The Fallacy Sessions: Humanism Works

“We can do it on our own.”

This reasoning dates back to the beginning of time. As fallen beings, humans have always aspired to be better than everyone else, including God. Today, some call this belief humanism – the hope that humanity can save our world.

But this raises the question: Is humanism a feasible belief system? On our own, can we prevent climate change, murder, starvation, slavery, immorality, and general sinfulness? Or do we need God?

Let’s look at Genesis.

The 11th chapter of the Bible records what is arguably the first case of humanism. Genesis 11:2-4 (ESV) says this…

As people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another … “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

We call this story The Tower of Babel – humanity’s attempt to elevate themselves to God’s level. Except God put a stop to it. You may be asking why. Was He scared that humanity was becoming too powerful? If you look at the following verses, it may appear that way. But that’s not the case. God stopped the Tower of Babel because He knew the danger of human pride.

For that’s what the Tower of Babel was: a display of human arrogance. God wasn’t concerned humanity would become stronger than Him. He was worried humans would begin placing their value in what they could do, rather than in what God had done.

So He halted the project. God didn’t destroy Babel, but He did mix up the languages of the builders. Up until that point, everyone in the world spoke the same language. Because of Babel, we have thousands of different tongues.

Let’s look at the movies.

While the Tower of Babel was a failure, it did show potential. God Himself said in Genesis 11:6-7 (ESV), “And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language.” Could humanity become as powerful as God if they worked together?

The movies sure like the idea. How many films, TV shows, books, etc. have portrayed the worldview that if only humanity would try, we could save ourselves? Every “it’s up to you to save the world” movie uses this premise.

In 2014 director Christopher Nolan released his epic science fiction film Interstellar. I can tell you from personal experience that it’s an incredible movie, both cinematically and emotionally. One of the film’s main themes is relationships, and how far we’re willing to go to preserve them. The majority of the film revolves around the main character searching for a way to save his family – and the entire human race.

Wait…this sounds familiar. Disguised as a multi-million-dollar blockbuster, Interstellar revolves around the theme of humanism. Spoiler warning: the main character saves humanity. Honestly, it feels inspiring, which is certainly what Nolan was going for.

When humanism is portrayed in movies, it’s usually in the form of a striking protagonist, a tangible threat that must be defeated, and upbeat, dramatic music. Filmmakers want us to root for humanity – because obviously there’s no God who will save us. We have to save the world.

Let’s look at history.

While the movies portray humanism one way, the world offers a very different picture. While the Bible teaches us to treat every human equally, it certainly doesn’t condone the atheistic belief of humanism. God punishes nations and people for boasting about their own strength. Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) states, “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Rather, God rewards those who put their trust in the Almighty. Pick up the Bible and you’ll see dozens of instances where God saves the faithful from impossible challenges. Look at history, and you’ll see the amazing things that have happened to those who trusted the Lord.

Let’s look at the present.

I realize you could read this and still say humanism can make the world a better place. You could suggest it has made the world better. We have amazing technology, medical care, vehicles, airplanes, grocery stores, etc. But the staple of humanism is the way we treat our fellow human beings.

I do not disagree with humanism’s quest to treasure the lives of humans. Gandhi once said, “The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.” However, 13 centuries before the inception of humanism, a book was published that taught similar principles surrounding the value of life and human equality. It’s called the Bible. So where do you think humanism picked up their ideas?

In a sense, humanism’s goal to treat all people equally is commendable…but has that happened? Moreover, as noble as humanism’s intentions may be, what’s the point if there is no God? If everyone dies sooner or later and there’s nothing in the afterlife, who cares what happens in this life?

To backtrack: the goal of humanism is the equal treatment of all humans. I think we can call humanism a success if we’re seeing this in the 21st century. After all, humanity is only getting better…

Meaning we should see depression, anxiety, suicide, murder, slavery, sex trafficking, poverty, terrorism, violence, and war steadily decreasing. I’m writing this as multiple wars rage around the globe, not to mention everything else on the list. A far cry from an improving society.

Let’s look to God.

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer.” When King David wrote these words as part of Psalm 17, he expressed his need for God. I express this need again thousands of years later. Humanity has not made the world a better place, despite our best efforts.

We’ve improved the quality of life for some, but the world around us only gets darker. You don’t need a Christian to tell you that. We need a solution, and I hope you see that it’s God. The movies may portray one viewpoint, but the real world is rather different.

How do we approach the issue? Here’s what I propose: rather than trust in ourselves to save the world, let’s trust in the One who created the world. Instead of saving physical bodies, let’s save souls. For “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” People need Jesus, not humanism. People need Christians to reach out and help them, not blindly promise that “one day things will be better”. Only in Heaven will that happen.

Ultimately, humanism isn’t going to succeed, despite everything the world says. It’s a fallacy to believe it will. Only one person can save us, and He did, 2000 years ago on a cross. We cannot do it on our own. Rather, we must fulfill the Great Commission by reaching out to those in need and telling them about their true hope. As Romans 3:23 (NIV) declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

But Jesus.

“I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”