Everyone has a worldview, which acts as a filter through which we process information. What we think about artificial intelligence, genetic enhancement, prayer in public schools, the use of fossil fuels, or any other topic is shaped by our worldview.
In the past many in the western world held, at least loosely, to a biblical worldview, seeing life through the lens of biblical teachings, at least as they understood them. While there were differences in interpretation, there were many who would have agreed God is Creator of the universe, and the Bible is His inspired Word, imparting moral standards.
In recent decades, increasingly fewer people believe in God, and consequently a biblical worldview is less promoted and even tolerated. Alternate worldviews are being adopted, many of which are in direct opposition to biblical teachings. Following are three of the most prevalent world views which we need to be aware of in order to combat them.
1. Secular Humanism
Secular humanism is a belief system which relies solely on human reasoning, promoting the idea humanity can solve its problems through science. It has its roots in the Enlightenment, the intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, when Western societies began to prioritize science and materialism over religion and faith, but did not really start gaining widespread acceptance until the radical changes of the 1960s.
Secular humanism promotes the acceptance of evolution—the theory that mankind and other life forms emerged by chance and natural selection—and materialism, a philosophy maintaining everything that exists is only physical. This obviously leads to the rejection of the existence of God, the spirit realm and the hope of an afterlife, which is clearly evident in Humanist Manifesto II (published in 1973 by the American Humanist Association): “Using technology wisely, we can control our environment, conquer poverty, markedly reduce disease, extend our lifespan, significantly modify our behavior, alter the course of human evolution and…provide humankind with unparalleled opportunity for achieving an abundant and meaningful life.”
Because secular humanists believe this life is all there is and there is no Creator, they believe we should decide for ourselves what is right, and see no reason to abide by biblical precepts. Humanist Manifesto II asserts: “We find insufficient evidence for belief in the existence of a supernatural … .There is no accountability to God and no fear of judgment from Him….Ethics is autonomous and situational, needing no theological or ideological sanction.”
Secular humanists want to completely remove religion from the public sphere, maintaining there should be “no references to God in government venues” and “no public displays of faith.” The manifesto further states, “Individuals should be permitted to express their sexual proclivities and pursue their lifestyles as they desire.”
2. Postmodernism
Postmodernism emerged in the mid-20th century, arguing there are only “relative truths” which apply to some individuals, cultures or certain situations, but not others, and that these are subject to change over time. Scott David Allen points out people were realizing the limits to the insights science could provide, and maintained instead that ‘Truth’ is now internal, personal and subjective—a product of human imagination” (Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice, 2020, p. 45).
Allen points out that Postmodernism asserts that because each person or social group has a unique way of perceiving and interpreting the world, individuals and cultures should be able to construct their own “truths.” This is exemplified in the “What’s right for you is not right for me” mindset, which promotes the idea all ethical standpoints are equally valid, except for an absolutist viewpoint. No behavior can be labeled as “sinful” or “unacceptable.”
One other major tenet of postmodernism is “The end justifies the means.” James Eckman explains from a postmodernist standpoint, “morality comes from the needs of society….Since there are no absolutes and every decision is based on the moment, whatever works becomes ‘the new truth’” (The Truth About Worldviews, 2006, p. 5). He gives examples of this kind of thinking such as justifying the destruction of human embryos as a source for stem cells in medical research.
The Bible states God is the one source of absolute ethical truth (John 17:17), and delineates what behaviors are right and wrong, and there are no exceptions—even if doing something immoral would bring about desired results from a human perspective.
3. Cosmic Humanism
Cosmic humanism also referred to as the New Age movement or New Spirituality, is a conglomeration of extra biblical pagan religious beliefs and practices rooted in Eastern mysticism (notably Buddhism and Hinduism), gnosticism (the teaching that physical matter is evil) and occultism.
While these ideas have been around for millennia, they became more widespread in the 1970s, when the New Age movement emerged. Adherents believe in a higher power and an afterlife, but not what the Bible teaches about these subjects. They assert all that is in the universe constitutes God, with humans being considered divine. Nature is also typically considered sacred, with some New Agers practicing earth worship.
Cosmic humanists are encouraged to listen to their “inner voice” to come up with their own “truths.” God is regarded not as our Father, but merely an impersonal force, with the Bible being viewed as metaphorical and not literal. God is the “Ultimate Reality” or “Universal Energy” from which all living beings originate and into which they will eventually be absorbed. Stephen Bancarz and Josh Peck note: “A personal relationship with this force is impossible because…it has no awareness…It cannot reciprocate or interact with you … It is like turning on a microwave and trying to have a relationship with the frequencies it emits” (The Second Coming of the New Age by, 2018, p.130). The identity of Jesus Christ is also dismissed, as he is viewed as “either merely a wise, human teacher or …spirit guide…who came here to teach us how we can … reach the same level of consciousness” (p. 6).
According to the teachings of Cosmic Humanism, cultivating self-realization, or awakening “the God within” can be accomplished through such practices as transcendental meditation, hypnosis, chanting and astral projection (an out-of-body experience, reaching beyond the physical realm into a spiritual dimension). Occult practices may also be engaged, like using spirit mediums, consulting with astrologers and psychics, and having tarot card and palm readings, to make contact with “spirit guides”.
Scripture explicitly forbids these kinds of practices (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-14), because they may put participants in direct contact with evil spirits, which could result in demonic influence or possession. The Bible tells us Satan “deceives the whole world” and refers to him as “the god of this age” and “the prince of the power of the air” (Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).
The philosophies behind each of these three worldviews might vary, but the end goal is the same: to remove God and His laws and truths, in order to feel justified thinking and doing whatever we please. We need to be aware of Satan’s ploys and these false world views to avoid being influenced by these deceptive philosophies (2 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 2:8). Praying and studying the Bible to develop and maintain a true biblical worldview, as well as fellowshipping with others of like mind (Proverbs 27:17), help us to recognize and confront the unbiblical approaches we are faced with on a daily basis. Reverence for God and His truths is viewed as the starting point for all knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 1:7).
