An Apology Against Secular Humanism, Part 3
A Defense Of Christianity As The Better Worldview
As Theologetics combines “theology” and “apologetics,” it is crucial to understand both to be well-rounded and polished in our faith and pursuit after God. We quickly understand what theology is, but what is apologetics?
Apologetics is the systematic defense of the Christian faith, derived from the Greek word apologia, meaning defense. It involves offering reasoned arguments to justify religious beliefs, particularly against secular challenges. This practice is rooted in 1 Peter 3:15 and is considered an integral part of evangelism as Christianity makes explicit truth claims that require substantiation. Apologetics can employ various methods, including rational argumentation, empirical evidence, fulfilled prophecy, church authorities, and mystical experiences to defend beliefs such as God's existence, Scripture's authority, Christ's deity, and the historicity of Jesus' resurrection. It's important to note that apologetics is not about apologizing for wrongdoing, but rather defending what is believed to be right against accusations of being wrong.
Having a biblical worldview means starting with Scripture and allowing it to inform the rest of life. Often, this means disagreeing with what the world around us says is “okay” or acceptable. It may feel awkward or foreign, but we are called to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) and point others to Jesus through it. How we disagree matters, and in my research on secular humanism, I found that, amid the inclusive tenets and relativism, it cannot provide the same hope that Christianity can for the everyday life.
This final installment concludes the argument, presenting Christianity as the better worldview to adopt. It is one of the shorter works I’ve produced, but by far has some of the deepest implications to consider, as secular humanism is more widespread than you may think.
Defense of Christianity
Christianity, in stark contrast to secular humanism, offers a comprehensive and fulfilling worldview that addresses the aforementioned limitations. At its core, Christianity posits the existence of a loving and transcendent God who is the ultimate source of meaning, morality, and purpose. This foundational belief provides a solid grounding for objective morality and a clear understanding of human nature. As the Bible declares, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27, NIV). This understanding of humanity as beings created in the image of God imbues each individual with inherent dignity and worth, providing a basis for human rights and social justice that transcends the subjective opinions and preferences of individuals or societies.
Furthermore, Christianity embraces both reason and faith as complementary sources of knowledge. It acknowledges the power of human reason to explore and understand the natural world, while also recognizing the limitations of human knowledge and the need for divine revelation to grasp the deeper truths of existence. This integrated approach to knowledge allows Christianity to address both the empirical and non-empirical aspects of human experience, providing a more comprehensive understanding of reality than a purely naturalistic worldview. As theologian Alister McGrath argues, "Christianity offers a big picture of reality, a framework for making sense of the world and our place within it."[1]
Christianity also offers a compelling narrative that addresses the origin of the universe, the nature of humanity, and the promise of eternal life. Regarding intelligent design as the starting point of the universe, Del Ratzsch writes, “That you should be wearing just the ring you have on, containing specific atoms of some metal produced in the supernova of precisely the star that did it, occurring at just the right time and place and traveling on just the right path to end up in just the right place to be found by just the right miner to end up in just the right ring in just the right store for just the right person to buy for you—is wildly improbable.”[2] Additionally, it provides a coherent explanation for the existence of the universe as the creative act of a loving God, the nature of humanity as beings created in God's image but fallen into sin, and the hope of redemption and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This narrative not only provides a sense of purpose and meaning that is lacking in a purely naturalistic worldview but also offers a solution to the problem of evil through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. As C. S. Lewis famously wrote, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."[3]
The Christian emphasis on both individual responsibility and community provides a framework for ethical decision-making and social flourishing. While individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions, they are also called to love their neighbors and contribute to the well-being of their communities. This balance between individual liberty and social responsibility fosters a healthy society where individuals can flourish while contributing to the common good. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4, NIV).
Finally, Christianity affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, based on their creation in the image of God. This provides a solid foundation for human rights and social justice, as all human beings are seen as equally valuable and deserving of respect and dignity. This affirmation of human dignity stands in stark contrast to the naturalistic assumptions of secular humanism, which struggle to provide a compelling reason why human beings should be treated with respect or afforded certain rights. In the words of theologian N. T. Wright, "Christianity offers a vision of human flourishing that is both individual and communal, grounded in the belief that every human being is made in the image of God and is therefore infinitely valuable."[4] With this, the argument against secular humanism further breaks down as a result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while secular humanism presents an optimistic vision of human potential and progress, its inherent limitations in addressing fundamental questions of human existence, morality, and meaning become evident upon closer examination. By neglecting the supernatural and relying solely on reason and science, secular humanism fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human condition. In contrast, Christianity offers a more robust and holistic worldview that encompasses both the empirical and the transcendent, providing a foundation for objective morality, a sense of purpose and meaning, and a compelling reason to care for others. While both worldviews have their merits, Christianity's ability to address the deeper questions of human existence makes it a more fulfilling and ultimately superior worldview.
[1] Alister E. McGrath, Mere Apologetics: How to Help Seekers and Skeptics Find Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books,2012), 45.
[2] Del Ratzsch, Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective, Second edition. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2000), 119.
[3] Lewis, "Is Theology Poetry?", 110.
[4] N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense (New York: HarperOne, 2006), 32.