The Great Divide: Understanding the Chasm between Secular Humanism and Biblical Theism
When it comes to ethics, there are two fundamentally different worldviews that shape our perspectives: secular humanism and biblical theism. These two frameworks are like two different languages, making it challenging for individuals from each camp to understand and communicate with one another.
The Secular Humanist Perspective
Secular humanism begins with the assumption that there is no personal, all-powerful God. As a result, moral truths are relative, and humans are not morally responsible for their actions. Instead, behavior is seen as a product of genetic makeup, environment, or social conditioning. This perspective views ethics as a matter of personal preference, with no absolute right or wrong.
The Biblical Theist Perspective
In stark contrast, biblical theism posits that there is a personal, all-powerful God who is the source of absolute moral truths. Humans are created in God’s image and are morally responsible for their actions. This perspective sees ethics as a matter of obedience to God’s commands, with clear distinctions between right and wrong.
The Sanctity-of-Life Principle
One of the key areas where these two perspectives diverge is on the sanctity-of-life principle. Biblical theism holds that human life has intrinsic value because it is created in God’s image. In contrast, secular humanism sees human life as valuable only insofar as it contributes to the greater good or has a certain quality of life.
Applying the Sanctity-of-Life Principle
When it comes to issues like war, capital punishment, and abortion, the sanctity-of-life principle is often applied differently by believers. While some may argue that the principle should be applied universally, others may see exceptions in cases where the greater good is at stake.
The Sovereignty of God
Another critical area of disagreement is the sovereignty of God. Biblical theism affirms that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including ethics. In contrast, secular humanism rejects the idea of a higher power and instead sees humans as the ultimate authority.
The End Justifies the Means?
This fundamental difference in worldview also shapes how we approach ethics. Biblical theism says that the end does not justify the means, while secular humanism argues that it does. This has significant implications for issues like biomedical research and the use of human embryos.
A Stark Contrast
The contrast between secular humanism and biblical theism is stark. These two worldviews come from different perspectives and reach different conclusions. Understanding these differences is essential for navigating the complex landscape of ethics.
Knowing How We Think
Ultimately, it is just as important to know how we think as it is to know what we think. Recognizing our own worldview and its underlying assumptions is crucial for making informed decisions about ethics. By acknowledging the chasm between secular humanism and biblical theism, we can begin to bridge the gap and engage in more meaningful dialogue.
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