2Cor 10:3-5 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This week we will continue to look at a Christian worldview, and what that means. I pray that Christians everywhere wake up to the Humanist/Marxist ideology that has been changing our society for decades, that we would recognize it for what it is (a godless system of thought), and that we would stand against it. That we would know what we believe, and why we believe – and then be salt and light in this dark world. It's been said that on the darkest night the stars shine the brightest. Let's be those stars.
The three areas I would like to cover today are Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics. The views Humanists/Marxists have on these issues are diametrically opposed to the Christian worldview. Therefore, it should be common sense that a Christian not be in agreement with Humanism/Marxism. Before we proceed, I would like to say that much of the information gathered for this series is from the book “Understanding The Times” by David Noebel. Parents, I would make this book required reading for your kids if you want them to be truly educated Christians (in my opinion). Throughout the book, Noebel actually quotes Humanist and Marxist scholars and writings, which help avoid the accusation that he is slandering or being biased. You can't say someone is lying when they quote your own statements from your own publications.
Theology – Secular Humanism – Atheism. Paul Kurtz, well-known humanist, who wrote the Second Humanist Manifesto in 1973, said, “The term Humanist cannot apply to one who believes in God.” Carl Sagan said, “The gods (God) did not create man, but man created the gods (God).” Marxism is atheistic. Karl Marx, the founder of modern day Socialism/Communism, was a devout atheist, who hated all things “God.” V.I. Lenin agreed and said that every idea of God is “unutterable vileness.”
Christianity is, of course, theistic. The Apostles’ Creed sums up our core beliefs quite well. The Bible says that the very beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is the fear of the Lord (Job 28:28, Ps 111:10, Prv 1:7, 9:10). Since this is true, why would Christians want to listen to anything Humanists/Marxists have to say? They do not fear the Lord, or even believe in Him. Therefore, they are fools in God's eyes (Ps 14:1). Since every belief of theirs stems from the core belief that there is no God, should Christians be buying into any of their ideology? Think about that.
Philosophy – Secular Humanism – Naturalism. There is no supernatural. God, Satan, heaven, hell, mind, spirit, soul, angels, demons, etc., are all fantasy. All things are natural. Even thoughts are simply “chemical firings of synapses in the brain.” Marxist philosophy is Dialectical Materialism. It, like naturalism, also denies the supernatural. However, the emphasis is on struggle. Survival of the fittest, natural selection, Darwinism applied to social science.
Christian philosophy is “In Him (Jesus) we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). It is that Jesus is the Word of God. Jn 1:1-4 teaches mind before matter, design before creation, and life from life. Jesus is eternal, the creator of all things, and the source of all truth.
Ethics – Secular Humanism – ethical relativism, situation ethics, new morality, etc. Ethics of man, by man, and for man. Man writes his own ethical code. Marxism – Communist or class morality. The end justifies the means. Anything is ethical, as long as it is advancing the socialist cause of a classless society. Raping or killing someone infected with the concept of God and Free market ideology is no different than a farmer killing a cow infected with Anthrax. Just as with Nazism, if it advances the cause – it's O.K.
Christian Ethics say God is absolute and unchanging, and so are His morals. God hates the evil and loves the good. The Bible is the absolute source of knowledge of what is evil or good. We have a general knowledge of right and wrong by our conscience. However, the Word of God, specifically, the life of Christ, leaves us no doubt as to what is right and wrong. God expects us to discern between good and evil (Heb 5:14), and to choose the good and avoid the evil (Rom 12:9). Doing what is right does not depend on our circumstances, but on God's Word on the subject. Sin is not okay on Saturday night, and then wrong on Sunday morning. It's always wrong.
The question I would ask Christians is this: Are you an Athenian (Act 17:21), or a Berean (Act 17:10-11)? Do you just seek to hear and tell some new opinion, or do you diligently seek truth through the pages of Scripture? God cares how and what we think. We are not to be conformed to this world (Rom 12:2). We are to take every thought captive and make it obey Christ (2Cor 10:5). We are to avoid being seduced through worldly philosophy and vain delusion (Col 2:8). This all speaks of our worldview. What determines your worldview, Christian? God says it ought to be the Bible. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!
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