Christianity is Offensive in a Humanist Society
It is apparent that Christianity has become an increasingly difficult belief system to accept. Christianity is offensive to many people. But why?
A Secular Society Induces Humanism
Christianity and the Gospel have become increasingly offensive and rejected in modern society. The negative connotations of Christianity are more charged and poignant than ever. But what is the reason for this? What makes the Christian doctrine so offensive?
In order to grasp this, we first need to understand a key factor. Modern society has become progressively more secular. This is evident not only in the culture but also the statistics. And with this secularization came many other belief systems and philosophies, which emerged to replace those of the church. One of which being Humanism.
For the remainder of the article, the terms Humanism or Humanist will be referenced frequently. These terms can be synonymous with secular or secularist, but there is a key difference. The difference being that Humanism is “Religion of People”.
Christianity is Offensive to Humanism: The Worship of Humanity
Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes humanity as a whole while also at the individual level. This belief system focuses on mankind’s agency and progress in advancing society and their world. Essentially, it is a worldview with humans at the very epicenter. While Humanism has evolved over time, it is now a largely secular or atheistic movement.
With God removed from the equation, he is replaced by mankind in an attempt to answer life’s greatest existential questions. Humanism replaces Christianity as a new religion devoid of God.
When God is removed from people, what is left to turn to? Where does one derive their hope or purpose from? And with the collective humanity on a pedestal as masters of their domain, who needs a savior? Humanism proposes that mankind alone is competent enough to fill the void.
Why Christianity is Offensive in a Humanist World
In a humanist society, Christianity becomes increasingly offensive. Christianity and Humanism differ in that they both look to different places for answers. The Humanist places their faith and hope in humanity, while the Christian does in God. The Humanist savior is mankind, while the Christian savior is Jesus Christ.
However, one problem plaguing humanity with no Humanist answer is death. The Bible explains the cause and solution for this problem. A solution completely void of Humanism rendering it incorrect. As we read in Romans 6:23:
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Christianity is offensive in our world today because it states that mankind is in a “fallen state” and needs an otherworldly, spiritual savior. Christianity contradicts the notion that people are generally good and we should have faith in them. We read this in Romans 3:23-24:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
The Bible declares that humanity is wretched and our only hope is in a metaphysical savior. No scientist, doctor, politician, etc. can save us from our defects. The hero of our story is not confined to our physical world. The most fundamental answer to all of our questions can’t be found on this earth.
Conclusion: The Cognitive Dissonance Response to Christianity
The Christian worldview completely fractures the very foundation of the Humanist faith in mankind & worldly progress. The acceptance of this philosophy would require a complete paradigm shift from the Humanist or Secularist – which can be a very difficult painful process.
Perhaps sometimes the easiest response to an idea which conflicts with deeply rooted belief is utter disregard, ignorance and contempt. Perhaps part of the resentment of Christianity is merely a coping mechanism to protect the secular psyche?