UNDERSTANDING HUMANISM
Julia Bloxom

One of the differences between humanism and Christianity is that humanism teaches that life on this earth is the only life. Humanists do not believe in either the resurrection or eternal life, and such ideas as God, creation, and prayer are seen as myths to be exposed.

They thus believe that if there is to be a Utopian heaven it must be built in this world or not at all. This can be accomplished in part by indulging in self pleasure. Humanists make no apologies for their hedonistic philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry.” They take a liberal view of sex outside of marriage, and they wish “to take the lock out of wedlock.” This can be achieved, they say, by encouraging extramarital sex so as to give marriage partners more diversity in sex, and by legalizing speedy, no-fault divorces in every state. This might be called “selfism” rather than “humanism. “

Another way to set up this Utopia is by promoting the “Community Good,” which embraces all of humanity. The “Good” means the welfare and happiness of all people, which humanists feel can be accomplished by abolishing nationalistic and racial prejudice. While Christians and humanists agree that prejudice must be abolished. They differ on how this is to be accomplished. The humanists contend that it can be achieved by man himself, apart from God, while Christians believe there can be no justice, or peace, that does not ultimately issue from our Almighty Father.

Another difference between humanism and Christianity is that humanists believe moral values are relative and that ethics are situational. The Humanist Manifesto II says: “Ethics is autonomous and situational, needing no theological or ideological sanction. Ethics stems from human need and interest.” It is therefore no surprise that humanists reject most Judeo-Christian laws, such as the Ten Commandments, calling them “dogmatic,” “outmoded,” and “authoritarian.”

More could be said about humanism versus Christianity, but the major differences have been stated. The essence of these differences is that humanists see man as the supreme authority, thus making him god, while Christians believe all power and authority rest with God, the Creator and sustainer of all life.

Humanism is deceptive in that it often lurks behind such best-selling titles as Pulling Your Own Strings and Looking Out for No.1, which, though they have some merit for the discerning reader, can be harmful to those not firmly rooted in the faith in that they encourage man to love himself above all else. This is the law of humanism and the essence of the Humanist Manifesto.

The essence of the “Christian Manifesto,” on the other hand, is found in Mt. 22:37-40:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

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