weider, Lew, Ben Gutierrez. Consider. Virginia Beach: Academx Publishing Services, 2013.

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[1]. David A. DeWitt, Unraveling the Origins Controversy, (Lynchburg: Creation Curriculum, 2007), 144.   

[2]. Sonali S. Joshi, "Origen of Life: The Panspermia Theory," Helix Magazine, https://helix.northwestern.edu/article/origin-life-panspermia-theory.

[3]. Lew Weider, Ben Gutierrez, Consider, (Virginia Beach: Academx Publishing Services, 2013), 66.   

[4]. Ibid., 71.

[5]. Tom Morris, Philosophy for Dummies, (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 1999), 125.

[6]. David A. DeWitt, Unraveling the Origins Controversy, (Lynchburg: Creation Curriculum, 2007), 157.    

[7]. Mirriam-Webster. Accessed February 20, 2015. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular%20humanism.

What is a worldview?

Worldview is used to describe how a person sees their world. Through this lens, a person makes decisions on every aspect of his/her life. A Christian will (should) base their choices on Biblical concepts while a humanist will most likely choose what is expedient to him or her (this may not always hold true). Our worldview encompasses how we answer basic questions such as: 1) origin of life, 2) identity, 3) meaning, 4) morality, and 5) destiny.[1]

The Question of Origin –

A Christian worldview supports the idea that God created the world and man (Gen. 1:1, 26-28). In fact, God created everything that was created (Col. 1:16). The creative process involved the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:9; Col.1:15-17). A commonly held belief is that God created ex nihilo, which means, “out of nothing.”[2] There are some differences of opinion among believers however. Some, known as old earth creationists, have allowed secular theories to influence their way of thinking and rather than accepting the biblical account, they believe God created the universe but He did so millions or billions of years ago. Many hold to the idea that He may have used evolutionary processes but this clearly conflicts with Scripture. In the Genesis account, the writer states each day ended after the morning and evening (Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). This stands in contrast to the day-age theory, a belief that there may have been long spans of time between the days of creation. God did not use evolution to bring about humanity or anything else; He created every thing in love with perfection.

The Question of Identity –

In all of God’s creation, man stands alone as Scripture tells us that we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26-7). God’s intent was that mankind would be stewards of the earth and populate it (Gen. 1:26-8). According to John, there will be a day when believers will be like Christ, having a resurrected body and a sinless nature (1 John 3:2).    

The Question of Meaning/Purpose –

Man’s purpose is to know and worship God (Deut. 6:5; Mat. 22:37). God is love and as such, He desires fellowship with man. Peter wrote that it was not God’s will that anyone would be lost but that all might be saved and spend eternity with Him (2 Pet. 3:9). Lew Weider and Ben Gutierrez cite John 17:3, which states that we would know the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.[3]

The Question of Morality –

God’s Word tells us what is morally and ethically sound. We can study the nature of God and through reading and studying His Word, we can be transformed more into His likeness. David said by reading God’s Word, he would have the ability to refrain from living an overtly sinful life (Ps. 119:10-12)   Not only this, man has an inner knowledge of right and wrong. Paul addresses this in Romans 2:12-16 and says that some, who did not have God’s written law, still obeyed it because it was written in their heart. Almost all people groups believe murder, rape, stealing, and lying are wrong. They know this because God has placed it in their heart.   

The Question of Destiny -

The Christian (excluding inclusivists and others who hold false doctrines) believes that man will spend eternity in one of two places, heaven or hell. Those who receive Christ will spend eternity with Him in heaven (John 3:16, 14:2Eph. 1:13,14). There is no other way to salvation; Jesus is the only way to heaven (Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16). Jesus also spoke of hell as being a real place (Mat. 5:21-30). He told a story about two men, one rich and the other poor. Both men died and Jesus referred to Lazarus, the poor man, as receiving reward while the rich man suffered in torment (Luke 16:19-31). Despite what others may say, Jesus did not speak metaphorically but intended His audience to understand that hell is real. From the mouth of God we have sufficient evidence to know that all men will go to one or the other.   

From a biblical worldview, how should we think about, treat, and speak to others?

In the book of Exodus, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The first four concern man’s responsibility to God and the next six instruct man on how to treat one another (Ex. 20:3-17). Jesus said that we are to love others, even our enemies (Mat. 5:43-48). When He was beaten, spat on, and nailed to the cross, Jesus still loved (Mat. 26:67, 27-31; Luke 23:34). Throughout Scripture, God is shown to be absolute love. He blesses those who receive Him as well as those who do not (Mat. 5:45). If God loves us, in our fallen state, and asks us to love others, how can we not obey?   

Bibliography

Weider, Lew, Ben Gutierrez. Consider. Virginia Beach: Academx Publishing Services, 2013.

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[1]. Lew Weider, Ben Gutierrez, Consider, (Virginia Beach: Academx Publishing Services, 2013) 304.64-73.

[2]. Ibid., 65.

[3]. Ibid., 70.

THE MILLENIAL REIGN OF CHRIST

Introduction

      In today’s world, people are constantly arguing about the biggest threats to the earth. No matter one’s stance, there are numerous threats to the environment and earth itself. Perhaps it is safe to say that humanity is failing to be good stewards of the earth God created. If man persists on his present course, earth’s destruction is inevitable. If this happens, can the earth survive or even possibly rebound to its present inhabitability? This is exactly what is foretold in the book of Revelation. In his writing, John the revelator discusses a millennial reign of Christ that follows cataclysmic events that destroy the earth. This paper will describe the details pertaining to the nature of the millennium, the timing of the millennium, the duration of the millennium, the occupants of the millennial kingdom, and the relationship of Israel and the church to the millennial kingdom. 

Context of Revelation

      The book of Revelation begins with John, a disciple of Jesus Christ, being exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching Christ. Rome was the current world power and engaged in emperor worship. Any belief or claim that there was another god was considered treason and thus, John was convicted and sentenced to exile. It is believed that the writing dates somewhere in the mid 90’s but some date it to the late 60’s. Many scholars believe that it was written during the latter years of the Roman emperor Domitian and that it was he who sentenced John to exile. It is also believed that the original recipients were the believers in the seven churches mentioned in chapters two and three.

The Alpha and Omega

      John begins by explaining that he was on the island called Patmos and that it was on the Lord’s day when he received this revelation from Christ. The voice he heard proclaimed, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last” (Rev. 1:11, NKJV). John understood that this was the voice of the Lord and he was commanded to write down what he saw and heard and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. John then saw, “one like unto the Son of man” walking amongst seven golden lampstands (Rev. 1:12-3, NKJV). He gives a physical description of the Lord and says He [Jesus] held seven stars and had a two-edged sword in His mouth. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches which are represented by the lampstands, and the sword is His word.     

Seven Churches

Before the Lord discloses His judgment on the ungodly, He first addresses His church. The seven churches were actual historical churches but each demonstrated characteristics common to most churches throughout the ages. The Lord gives an address to each church and follows a general outline with few exceptions. After the address, He gives a commendation or condemnation, counsel or warning, and a promise. While His comments are made to each specific church and address their obedience and/or failures, the church today should take heed and seek to follow the advice He gives.

The Throne Room

      Next, John is summoned into God’s throne room where he gets a glimpse at the Lord’s majesty. In his limited earthly vocabulary, John attempts to describe all that he sees. He paints a picture of twenty-four elders and various creatures that surround the throne and worship continually. It is here that he sees a scroll with seven seals. The question is raised, who can open the scroll and break the seals but no one present is worthy, leading John to weep. Then emerges a Lamb that had been slain; this is Jesus and He alone is worthy to open the scroll.      

The Judgments

Between chapter 6 and 18, numerous judgments are rendered concerning the unsaved. Some directly affect man while others affect the earth, thereby affecting man still. There are also images that represent world events and John watches in horror as the future unfolds before his eyes. He is given a glimpse into those things that will take place preceding the return of Christ and he also witnesses the glorious return of his Lord. Further, he sees the ultimate demise of Satan. John’s vision is filled with unimaginable pain and suffering but although the end is gruesome for Satan and his minions, the future holds great promise for the faithful.      

Jesus’ Foretells of His Return

      The disciples had asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Mat. 24:3, NKJV). Beginning in chapter 24 and continuing through chapter 25, in Matthews gospel, Jesus gave them a glance into the future. He warned them about those who would claim to be the Messiah (vv. 4, 5), about wars and rumors of war (v. 6), of the rise and fall of many kingdoms, and then He gave them insight that would later be recorded by John in Revelation (vv. 7, 8). When looking at the text in Revelation, some questions are not answered but Jesus’ words to His disciples help fill in the gaps so that those who study have a clear picture of the end times and the events leading up to them.  

The Return of Christ

Revelation 19:11-21 says that Christ Jesus will return, riding on a white horse; the only weapon He will wield is the sword of His mouth. He will be followed by the armies from heaven, dressed in white linen, but this battle will be over quickly and will be won by a simple utterance from His mouth. As Jesus prepares to rule, He has Satan bound and locked in the abyss where he will not be allowed to deceive man during the millennial reign. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire. At this time, Christ will establish His millennial kingdom.  

The Millennial Kingdom

      Some argue that there will be no millennial kingdom [amillennialists] since the book of Revelation is apocalyptic and thus figurative. They argue that a one-thousand year reign cannot be taken in a literal sense. This argument will be covered in more depth later. While the book of Revelation is apocalyptic and partially symbolic, this is not a viable reason to disregard any literal interpretation.[1] During the millennial kingdom, literally one-thousand years, there will be two groups of believers who reign with Christ: those who died previously and those who repented and survived during the tribulation.  John writes that he saw the souls of those who had been beheaded and they sat on thrones, ruling and reigning with Christ for a thousand years (Rev. 20:4). He further states, in verses 5 and 6, that there are two resurrections; the first is the resurrection of the saints and the second will be the resurrection of the lost when they stand before judgment. Those who survive the tribulation will not yet have their resurrected bodies so they will bear children. These children will also have children and some of these will be unregenerate and remain unsaved.[2] For the saved, this will be a time of great joy as King Jesus rules in an ideal setting. It will be a time where the nation of Israel is joined with the church to worship and reign with Christ. 

Postmillennialists

There are those who interpret the millennial kingdom differently; one such group is known as postmillennialists. They see this time as more of a cleansing of society, an era of spiritual prosperity rather than an actual time that Jesus rules on earth; therefore, at His return, He will find a Christianized world.[3] This view is in stark contrast to Jesus own words when He states, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, NKJV). The psalmist writes, “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion” (Ps. 2:6, NKJV). In light of Scripture, it is hard to support the postmillennialist view.       

Amillennialists

      Amillennialists basically deny any future earthly kingdom. According to Towns, they hold two different views: 1) some believe the promises of a kingdom are currently taking place in heaven and 2) others believe the kingdom is a spiritual manifestation being fulfilled through the church.[4] Either view rejects a literal interpretation of Scripture and appears hard to defend when there is so much that contradicts such notions. The psalmist, most likely David, wrote, “You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Ps. 2:9, NKJV). This is repeated by John in Revelation (2:27; 12:5; 19:5). According to amillennialist views, these verses make no sense and cannot take place. Why would Christ break the rebellious with an iron rod in heaven or dash them to pieces? The rebellious are not in heaven. If left to the church, as in the second view, the church is failing miserably. Jesus often spoke of His return, as recorded in Matthew 24:30, 26:64, and numerous other passages. Based on this and the rejection of a literal interpretation, this position should be rejected.    

Premillennialists

      Premillennialists view the Scriptures literally. When Jesus says that He will return physically, that is what is accepted. Several passages have been listed in rebuttal to the opposing views but perhaps one last passage should be added. As the disciples watched Jesus ascend to heaven, “behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:10,11, NKJV). Bock makes an interesting observation and suggests that the two men, or angels, “evoke the two-witness motif” found in Deuteronomy 19:15; giving credibility to their witness.[5] This seems to be irrefutable evidence that Christ will return physically just as He said.

Heaven on Earth

      While the term heaven on earth has been tossed around casually for many years, it will take on a literal meaning during the millennial reign of Christ. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He said, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2, NKJV). This may well answer what the millennial kingdom will look like. Christ will rule supreme and David will be a vice regent (Ezek. 37:22-24). The apostles and other saints will rule under them (Mat. 19:28; Zech. 3:7). There will be no death and people will work as they do today (Zech. 8:4-6; Isa. 62:8-9, 65:20-23; Ezek. 48:18-19). Life will revert back to the days of the garden. Life will once again be the way the Lord intended it to be.      

Jews

      In chapter 7, John writes that God’s judgment is restrained until 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes, are sealed, protecting them from the wrath of God. He refers to them as, “the servants of our God” (Rev. 7:3, NKJV). According to Clouse, “The Jews will figure prominently in the future age because the premillennialists believe that they will be converted in large numbers and will again have a prominent place in God’s work.”[6] While Israel, as a nation, still denies Jesus as their Messiah, God is not through with them yet. He chose them to be His people and there is nothing in Scripture to suggest that He has abandoned them; in fact, to the contrary. The two witnesses, mentioned in chapter 11, are similar to John the Baptist and represent the return of Elijah, calling Israel to repent in the future, much like Zerubbabel and Joshua did in the past.[7]    

Satan’s Last Stand

      It would not be fitting to close without revisiting Satan who has been bound and held in the abyss for the previous one-thousand years. At the end of Christ’s millennial rule, Satan will be released. He gathers the armies of Gog and Magog, which the Bible says are as numerous as sand, and together they march against Jerusalem. This vast army surrounds the city and in a flash, fire comes down from heaven and destroys them in an instant (Rev. 20:7-9). Satan is cast into the lake of fire where he will be tormented for eternity. One writer states, “The devil will be released from the abyss but he will never be released from the lake of fire. He will never be a threat to anyone again.”[8] 

A New Heaven and a New Earth

      While life may seem as good as it gets, there is more to come. God will usher in a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). Towns questions if this is perhaps the Beulah mentioned by Isaiah the prophet, which means married and is the Bride of Christ.[9] John tried to describe what this all will look like but more than likely, his descriptions pale in comparison to what the Lord has in mind.

Conclusion

      While people around the globe argue over saving our planet, little do they know that their efforts are worthless. Perhaps they may do some good for a time but any long term goals will be brought to ruin. As is recorded in Scripture, man will succeed at destroying the planet. God ultimately decides when and how but He has foretold of His plan to destroy the evil that Satan and man have devised in their hearts. He alone has the authority to wipe the slate clean and start anew. Unlike man, He has the power and authority to make all things new and beautiful.

Bibliography

Bock, Darrell L. Acts. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007. 

Boyd, Gregory A., Paul R. Eddy. Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical     Theology, 2^nd Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009. 

Brindle, Wayne A., Carl J. Diemer, Edward G. Dobson, Jerry Falwell, Paul R. Fink,    James A.  Freerksen, Edward E. Hindson, et al. King James Study Bible. Nashville:Thomas Nelson, 1988.

Cabal, Ted, Chad Owen Brand, E. Ray Clendenen, Paul Copan, J.P. Moreland, ed. The Apologetics

     Study Bible. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.   

 

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker

     Book House Company, 2001. 

Life Application Study Bible. New American Standard Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

Towns, Elmer L. Theology for Today. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008. 

Towns, Elmer L. A Journey Through the New Testament. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008.

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[1]. Gregory A. Boyd, Paul R. Eddy, Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology, 2^nd Edition, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009), 264.

 

[2]. Wayne A. Brindle, Carl J. Diemer, Edward G. Dobson, Jerry Falwell, Paul R. Fink,    James A. Freerksen, Edward E. Hindson, et al, King James Study Bible. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1988), 2014.

[3]. Elmer Towns, Theology for Today, (Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008), 799.

[4]. Towns, 800.

[5]. Darrell L. Bock, Acts, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 69.

[6]. Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Company, 2001), 770.

[7]. Brindle, 1997.    

[8]. Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), 2273.

[9]. Elmer L. Towns, A Journey Through the New Testament, (Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008), 359.