The Secular Mindset: A Barrier to Christian Thinking
In today’s world, secularism is the dominant way of thinking. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses various “isms,” such as humanism, relativism, materialism, and pragmatism. Secularism is more than just a philosophy; it’s a mental framework and value structure that shapes our decisions and actions.
Understanding Secularism
The word “secular” comes from the Latin word “saeculum,” meaning “age.” In Romans 12, Paul warns against being conformed to this age, or in other words, being secular in our worldview. Secularism is a philosophy that operates as if this age is all there is, disregarding the eternal and focusing only on the present.
The Cosmos is All That Is
Carl Sagan’s statement in the TV series Cosmos sums up secularism perfectly: “The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.” This worldview is bound by the limits of the material universe, ignoring anything beyond what we can see and touch.
The Dangers of Secularism
Secularism has become increasingly harmful, dominating our culture with slogans like “You only go around once” and “The Now Generation.” This mindset encourages us to live for the moment, disregarding the consequences of our actions. Why worry about the national debt or study hard for the future when we can enjoy ourselves now?
A Christian Response
As Christians, we must not conform to this secular mindset. Instead, we should see all things as relating to God and eternity. Harry Blamires puts it perfectly: “To think Christianly is to accept all things with the mind as related, directly or indirectly, to man’s eternal destiny as the redeemed and chosen child of God.”
Breaking Free from Secularism
To have a modern reformation, we must learn to think Christianly. We must break free from the confines of secularism and see the world through the lens of eternity. As R.C. Sproul says, “We must make our decisions, live our lives, make our plans, all within the closed arena of this time—the here and now—is not the only time that matters.”
Conclusion
Secularism is a pervasive and damaging mindset that has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. As Christians, it’s our duty to resist this way of thinking and instead focus on eternity. By doing so, we can break free from the limitations of secularism and live a life that truly reflects our Christian values.
Leave a Reply