I recently read "The Humanist Manifesto", part one, two, and three. It was heartbreaking to read the works of generations of men, starting as far back as 1933 that declare their independence from God. Holding up mankind as the primary focus of our existence, they call for us to leave behind our antiquated notions of God and the hereafter. Here is a brief analysis of the tenets of humanistic thought, and a comparison to Christian thought.
Part One:
The Question of Origin - The world exists as the result of the process of evolution. Through the passing of billions of years life has evolved from single celled organisms into the more and more complex species. This continuing transformation of life has led to the birth of the human race. We no longer look to the supernatural for the source of life(1). Only the scientific method is viewed as the right way to discover the truth of our origins, and of life itself(2). As our knowledge of the world grows, we will be able to unlock more answers to the mystery of life.
The Question of Identity -Man, being the product of evolutionary forces, our identity is partially found as being part of the animal kingdom (3). We are not to hold ourselves above the animal kingdom, as we are a part of them. This reality again ties into our need to stop looking to the supernatural for the answers to who we are.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose -The answer to man’s meaning and purpose is found in the third version of the Humanist’s Manifesto, “Life's fulfilment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals. We aim for our fullest possible development and animate our lives with a deep sense of purpose, finding wonder and awe in the joys and beauties of human existence, its challenges and tragedies, and even in the inevitability and finality of death.”(1) This tells us that we are to be a part of the human race, to devote ourselves to the ideals that we place forth for the betterment of mankind. We are fulfilled in fulfilling ourselves.
The Question of Morality - To answer the question of morality, I am going to have to refer to the second version of the Humanist Manifesto, “Traditional moral codes and newer irrational cults both fail to meet the pressing needs of today and tomorrow. False "theologies of hope" and messianic ideologies, substituting new dogmas for old, cannot cope with existing world realities. They separate rather than unite peoples. Humanity, to survive, requires bold and adding measures. We need to extend the uses of scientific method, not renounce them, to fuse reason with compassion in order to build constructive social and moral values.”(4) Again we return to the theme of leaving the past morality and religions behind in order to create a new morality that reflects the age that we now live in, through our enlightened understanding of man that has come through the pursuit of science.
The Question of Destiny - As mankind continues to progress, we are going to need to remove the national boundaries and become more of a one world government (4). This will lead to the creation of a unified human race, where we will work together to explore, discover, and fulfil the true potential of the mankind. Our destiny cannot be found in a narrow focus on the afterlife, our destiny will live on in our descendants, and in the legacies that we leave for future generations.
Part Two:
The Question of Origin – The world, and all that is in it was created by God, out of nothing through the power of his word(5). God existed before our time, before we were, he is. God can be understood through his creation, for it bears witness to him(6).
The Question of Identity – Because we are the creation of God, we belong to him. Our identity is best found in being his, and being stewards of his creation(7). We are responsible for the earth and for it’s care. Our place in the created oder is found just below the angels (Psalm 2:15) (8).
The Question of Meaning/Purpose – Our primary purpose, our “chief end” is, “To glorify God and to enjoy him forever”(9). We find meaning in God,in the pursuit of and knowing of him. As we find our meaning in him, we will also find our purpose.
The Question of Morality – Morality is about holiness. God is holy and as such we are called to be holy, for we are his children(10). There are not any grey areas when it comes to right and wrong, there is only light and darkness. We are to walk in the light (11).
The Question of Destiny - Our destiny is going to be found with God forever, or apart from God forever. In the last days God will gather all to him, and separate those who are covered by the blood of Christ from those who have rejected his love.(12)
