Humanism Examined
Chapter 3
HUMANISTS' PLAN FOR "THE GOOD LIFE"
Humanist Manifesto II says, "We strive for the good life, here and now. The goal is to pursue life's enrichment." Lamont says, "Humanism believes that the individual attains the good life by combining self-satisfaction and self-development with community work." In fact, death awaits all, and the best that mankind can hope and work for is an amelioration of the dying process. For some, a few short years of less suffering than their fellows may be achieved, but without the salvation of mankind from sin, death soon brings one condition to them all. Indeed, a living dog is better than a dead lion, for the living at least know that they shall die, whereas the dead know not anything (Eccles. 9:4, 5, 10; Psa. 6:5; 115:17). Is this short, transitory spell of living in our present surroundings "the good life" Humanists speak of? Is this "vale of tears" the best Humanists can hope for? We have pity for such. How Satan the arch-deceiver has brought low the understanding of mankind (2 Cor. 4:3, 4)! God invites us to raise our hopes and purposes to heights that Humanism can never know, for God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways, too, are higher by far than ours, and (except as He has revealed them in His Word) past our finding out (Isa. 55:6-11; Deut. 29:29; Job 9:1-10). This the wise in the Lord—by faith, not by physical sight (2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1-3)—shall understand (Psa. 107:43; 119:100; Prov. 28:5; Hos. 14:9; 1 Cor. 3:18, 19), for the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Psa. 19:7). Because we cannot fathom God's ways we should not disbelieve His promises, for therein is the office of faith, to trust where we cannot trace, once we have His Word on a matter. Without that faith (of the child for the parent, which is good in both the natural and the spiritual world—see Matt. 6) it is impossible to please God, for it becomes impossible for Him to violate His own principles by communicating with us as a loving Father through the barrier of doubt which we thereby set up (Heb. 11:6). Yet if we, like faithful Abraham, take God at His word and stagger not at the promises (Rom. 4:20), we shall be privileged to "see" beyond "this present evil worldly" condition. God will reveal to us the complete outline of His Plan of Salvation (Acts 20:27), that we can thereby perceive the "better country," the New Jerusalem, the "city which hath foundations," sought diligently by the faithful of all Ages (Heb. 11:8-16, 39; Rev. 21:2, 3, 10). We may then look forward with hope and confidence to "the times of restitution of all things [which were lost in Adam's fall], which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21; Heb. 12:1). "The good life" of the "here and now," so dear to and so earnestly sought by Humanists, is at best a few short years of selfish snatching at interests and pleasures in a world where millions must move in fear, pain and sorrow toward the inevitability of death. Humanists are not only powerless against such a tide but have been and will be carried away by it into destruction and oblivion. While we recognize the humanitarian motivations of many who have in the past led the field in Humanism, we feel justified in raising the question, Where are they now? Where is their hope of "the good life"? What put an end to their "self-development"? And, furthermore, as to "the welfare of the community," to what extent have all their works together rolled back the sufferings and misfortunes of this present (evil) world? In the past many millions died in wars, in revolutions, in extermination camps, by famine, disease, crime, frequently in drawn-out sufferings as "Nature" (the god of Humanism) has taken its "natural" course. Furthermore, most of the millions now living contemplate the future with dread. Lamont says also, "Humanism holds as its highest loyalty the 'this-worldly' happiness, freedom and progress of all mankind." The Bible points to God, to Christ, to truth, to righteousness among mankind, and to a Kingdom of peace, joy, good will and brotherhood yet to be established on earth, as the true objects of human loyalty (Psa. 105:4; Prov. 21:21; 23:26; Zeph. 2:3; Luke 10:27; 1 Cor. 1:22-25; Heb. 11:8-10). All other things will be added for mankind (Psa. 37:25; Matt. 6:33, 34). The Scriptures declare unequivocally that without God and Jesus Christ the Righteous One, His chief Agent of Salvation, mankind's plight would be a hopeless one. Moreover the calamitous disruption of the very order of nature on this earth by the evils of the great Time of Trouble now upon us (Isa. 24:1-23; Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21; Luke 21:25, 26) would utterly destroy all of mankind if it were not for Divine intervention—"no flesh would be saved" (Matt. 24:3, 21, 22). The teachings of God's Word bring an understanding of the true nature of this present life wherein is no dread, no despair, no requirement for "wishful thinking." Instead, there is a sure hope based on the firm foundation of God's Oath-bound promise (Gen. 22:16-18). Upon this "rock," this promise of deliverance through the seed of Abraham which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we may confidently build in the here and now for a future life of everlasting joy and peace (Matt. 7:24-27; 1 Cor. 3:11). "The good life" of the Christian has been well presented by such men of deep spiritual understanding as Thomas a Kempis (died 1471) in The Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Taylor (died 1667) in Holy Living and Dying, John Bunyan (died 1688) in Pilgrim's Progress, and others in similar writings. Such a "good life" has an entirely different emphasis from that sought by Humanists, since it is realistic in recognizing the impossibility of procuring true peace now or at any other time by the ministry of mankind in the present fallen and hopeless (God-less) condition. HUMANISM BREEDS DEGENERATED ART, ETC. Lamont says, "Humanism believes in the widest possible development of art and awareness of beauty, including the appreciation of external nature." No reasonable person would disagree with such an aim, and even the most primitive of societies evinces an awareness and appreciation of beauty in their art forms, some of which are conceptually striking. Highly developed, "sophisticated" societies, however, degenerate and corrupt as early ideals fade and the natural selfishness of fallen mankind takes over (Rom. 1:18-32). This is manifested in today's often degenerated music and literature, visible arts (sculpture, painting, architectural styling, etc.) and dramatic art (screen and stage). Television and radio should be included. The principles underlying a relationship between the morality of a people and the beauty and strength of their art forms are well defined in the writings of Christian philosopher John Ruskin. In his works on art, history, sociology, architecture and ethics, he draws out with deft use of ordinary words the moral and religious elements and the metaphysical significance (i.e., the essential truth which lies behind mere knowledge of these subjects). We venture to say that such insight and depth of understanding could come only from a deeply convinced and practicing Christian. It leaves Humanists' views high, dry and useless, like a stranded whale. We invite the reader to consider the declining level of morality in modern times in the arts, literature, music, radio and television programming and other things such as dress. It speaks of a rapid degeneration of beauty into ugliness and of morality into sexual permissiveness and perversions, injustice, robbery, murder, etc., following the abandonment and growing desecration of the high religious ideals upon which our society, including its finest aspects, was founded. Of such times of declining morality the Bible has forewarned us (Rom 1:18-32; 2 Pet. 3:1-9, 13; 3:3; Luke 17:26-30, compare Gen. 6:2-7, 11-13). The Kingdom of God, soon to be established on earth, will through Divine wisdom and power bring about the restoration of all that is high, noble and beautiful as Father Adam and Mother Eve knew it in perfection. Art forms will then be used to express true beauty, the BEAUTY OF HOLINESS, in the hearts of perfect mankind. So shall there be, in the Ages of Glory, a perfect unison of praise to God from all the beauty of creation, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. " HUMANISM CLAIMS SCIENCE CAN ACCOUNT FOR THE CAUSES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR Humanist Manifesto II states, "The preciousness and dignity of the individual person is a central Humanist value. … Although science can account for the causes of behavior, the possibilities of individual freedom of choice exist in human life and should be increased." It is a little late in the day to suggest that any modern movement has proprietary rights over the principle of the worth and dignity of the individual, since it has prevailed wherever God has been truly honored, as a principle laid down by Him through Moses 3½ millennia before Humanist Manifesto II was conceived. It is fairly stated, we believe, in the U.S. Constitution, and it preponderates in the laws of all civilized nations (which were in general initiated by religiously motivated people, as history well attests). It is the behavior of fallen mankind which corrupts the application of such laws, which brings the system of law into disrepute. Manifesto II's claim that "science can account for the causes of behavior" is astonishing. Because scientists (many falsely so called—1 Tim. 6:20) are themselves smitten by the fall and prone to sins, errors and selfishness, which burden all of humankind (Rom. 3:23), one feels they should begin by properly and justly accounting for their own imperfect behavior. This they seem, understandably, loath to do. In the hands of "social scientists" and "liberal thinkers" (really anarchists), society is by common admission becoming ungovernable. These Humanist leaders have deduced that much bad behavior, especially among the young, is due to a sense of guilt at wrongdoing and to the sting of conscience; they have therefore sought to destroy the moral law which establishes the difference between "right" and "wrong," as a means of liberating man from feeling guilty of wrongdoing! No one can deny that since such philosophies became popular, respect for the law and order have fallen away so quickly as to become major political issues in our day. Furthermore, even if "science" could account for the causes of human behavior (which it cannot), there seems to be no claim that it can do anything to correct the situation! And small wonder, for "science" has almost no control even over itself—it has supported killer governments and careless, profiteering industries at the expense of those it claims, through Humanism, to guide and uplift. Indeed, "science" speaks with as many discordant voices as there are self-interested groups willing and able to pay for its support. Even in our courts of law, for instance, "science" cannot agree on who is insane and not to be held responsible for crimes, and who is sane and accountable! How foolish is this claim of Humanism! Where is there hope for mankind in such "saviors"? HUMANISTS' LOOSE VIEWS ON SEXUALITY Manifesto II says, "The many varieties of sexual exploration should not in themselves be considered 'evil.'" This view is typical of the loosing of the proper constraints which are required by self-respect and regard for human decency. A level of behavior to which even the lower animals do not sink—such as homosexuality—is not only tolerated, but advocated—"between consenting adults." How, one might ask, will children be treated? Much conduct that is condoned—even promoted—by these so-called "humanitarians" (really the reverse), is dredged up from the lowest and most evil and lustful recesses of fallen human nature. Pity a world taught and led by such! HUMANISTS' NAIVETY ON "DEMOCRACY" Manifesto II evinces such naivety about "democracy" that one questions that the authors are serious. On the one hand, they advocate freedom of action to those who consent together, while on the other hand they expect those consenting together to accept the way of life of any others who "consent together." Where have Humanists been in this world, that they have not noticed the cliques, the gangs, the cartels, the secret societies, the unions, the political parties, the financial associations with vast resources, the armies both private and national and a host of other self-interested groups who for various reasons and in various ways insist that society should conform to their particular ways? What will Humanists do when such rise up in their strength to challenge and to destroy? Avarice and the lust for power in mankind are not held at bay by such platitudes and inanities as appear in Manifesto II. The Bible, the Word of God, warns us of the power of sin in mankind, and of the strength of the challenge of Satan the Adversary to all godliness and right living. It tells us that without God's help mankind is powerless in such a grip (Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:12; John 15:5). It promises that God will send a Savior and Deliverer (Isa. 19:20; Luke 4:18; Rom. 8:21, 22; John 3:16, 17) and that the Deliverer will bind Satan, break the power of death and sin (Hos. 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:55-57) and eradicate evil from the world by the application of unlimited wisdom, power, justice and love (Luke 3:6). Hallelujah! what a Savior! Let Humanists take note, and cast away their folly of confidence in the fallen flesh (1 Pet. 1:24, 25) as they witness the incontrovertible evidence now before them of the world crumbling under the weight of sin, and of the inability of mankind to solve the present great crisis in human affairs. HUMANISM ADVOCATES THE UNENDING QUESTIONING OF BASIC CONVICTIONS Lamont states, "Humanism, in accordance with scientific method, believes in the unending questioning of basic assumptions and convictions, including its own. Humanism is not a dogma, but is a developing philosophy." Again, the reliance of Humanists is on the now proven totally unreliable "scientific method" which has produced chemical and biological warfare as well as medicines (many of these also having unforeseen crippling or lethal effects). It has produced psychological tortures and "brainwashing" techniques as well as mental therapies, and nuclear and other horrifying weapons as well as potentially peaceful power sources so dangerous that nations are disturbed by various groups making demonstrations against them. The naive belief in the unending questioning of basic assumptions assumes that the "scientific method" and other entities gravely hazardous to the continuation of life on this planet can be controlled and directed by a perfect understanding, absolute authority, all power and unquestionable goodness of purpose. Where will Humanists conjure up people of such qualities? And if there are none (and manifestly there are none!), how will they change ordinary people with all their foibles to become such? How can the secular Humanist philosophy be "not a dogma" when it dogmatically asserts the totally unsubstantiated dictum that "there is no God"? Where does even the possibility of there being a Creator leave the whole slipshod, windy, unrealistic and dangerously unreliable Humanist philosophy? Assuredly such questions expose the paucity of sure ground, the meager resources among fallen mankind, the opposition of both history and common sense and the frail understanding of the true forces that grip the world. We observe an unbridled ego in those few who claim that they can change the hearts of the people, change the powers of universal control, change the claims of sorrow, suffering and death upon the groaning population, and thereby change the whole course of this (evil) world. What manner of people are these? "No doubt," we say in irony with Job (Job 12:2), "but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you"! Indeed, the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight, and "the wise" make a snare for their own feet (Job 5:12, 13; Psa. 9:15, 16; 1 Cor. 1:18-30; 3:18, 19), for the day of reckoning is here. The Bible is quite explicit about the situation. Without God, to whom the universe rightly belongs (Deut. 10:14; Psa. 24:1), universal order would disappear (Neh. 9:6; Psa. 36:6, 7; Jer. 31:35). In fact, without God and His great creative agent, the Logos, the universe would not have "appeared" in the first place (John 1:3; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). Moreover, without the intervention of God into human affairs, human society could not have been founded and, having been founded, it could not have survived without special preservative measures which He has taken in order that in His due time (1 Tim. 2:6) His love, wisdom, justice and power might be made manifest to all His sentient, reasoning creatures, including angels (Psa. 104:24-30; Matt. 5:13; 1 Cor. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:12). Concerning this point in history at which we now live, the Bible goes into even greater detail, describing the "natural" course of the world and its threat of destruction and termination of life on this planet. It speaks of the abounding evils arising in human affairs, unparalleled sufferings, untimely death of whole populations and a great cry going up from around the earth for help, in man's greatest-ever extremity of fear as a direct result of his own foolishness (Jer. 25:30-38; Zeph. 1:14-18; 3:8, 9; Psa. 107:21-31; Luke 21:25, 26). HUMANISM'S FULL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Lamont says, "Humanism believes in the complete social implementation of reason and scientific method and thereby in the use of democratic procedures, including full freedom of expression and civil liberties, throughout all areas of economic, political and cultural life." We point out that "full freedom of expression and civil liberties" granted to fallen mankind does not lead to democracy or any other stable form of social or political administration, but usually to some form of anarchy. Every nation must have its police to forcibly restrain the "civil liberties" claimed by some who violently disagree with others. Furthermore, the evidence is that anarchy increases where fallen mankind's freedom increases, as can be seen from the violently divided opinions and philosophies inhering within all revolutionary parties. As they reach for power by revolution, we are witnessing every day the breakdown in law and order. Power groups and power-graspers within those groups exercise their "liberties" with scant appeal to reason. Authoritarian governments quickly replace any governments which are unwilling or unable to enforce their political and social theories, often by undemocratic means. This is an observable fact of life. By stealth or by frontal attack, every political system and every method of civil administration existing is under attack by revolutionaries, libertarian anarchists or totalitarian nationalist factions. These pressures are enormous and the nations "reel" and totter toward their destruction in this, the Day of the Lord (Isa. 24:17-21). The scientific method is but an intellectual fantasy when related to such situations. Like so much of their philosophy, this theory of the Humanists lacks substance. It is but the windy, unrealistic and repetitive postulation of high-sounding but largely meaningless suppositions. This is far removed from the safety of the "desired haven" toward which, in all these experiences, God is guiding poor, suffering, bewildered and perplexed humanity, among whom are to be found the Humanists (Psa. 107:21-30). Our God has prepared and will in His due time give to mankind a new (ecclesiastical) heavens and a new (social and political) earth wherein dwells righteousness, and nothing mankind can do will speed it, amend it, or prevent it (2 Pet. 3:1-18; Rev. 21:1-7). Hallelujah! HUMANISM'S GLOBAL OBJECTIVES In Manifesto II's last part, present degenerative trends toward worldwide collapse are deplored and vague recommendations as to what mankind should do are set forth. But there is not a single indication as to where the power is to come from to achieve any change of direction in the course of this world. "World poverty must cease," and "war is obsolete" are typical fine-sounding phrases of Manifesto II, but these are merely pipe-dreams without the power to curb the natural and sinful inclinations of fallen mankind and the wisdom to work out a plan for universal rehabilitation, together with the authority and means to implement it. Again we point to both world history and the view of world affairs today—and we say, Humanist, there before you is the evidence of the effect of sin in mankind—how will you control it? Where is your power and authority to bind tyrants, your wisdom to root out selfishness and sin from yourself and all others of the billions being born and dying across the breadth of the earth, your ability to force through corrective legislation among all peoples and to demand compliance, your educational scheme to bring all mankind to your way of thinking, your medical expertise to halt the dying process and give the people hope, etc., etc.? When you have shown us your plans, and given us the proof of your ability to implement them in the face of the violent oppositional forces we see in the world, we may then bring before you the case of the dead, that you may tell us of your purposes and plans for their deliverance also. For our God has sworn (Gen. 22:15-18; Luke 1:68-74; Heb. 6:13-20) that He will do all of these things for us, and much is already accomplished toward that end. "All power in heaven" is given unto Jesus, the Son of God, even to the forgiving of sins (Matt. 9:6), to accomplish God's purposes in the earth (Eph. 3:10-12; Isa. 9:6, 7; Matt. 26:64; 28:18; 1 Tim. 6:11-16). We now therefore know our true Deliverer, His authority, power, wisdom and love for us. As a seal set upon these things we have in our hearts the witness of His holy Spirit as our blessed assurance which no one can take from us. Will you also not see the foolishness of your ways, and in the beginning of wisdom, turn to God? For He appointed His Son to suffer and die for you that you also might be saved (Psa. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11—both points are repeated three times here for emphasis!). The closing paragraph of Manifesto II contains a manifest absurdity: "Humanism thus interpreted is a moral force that has time on its side [italics ours]." The evidence is clear, and voiced by thinking, reverent and fearful people around the earth, that the time for mankind to save themselves is fast running out! And so we see that Humanists have their heads not so much high in the clouds, where they might sometimes glimpse the stars (Psa. 19:1-6), but deeply buried in the sand of this earth, with the body of their argument, like the foolish ostrich, exposed and vulnerable to any with clear sight. Lamont says, "Humanism believes in a far-reaching social program that stands for the establishment throughout the world of democracy, peace and a high standard of living on the foundations of a flourishing economic order." Fine words indeed! The aims of peace and prosperity have been before mankind for thousands of years. Millions of words have been written and further millions have been spoken by aspiring "saviors," and our sympathy with their objectives is tinged with compassion for their inevitable despair as evil closes around them and continues to envelop in a veil of ignorance and evil the world that they would "save" (Isa. 25:7). The world's history of sickness, sorrow, greed, tyranny, robbery, crimes, violence and death speaks of their continual failure. As for democracy, its raw material is fallen mankind! Who would build for perfection and permanency using flawed bricks? Only the despairing, who have no other material! For Humanists and for all others, however, there is a message of hope, to which they would do well to listen with all their attention. It is "Good News." Indeed it is the very Gospel (euaggelion, i.e., good tidings) of peace, which we are commissioned to preach (Jer. 20:9; Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 9:16). The Bible speaks with absolute authority on the matter: "For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back"; "I [God], even I, am he, and there is no god with me"; "so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Deut. 32:39; Isa. 14:27; 55:11). It tells us that as a Divine decree, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4). Humanists, however, cry for salvation by means of the deeds, accomplishments and faculties of the fallen flesh, and by hanging on to, hoping in and thereby making an idol of material things (including the "bread alone"—Matt. 4:4), which are but sticks and stones as worshiped more simply and directly by savages. How foolish are Materialists, that they should dress up gross idols in the threadbare cloak of human philosophy, that thus they might attract people to bow down and worship them! Isa. 44:10-20 wonderfully depicts this foolish and hopeless estate! GOD'S GRACIOUS INVITATION BY JESUS Hear the gracious, winsome invitation of God through Jesus! He said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden [all of you who are burdened by your unfruitful works, including your unsuccessful efforts to really change human affairs of the world for the better], and I will give you rest [justification by faith, not works]. Take my yoke [not the yoke of serving human ideas and plans] upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [as distinct from the yokes of politics, society, humanism, sin, selfishness or pride] is easy [a most reasonable service—Rom. 12:1], and my burden is light [because our Lord is with us in the yoke]" (Matt. 11:28-30). Here is nothing specious, superficial or deceptive, but a forthright, loving and unequivocal offer from Jesus, the Agent of Jehovah, who is the very Fountain of Truth (Jer. 17:13), who reigns in supreme and universal majesty, with wisdom, justice, power and love, ministering to the needs of all creation (Psa. 93:1, 2; 96:1-13; Jude 25). The spirit of God is in His Word which He has sent down among mankind, and His Word breathes life into the soul of the believer (John 6:63). As this Word will reach out in Christ's Millennial Mediatorial Kingdom across the world in the terms of the New Covenant, to the Jew first (Jer. 31:31-34) and also to the Gentile (Isa. 60:1-5; Ezek. 16:60-63; Rom. 2:10), and as the world repents and is converted as foretold in Acts 3:19-21 (compare Psa. 22:27), it will find true peace and prosperity under a righteous Ruler (Isa. 9:6, 7). The world will be blessed abundantly and beyond all its expectations (Isa. 35:1-10; Rev. 21:1-7). How far, far above the inaccurate conclusions and slipshod philosophies of Humanists are the thoughts of God (Isa. 55:6-9), and how far above human abilities are God's abilities to bless (Mal. 3:10; Isa. 45:8)! Such is our witness to Humanists, whether they hear or whether they forbear. In turning away from our Jesus' loving motivation, they will in due course and inevitably have to drink the bitter dregs of disillusionment, for there is none other name given under heaven whereby we and all men must be saved (Acts 4:12). In the face of the experience of evil on all sides and within the creature, for such as turn away and shut the eyes of their understanding, there is no reasonable excuse (Rom. 2:1-11). The vague platitudes of the Humanists in Manifesto II and elsewhere offer no hope, especially to those of us who have tasted of the goodness of God (Psa. 34:8). And from such evil-world blandishments, vain hopes and foolish claims we ourselves, having found the Truth, should turn away. We have now completed our examination of the Humanists' claims, and we have heard the warnings and advice on these matters from God's Word. These two are utterly inimical to each other and so the challenge, and the answer of the believer, comes thus: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:15). HUMANISM SPECIALLY OPPOSED IN THE U.S. For many years the educational system in the U.S. (and in much of the rest of the Western World) has been increasingly under the leadership and molding influences of Humanists or those with liberal, humanistic and Evolutionist views. Among them have been John Dewey, Horace Mann (died 1859), B.F. Skinner, William H. Kilpatrick, Harry E. Barnes, Mary Calderone (sex educationist), etc. Blatant atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair succeeded in causing the U.S. Supreme Court to rule against having prayer in U.S. public schools and has been seeking to secularize all government functions. In recent years such leadership has helped in legalizing wholesale abortions in the U.S. In the last decade, however, various individuals and groups, especially of Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians, have increasingly opposed Humanism's secularizing, Evolutionistic and anti-religious teachings and activities and its fighting against allowing "scientific creationism" to be taught in the schools as an alternative explanation of the origin of life on earth. There is a great Creationist-Evolutionist controversy, with debates at many colleges, schools, etc., between creationist scientists (of which there are an increasing number) and Evolutionists, with the Evolutionists being badly beaten as a rule. Many Fundamentalist groups—such as "The Moral Majority" (led by TV evangelist Jerry Falwell), Colonel Donner (The Christian Voice), Edward McAteer (The Religious Roundtable), Richard Vigurie, etc.—have in recent years become very politically active in determining which candidates are Humanists and liberals and therefore considered unfit and to be defeated, and then working vigorously for candidates—usually right-wing politicians—who oppose Humanism, etc., and for the defeat of Humanists, especially the atheistic, hard-line ones, throughout the country. They have had considerable success recently, and now the Humanists have been counterattacking them before the public, with considerable misrepresentation, ridicule, etc. The view that the Christian is an alien in "this present evil world," aloof from politics as Jesus was while on earth, with citizenship in God's Kingdom to come (Phil. 3:20, ASV; 1 John 4:17)—has largely been abandoned by The Moral Majority and many others as they pursue "born-again politics" and seek "to turn America around," as Jerry Falwell urges in his nationwide TV programs. Although Mr. Falwell, The Moral Majority and others may accomplish some temporary betterment in some ways, we know that his exhortation to turn America around will never be fulfilled, for the U.S., like the other nations of "this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4), is to go down in this great Time of Trouble, and make way for God's Kingdom on earth of joy, peace, brotherhood and good will (Heb. 12:26-28). We look forward to "the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13). THE TRUE HOPE OF THE WORLD In conclusion, we draw attention to the fact that sin has indeed continually alienated mankind in general from God through all the Ages of this evil world, and that selfishness and pride have been used of Satan the Adversary, working in the hearts of the children of disobedience (Eph. 2:2; 5:6), to blind the nations to the Truth of God. We point men to the true Savior and hope of the world, Jesus Christ the Righteous, the Holy One of Israel, who gave His life (not forfeit to death by reason of sin, but) "a ransom for all." By this one man, God has redeemed the whole world," for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [now, or in the 'world to come'; Matt. 12:32] should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Remember, too, God's words in Mal. 3:10: "Prove me [i.e., try, test me, by fulfilling the terms of your covenant with me] now herewith [in this, that ye bring your offering of your human all to me] saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Thus we see that God's grace and favor and His ability and desire to bless those who come to Him in the appointed way, through Christ, are things to be experienced. This the world of mankind (including, we hope, the "healed" Humanists) will find as they, as "the ransomed of the LORD, shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isa. 35:10). |
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