and the cult of self-worship
As so often happens, one forum discussion leads to an other one. Such is the case here. This one comes directly out of EmperorofIceCream’s forum “Why there is no sin” in which one poster wrote the following:
It is nice to think of a one world religion and everyone abiding by the laws set forth by it, imagining everyone living peacefully, helping one another, and not have pointless wars, but that will never happen... and frankly, I wouldn't want it to be that way.
Although I think the reference was to Christianity, I pointed out that for some time the United Nations and the European Union have been busily developing their "one world religion". It's called secular and atheistic humanism. Here in America ever since the 60’s, the secularization process is progressing at an amazingly rapid speed.
To which another poster replied, “humanism isn't a religion of any type”.
So is it? Is Secular Humanism a religion?
I say yes it is. In 1965, the Supreme Court recognized Secular Humanism as a religion in its decision, the United States vs. Seeger. Even the Humanist Manifestos speak of religious humanism. Secular Humanism is a philosophical way of life, a belief system that secular humanists live by.
Could it depend on one's definition of religion? If we limit ourselves to Webster's primary definition of religion which is " the belief and worship of God ", then Secular Humanism is not a religion. But when you get to Webster's 4th definition that religion is " anything done or followed with reverence or devotion", then based on this expansion of the definition, Secular Humanism fits the definition of religion. This is exactly what the court case, United States vs Seeger, did in 1965....it essentially broadened the definition of the word "religion". Buddhism fits with this 4th definition. Buddhism is one of the world's leading religions, yet Buddhists don't believe in or worship a Supreme Being called God.
Here in the US and many European countries Christianity is being supplanted by the religion of Secular Humanism.
What is the doctrinal faith of Secular Humanism based upon and how is Secular Humanism being propagated?
The tenets of Secular Humanism come from the Humanist Manifest I and II and in the Secular Humanist Declaration. They are as follows:
The first tenet of Secular Humanism denies the relevance of Almighty God and in place of worship and prayer finds his faith in a heightened sense of personal life and in a cooperative effort to promote social well-being.
The second tenet of Secular Humanism is the belief that man can begin with himself and on the basis of “human reason” alone can think out the answers to the great questions which confront mankind.
The third tenet of Secular Humanism is the belief in the inevitably of progress perpetuated through the Evolutionary Theory and its cultural application of Social Darwinism.
The fourth tenet of Secular Humanism is the belief in science as the guide to human progress and the ultimate provider of an alternative to both religion and morals. Therefore, science itself assumes a religious character and we have certainly seen this recently in radical environmentalism and global warming alarmists.
The fifth tenet of Secular Humanism is the belief in self-sufficiency and centrality of man. This tenet encompasses the assertion of the autonomy and independence of man apart from Almighty God thereby releasing mankind from all obligations to Him. This tenet promulgates the idea that man’s future and salvation is in man’s hands, thus, man not God controls the destiny of the human race.
Secular Humanism is propagated through public education, the media, the courts, and through other governmental agencies.
As man more and more declares his independence from traditional moral and religious restraints, does he soar to the heights of Neitsche's superman, but finds himself drawn to his lower nature and more often than not in the gutter of life?
I'll be using James Hitchcock's book , " What is Secular Humanism?" as a guideline. He points out that the Jesuit theologian, Henri DeLubac said that every Humanist system in the ends betrays man. There is a major and inevitable gulf between what it promises and what it is able to fulfill.
Secular Humanism promises total freedom, but man can exercise freedom, paradoxically, on in fulfillment of the commands of his Creator. All of us chafe at the limitations of life, but the Humanist acts of defiance and heedless disregard end by enslaving the individuals to his passions and to the inexorable march of history.
Since man was created by an All-Wise and All-Loving God, he cannot be truly free or happy except in loving obedience to his Creator's will. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."