Our reading: Psalm 53 & Acts 4:11-12

“The wise person is someone who believes in God and lives accordingly. The fool is someone who follows human wisdom over divine wisdom, and thus chooses the path of wickedness” (Sean McDowell)

“The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”  Psalm‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

Why do people deny God’s existence or authority? Because they want to be in control of their own lives and live without moral restraint. God calls these people fools. It’s easy to spot the openly evil, rebellious person who doesn’t care about others and chooses to use and exploit them for personal gain or pleasure. But, there is another fool….the one that decides to follow a moral pathway while still denying God. These seemingly charitable humans worship man and what man determines to be of moral value to society. This is known as humanism and it is a prevalent influence in all of our lives.  Sometimes there are even “religious humanists” who acknowledge God but downplay the role of God and emphasize the role of man in current society.

How do humanists define their belief system?

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.– American Humanist Association

Yes, humanism has invaded politics, art, social media, books, magazines, and television.  Most of us are familiar, for example with the Star Trek series that came out in the 1960s and is still popular today. That series was written by a humanist. I imagine if you pay attention, you could easily spot popular books and shows that fit the humanistic view of life where man tries to aspire to great things perhaps, but without reverence or acknowledgement of his need for God or God’s morals and holiness.

Humanism, however,  is nothing new under the Sun. In fact, Billy Graham explains : “There is nothing new about humanism. It is the yielding to Satan’s first temptation of Adam and Eve: “Ye shall be as gods.”” (Gen 3:5)

And just like Adam and Eve, without God’s righteousness to atone for their sins, all of mankind is a slave to his own selfish desires. These desires may be paraded as goodness, but the heart of man without God’s divine help, will still be bent toward self glorification and sinful motives.  Man may think he can aspire to great things in his own efforts but he is a fool. Only God can be truly righteous, moral and just.

“Humanism was not wrong in thinking that truth,beauty,liberty, and equality are of infinite value, but in thinking that man can get them for himself without grace.” -Simone Weil

Reflection:

1. Are you able to discern the negative impact of humanism on our culture and how it erases the need for God from society?
2. Do you think that you personally tend to focus on the need for God in your daily pursuits, even your noble ones, or do you strive to do good in your own human efforts?

Prayer: Thank You Father for the wisdom of Your Word. Keep us aware of the foolish messages of society that try to take our focus off of you and put it on our own efforts and abilities. May we remain humble and aware that only through You can man accomplish anything righteous and honorable that has lasting, eternal value. May we rely on You and only You. May You grant us wisdom daily and bless our endeavors as we strive to bring glory and honor to You!