Rev. William Temple, the Archbishop of Canterbury, warned in 1943 that Christian tradition was “in danger of being undermined by a ‘Secular Humanism’ which hoped to retain Christian values without Christian faith.”
This is exactly what happened to the ‘Christian’ Continent during the past century due to the devastating influence of Secularism on Europe.
Patrick Johnston notes that “a high degree of nominalism, increasing secularization and growing influence of liberal theology, and disillusion and cynicism following two world wars, led to massive decline in church attendance in Europe.”
Christianity in Europe has been replaced by secularization’s false promise of freedom and morality, which blinds humanity from the spiritual and eternal values of life. As a result, millions of people are lost in spiritual darkness and their eternal destiny is at stake.
Influence of Secularism has also subtly swept away the freedom of expression of Christian faith and practice from the public square and has restricted the witness of the gospel and its values – the very values which first contributed to the progress and development of Western civilization.
This should cause other global Christian nations to be alarmed and pray for a reversal of this trend because the only hope is prayer and revival.
The key reason why this prayer is mobilized is because of the love for the people of Europe and those living under the influence of Humanism. God’s love embraces all humanity and since Jesus died for all mankind, we must pray for people out of His Love demonstrated in Calvary:
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Titus 2:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8.
Therefore, we focus our prayer on the Secular World and the Region of Europe this month on the following 3 areas:
- Understanding Secularism.
- The Impact of Secularism and how it affects Evangelism of Europe.
- How to pray effectively for reaching the Secular people and Nations with the Gospel.
Understanding Secularism.
What is Secular Humanism?
The Webster Dictionary would define humanism something like this:
“any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, or dignity predominate.”
Secular humanism posits that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or belief in a deity. It does not, however, assume that humans are either inherently good or evil, nor does it present humans as being superior to nature. Rather, the humanist life stance emphasizes the unique responsibility facing humanity and the ethical consequences of human decisions.
Fundamental to the concept of secular humanism is the strongly held viewpoint that ideology—be it religious or political—must be thoroughly examined by each individual and not simply accepted or rejected on faith.
Hence, Secular Humanism is a worldview, or a set of beliefs through which one interprets all of reality—something like a pair of glasses. It is also considered by some as a religious worldview – and according to the Humanist Manifestos, Humanism is “a philosophical, religious, and moral point of view.“
Roots of Secularism
In 1851 George Holyoake coined the term “secularism” to describe “a form of opinion which concerns itself only with questions, the issues of which can be tested by the experience of this life”.
The movements and societies following this emphasized and encouraged the belief that:
- Morality is independent of theology.
- That new moral problems have arisen in modern industrial society which have not been adequately dealt with by the world’s religions.
- Educating the young is the most important aim.
In 1851 George Holyoake coined the term “secularism” to describe “a form of opinion which concerns itself only with questions, the issues of which can be tested by the experience of this life”.
The movements and societies following this emphasized and encouraged the belief that:
- Morality is independent of theology.
- That new moral problems have arisen in modern industrial society which have not been adequately dealt with by the world’s religions.
- Educating the young is the most important aim.
Today, most groups who align with the tenets of this view have dropped the secular and refer to themselves merely as ‘humanists.’
What are the basic beliefs of Secular Humanism?
Theologically, Secular Humanists are atheists. Humanist Paul Kurtz says that “Humanism cannot in any fair sense of the word apply to one who still believes in God as the source and creator of the universe.”
Philosophically, Secular Humanists are naturalists. That is, they believe that nature is all that exists – the material world is all that exists. There is no God, no spiritual dimension, no afterlife. Carl Sagan said “The universe is all that is or ever was or ever will be.”
Secular Humanist beliefs in the area of Biology are closely tied to both their atheistic theology and their naturalist philosophy. If there is no supernatural, then life, including human life, must be the result of a purely natural phenomenon. Hence, Secular Humanists must believe in evolution.
Atheism leads most Secular Humanists to adopt ‘Ethical Relativism’ – the belief that no absolute moral code exists, and therefore man must adjust his ethical standards in each situation according to his own judgment.
Prayer:
We must have a deep love even for those who have rejected God and turned against Him.
King David Prayed for those who have strayed from God’s laws:
“Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.” Psalm 119:136- 138
- Let us pray and ask the Lord to have compassion on those who have turned away from His Word.
- Pray that God will fill our hearts with His Love for them.
- Pray that our prayers will be filled with tears for those who are bound in Secularism.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken them to the Truth of God’s World and God’s Love.
Sources:
The Gospel Coalition, Humanists Manifesto, Psychology Today, Webster Dictionary, Wikipedia.