Preparation for Heavenly Living Correspondence School

http://www.geocities.com/bibleloverbill

PFHL Course 230-- Humanism and New Age vs. Main Christian Doctrines
(sources unknown)

Directions: Write an essay about how you personally relate to or have experienced the
concepts in the following information. This is worth 3 units, so write at least 4
quality pages.

Why Christianity Is Superior To Humanism

To prove that Christianity is superior to humanism may seem unnecessary to some people.
However, many Christians know little, if anything, about modern humanism and have, in fact,
been greatly humanized without their conscious awareness of it. Many professed Christians are
seemingly unaware that our contemporary culture operates at institutional levels more by the
values of humanism than it does by the principles of Christianity. Even if a majority of our
culture professes to be Christian, the quality of Christianity in contemporary America appears to
be so weak that it is essentially not identifiable with genuine biblical Christianity and therefore
has little power to resist the assaults of modern humanism.
Therefore, the perspectives of Biblical Christianity and modern humanism need to be contrasted,
in order to show that the two cannot coexist in a stable society, that their respective values are
constantly at war with each other in our society, and that Christianity is superior to humanism in
every way. While Christians generally realize that there are differences between Christian and
humanistic theological, philosophical and ethical perspectives, many Christians seem to be
unaware that there are also distinctive Christian perspectives regarding such subjects as law,
politics, economics, and history. The fact that Christians may not generally be aware of
distinctive Christian perspectives in these latter categories is but an indication that humanism has
captured Christian thinking to the point that many Christians no longer realize they should have a
distinctive Christian mind-set regarding every subject. When enough Christians realize the
superiority of genuine Christianity, and the weaknesses of modern secular humanism, then
Christians will become more galvanized in their faith and rise up to discard humanistic values
from society.
Why Christianity Is Superior!
(by Robert L. Waggoner, revised 12/04/1995)

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 Category Humanism vs. Biblical Christianity

Religion Natural vs. Historical

Philosophy Naturalism vs. Supernaturalism

Ethics Relative vs. Absolute

Biology Evolutionism vs. Creation

Psychology Monism vs. Dualism

Medicine Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life

Sociology State vs. Family

Law Positive vs. Natural &

Law Biblical Law

Politics Globalism vs. Justice &

Freedom

Economics Socialism vs. Stewardship

Education Public vs. Private

Culture Secularism vs Theism

History Eternal vs. From Creation to

Evolution End of World

Summary Man vs. God

Matthew 24:11-12
“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is
multiplied, most individual's love will grow cold.”
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Colossians 2:8-10
“See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to
human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to
Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness
of life in Him who is the head of all rule and authority.”
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Holy Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by
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giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through pretensions of liars whose
conscious is seared...”

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2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For people will be
lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good,
treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.”
1 John 4:1-4
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for
many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this, you know the Spirit of God:
every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (Jesus Christ alone is
God) is of God, and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit
of the antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already.
Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for He Who is in you is greater
than he who is in the world.”
1 Timothy 6:20-21
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain
riches, but in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that
they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for
themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings,
and oppositions of science falsely so called, which some professing have erred concerning
the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.”

The World-view Sources--

How We Know What We Think We Know
An individual’s “world view” is how he or she views history and what is happening (reality)
based on faith assumptions and cultural presuppositions. The Greeks influenced Jewish thinking
and even most Christians’ views, especially the separation of physical and spiritual. Later, one of
the keys to the development of science was the new emphasis starting in the 1500s-1600s of the
Christian emphasis of God being rational as Scripture reports. The Gnostics were influenced
much more by Greek philosophies than by Scripture. Then there were the Protestant and
Reformed movements in Christianity which had great affects on world views. But since then,
there has been much Christian compromising with evolution and origin theories. Thus, world
views have collided in churches, schools, homes, science, and government. That is why many
are calling this period of time the Post-Christian Era. Humanism, material wealth problems,
psychology, and excuses are now emphasized much more than sins and what pleases God. The
allegorical approach of interpreting Scripture instead of straight forward interpretation is being
done by most preachers and Bible teachers.

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 Conclusions-- Our Beliefs
1. What we think we know-- Our view of “the facts”.
2. Principles we base our choices on-- Our morality and values.
3. How we see truth in the real world-- Our sense of what is real.
Records, Artifacts, & Other Evidence
1. Objects that tell us something has happened, like fossi1s, ruins, & forensic evidence.
2. Records that tell a story from various points of view-- like manuscripts or clay
tablets.
3. Observed phenomena & patterns-- controlled experiments & the data gathered from
them. Includes other forms of direct observation.
Basic Faith-- Assumptions & Presuppositions
1. Ideas we must accept on faith that can't be proved.
2. Unconscious assumptions we all take for granted.
3. Cultural assumptions of religion, philosophy, & ideo1ogy.
4. Family relationship assumptions that affect our perception of ourse1ves & others.
Note: Nobody can avoid having faith-assumptions no matter how skeptical or objective they
try to be. All reasoning systems can be peeled back to reveal their faith-held
foundations-- even scientific forms of reasoning. There is no escape from it.

The Fallacy of Humanism

(written in 1980 by a student at Calvary Bible College)

The world today is witnessing the infiltration of Humanism as never before in the history of
man. This godless philosophy has infiltrated our government, our churches, our schools, and
even our homes. Possibly the greatest tragedy, however, is that very few Christians have even a
minimal understanding of Secular Humanism. The following material is presented for the
purpose of assisting Godly Christian parents in teaching their children to detect humanistic
philosophies through a basic knowledge and proper understanding of Scriptural truths.

A. HUMANISTIC DECEPTION
The statements in this column are paraphrases of the points in the Humanist Manifesto I
(1939). It is essential when dealing with any philosophy to examine the statements of that
philosophy only in light of Scripture. There is no need for the Christian to study the
reasoning and logic which support that philosophy since it is possible to think logically to a
wrong conclusion (Romans 16: 19).
B. BIBLICAL TRUTH
Although only one biblical truth is presented in each section, there are numerous others
throughout Scripture which refute every false concept of Secular Humanism.
C. RELATED SCRIPTURE
Supporting Scriptures for the Biblical truths are given. Familiarity with these and similar
passages will enable the Christian to detect the subtle lies of Humanism. This list is not
intended to be exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to extend the list through personal
study.

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 A B C
HUMANISTIC RELATED
BIBLICAL TRUTH
DECEPTION SCRIPTURES
Genesis 1
Psalm 136:51
Our universe came into existence apart Our universe was designed and created by the
Psalm 136:5
from Divine intervention. living God.
Hebrews 11:3
2 Peter 3:3-4
Genesis 1:27-28
God created man as a created at one point of
The human race evolved from lower forms 1 Corinthians 15:45
time.
of life over a very long period. 2 Peter 3:3-4

Man is basically an animal and, as such, Man was made in the image of God; he John 3:6
has no spirit or spiritual capacity-- his mind therefore has a mind, a spirit, and a spiritual 1 Corinthians 2:11
is not distinct from his body. capacity for the things of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

To satisfy certain social, environmental, Christianity is not man trying to reach God, John 3:16-17
and emotional needs, man has created his but rather God interceding in human history Romans 5:8
own religions and passed them on to other to save man. Galatians 4:1-5
generations.

Since God's ways are “higher” than man's Isaiah 55:9

To determine the existence and value of
ways, man cannot rely solely upon the 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
any reality, one must rely entirely upon that
limited knowledge of science to answer 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
which can be scientifically proven.
questions, but must turn to the infallible Word1 Timothy 6:20
of God.
The wicked through the pride of his Psalm 10:4
There is no longer a need for the educated countenance will not seek after God: all his Psalm 14:1
man to believe in the existence of God. thoughts are “There is no God.” (Psalm 10:4) Romans 1:18-23
Proverbs 27:20
Religion consists of that which is capable The Christian is to set his affections on things
2 Corinthians 4:18
of intelligently satisfying man (i.e., art, above knowing that the things of this world
Colossians 3:1-2
science, labor, philosophy. love, friendship, cannot satisfy.
1 John 2:15-18
and recreation).
Luke 12:19
There will be no eternal consequences for There are both temporal and eternal Romans 6:23
sin; therefore “eat, drink, and be merry”. consequences for sin. Galatians 6:7-8
Hebrews 9:27
Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in the
Man's religious emotions should be John 4:24
life of the believer, any attempts at self
redirected from the traditional attitudes of Romans 8:1-14
improvement and social well-being will be in
prayer and worship, to the humanistic ideals Galatians 5:19-23
vain.
of self-improvement and social well-being.

Since there is no scientific evidence to Without faith in the supernatural things of Mark 12:30
support belief in the supernatural, all God, it is impossible to please Him, for he Romans 1:18-25
emotions and attitudes derived from that that comes to God must believe that God 1 Timothy 6:20
belief are unfounded. lives and that He is worthy of man's seeking Hebrews 11:6
after Him.

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 A B C
HUMANISTIC RELATED
BIBLICAL TRUTH
DECEPTION SCRIPTURES

As knowledge and education increase, man The goal of the Christian is not to be mighty 1 Corinthians 1:18-20
will be able to effectively solve an in intellect, but mighty in spirit. 1 Corinthians 8:1
increasing number of the world's problems. Ephesians 3:16-19
Matthew 10:38-39
The ultimate goal of religion is personal The ultimate goal of the Christian is the 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 1
fulfillment and satisfaction in life. glorification of God. Corinthians 10:31
2 Timothy 2:4
The Church is to produce servants and Matthew 16:24-26
All institutions and associations (including
soldiers who are more concerned with Luke 17:6-10
religious) should strive for the fulfillment
pleasing their Master than themselves. 2 Timothy 2:3-4
and satisfaction of human life.
A capitalistic society is unfair to the poor; Isaiah 14:12-14
Those who desire “equal rights” demonstrate
therefore, a society guaranteeing equal Philippians 4:11-13
discontent and fail to see God's sovereignty
rights should be established. 1 Timothy 6:8
and purpose in their life.

Because man's heart is deceitful above all

things and desperately wicked and because of Matthew 20:34-39
Humanism will ultimately result in a
the existence of a personal devil, it is 2 Timothy 3:1-7
satisfactory life for all.
impossible for man to achieve any form of Revelation 20:1-3
peaceful universal society in this
dispensation.

Christian Distinctives in a Post Christian Era World View Chart

Topic New Age Bible
God All is one (monism); all is God (pantheism); no Creator/Creation distinctive-- Genesis 1:1,
"personhood"; distinctive, impersonal all pervading Deuteronomy 4:35, & 1 Timothy 2:5
energy God is a Spirit-- John 4:24
Jesus Christ One of many human faci1itators who awakened Unique God-human; only Lord of the Universe and
followers to his point of view; moral teacher Savior-- John 1:14; Mark 1:1
the Holy Energy of life; very spirit of truth lying latent in us, we Spokesman for Jesus Christ; indweller of
Spirit are only ignorant of this spirit and biased by "traditional", Christians-- John 15:26 & Romans 8:9
namely false, belief systems
Epistemology Truth is within the very nature of all that lives; all is God Truth is revealed in the Bible and the Holy Spirit
(basis for supernaturally reveals God's love and will in the
knowledge) hearts of people-- 2 Timothy 3:16 & John 16:13
Humankind Because we are God, we are intrinsically good and Made in the image of God, now fallen; created a
perfect; only the mind creates false images of this truth little lower than the angels--
Genesis 1:27 & Psalm 8:5
Sin Ignorance of personal divinity and our true potential; this Fallen children of God; common human problem--
ignorance keeps us from the truth of human perfection Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, & 1 John 1:8
and our full success in life

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Salvation Development of higher consciousness achieved by Love gift for all who believe in the Gospel from
looking inside one's self and awakening the core of our the concerned-for-human-beings, willing-to-
being in order to release our full human (divine) sacrifice, and perfect God-- John 3:16 & John 1:12
potential. These are the processes of "paradigm shift",
"understanding how we relate to shame, guilt, differences
of gender", which are all means of awakening the truth
within us.
Life after Good state of consciousness; reincarnation; karma of Planned by Jesus Christ for believers only--
physical death another try to realize the truth of one's divinity. John 14:2-3 & 1 Corinthians 15:12-57
Ethics Everything is relative to one's own interpretation of truth; Love others; do unto them as you would have them
everything depends on the situation; the "absolutes" do to you; Christ-likeness-- John 13:34-35,
taught to us in traditional belief systems are really fear Galatians 5:14, Luke 6:31, & Ephesians 5:1-2
oriented protection of one's self realizing one's full
potential and power; "make a difference"; "win-win";
"you get what you give"; "design your life"; "to think is
to create"; "live from a principled center"; love binds all
truth, in spite of one's awareness about truth.

Seven Subtle Philosophical Snares Of Worldliness Identified And Explained

Identification Explanation Its Distortion The Snare The Effect

Materialism Matter is all that Deformed view of I am what I own Affluence, accumulation,
matters the world occupied with things,
consumer mentality,
neglect spiritual things.

Activism I must fill my life Deformed view of I am what I Neurotic, consuming

with activity. work. Seeking produce, ministry.
from work what accomplish. Seeking significance
only God can give. from work rather than
from the Lord.
Individualism I must depend on no Deformed view of I am the source of Loneliness, resistance to
one but myself. self. Produces a my own life. authority, inability to
me-ism society. work on a team.

Conformism Recognition by Deformed view of I am who and what Praise dependent, seeking
others is primary the importance of others recognize me significance from the
and necessary. the opinions of to be. approval of others.
others.

Relativism It matters not what Deformed view of I am whatever I Subjective approach to

you believe as long truth. Refuses to want to believe. life, to Scripture;
as you believe recognize revealed Experience oriented,
something. truth. uncertain faith,
emotional.

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Secularism Man has no need of Deformed view of I am sufficient to “Sunday only” kind of
religion. Man is man. Fails to take handle my affairs. Christian. Fail to
sufficient. into account man's integrate God into all
sinfulness. areas of life or reject God
completely.

Religionism If I am good, go to Deformed view of I am okay because Have some facts about
church, etc., I will God. of my religious God, engaged in some
be okay. works and religious activity, but
activities. lacking in inner reality.
Fail to integrate God into
all areas of life.

These charts were adapted from material in Defeating the Dragons of the World, Resisting the
Seduction of False Values, Stephen D. Eyre, Intervarsity Press, 1987.