Topical Encyclopedia
Humanism, as a philosophical and ethical stance, emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. It often rejects the supernatural and focuses on human reason, ethics, and justice. From a biblical perspective, humanism can be seen as a worldview that contrasts with the theocentric focus of Scripture, which places God at the center of all things.
Biblical Perspective on HumanismThe Bible presents a worldview that is fundamentally theocentric, meaning God-centered. In
Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," the Scriptures establish God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. Humanism, by contrast, often elevates human reason and experience above divine revelation, which can lead to a worldview that is at odds with biblical teachings.
Humanism and the Nature of ManHumanism tends to emphasize the inherent goodness and potential of humanity. However, the Bible presents a different view of human nature. In
Romans 3:23, it states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the biblical teaching that humanity is fallen and in need of redemption, a concept that humanism typically does not acknowledge.
Humanism and MoralityHumanism often promotes a system of ethics based on human reason and consensus. In contrast, the Bible provides a moral framework grounded in the character and commandments of God.
Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This suggests that true wisdom and moral understanding begin with a reverence for God, rather than human reasoning alone.
Humanism and the Purpose of LifeHumanism generally posits that the purpose of life is to seek fulfillment and happiness through human endeavors. The Bible, however, teaches that the ultimate purpose of life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 states, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
Humanism and the Role of GodIn humanism, the role of God is often minimized or dismissed altogether. The Bible, however, emphasizes the sovereignty and centrality of God in all aspects of life.
Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
Humanism and SalvationHumanism typically focuses on human effort and achievement as the means to improve the human condition. The Bible, however, teaches that salvation and true transformation come only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
ConclusionWhile humanism emphasizes human potential and achievement, the Bible presents a worldview that acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine intervention. The biblical narrative consistently points to God as the source of wisdom, morality, purpose, and salvation, contrasting sharply with the human-centered focus of humanism.
Topical Bible Verses
Genesis 1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Topicalbible.orgGenesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Topicalbible.org
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Topicalbible.org
Romans 5:12
Why, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed on all men, for that all have sinned:
Topicalbible.org
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Topicalbible.org
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Topicalbible.org
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Topicalbible.org
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Topicalbible.org
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Topicalbible.org
Library
Sebastian Franck: an Apostle of Inward Religion
... friendly fellowship of student life with two of his later opponents, Martin Frecht
and Martin Bucer, and here he came under the influence ofHumanism which in...
The Main Current of the Reformation
... our dogmas and more about the gospel,"[3] or, as he often puts it, "if we made less
of dogmatic subtleties and more of Scripture." So far asHumanism was a...
The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith.
... The germ of Rationalism existed in the Catholic Church before the Reformation,
especially in thehumanism which was nourished in the very sanctuary by the...
Causes of the Reformation
...Humanism owes its rapid development in Italy not indeed to the universities, for
the universities, committed entirely to the Scholastic principles of education...
Benjamin Whichcote, the First of the "Latitude-Men"
... They were too much committed to the ideals ofHumanism to be positive opponents
of Descartes' rational formulation of all things outer and inner, but they...
Theological Controversies and Studies
... theological movement of the thirteenth century had spent its force, and it seemed
highly probable that in the struggle withHumanism theology would be obliged...
Spiritual Reformers in the 16th and 17th Centuries
... 267 Vane, 272, 274 Whichcote, 296, 297-299, 300-301, 322 John Smith, 308, 310,
311-312, 318, 322 English poets, 322-323 Religion of lay type"Humanism and, 3...
Introduction
... The practical and devotional prevailed.Humanism was for a time shut out.... From this
point of view their movement has been called the newhumanism....
The Religious Revolution
... his position in the world, determined to send the youth to study law at the University
of Erfurt, which was then one of the leading centres ofHumanism on the...
Christian Cemeteries.
... give the lonely wanderer the impression of meeting living and dear friends; and
one wonders at the great love which these pioneers of "humanism" must have had...
Resources
What is human nature? What does the Bible say about human nature? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible teach about human trafficking? | GotQuestions.orgWould a human clone have a soul? | GotQuestions.orgHuman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
