Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: The Rise and Fall of Secular Humanism
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Speaker: Dr. Jones

Introduction

In the episode titled The Rise and Fall of Secular Humanism, Dr. Jones delves into the profound influence of secular humanism on Western culture and its ongoing decline. This comprehensive lecture, part of the Only Two Religions series, explores the historical roots, ideological underpinnings, and the eventual waning of secular humanism, juxtaposed with the resurgence of biblical theism.

Understanding Secular Humanism

Dr. Jones begins by defining secular humanism, highlighting its emergence as a dominant worldview that opposes the Christian faith. He describes secular humanism as a oneist ideology—one that posits human reason and materialism as the sole foundations of truth and existence.

Notable Quote:
"Secular humanism is a massive attack on Christianity."
— Dr. Jones (00:00)

Historical Roots and Influential Figures

The Enlightenment and the French Revolution

Secular humanism gained momentum during the Enlightenment, the "Age of Light," where reason was elevated as the ultimate authority over tradition and religious doctrine. This period fostered an optimistic belief in human capacities to shape the world, leading to significant advancements in science and technology.

Notable Quote:
"In 1789, the Paris Revolutionaries built an altar to the goddess Reason in Notre Dame Cathedral."
— Dr. Jones (06:30)

Philosophers Challenging Religion

Key intellectuals such as Voltaire, Ludwig Feuerbach, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud critically assessed and often dismissed Christianity as a delusion or a social construct.

Notable Quote:
"Nietzsche declared, 'God is dead.' The tradition of Christianity was now being buried by these leading philosophers."
— Dr. Jones (12:15)

Secular Humanism's Dominance in the West

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, secular humanism became entrenched in Western institutions, particularly universities, where it influenced intellectual discourse and societal norms. This ideology promoted the belief that science and rationality could supplant religion, leading to a secularized public sphere.

Notable Quote:
"Science was the only way of knowing anything about anything. And so there was a belief that religion would disappear."
— Dr. Jones (17:45)

The Decline of Secular Humanism

Contrary to its proponents' predictions, secular humanism itself is experiencing a decline. Dr. Jones attributes this to several factors:

1. Failures and Catastrophes:
   The movement's optimistic faith in human reason led to catastrophic outcomes like the World Wars and totalitarian regimes, which undermined its credibility.

   Notable Quote:
   "Secular humanism produced two devastating world wars that produced the death of millions."
   — Dr. Jones (19:50)

2. Philosophical Weaknesses:
   Secular humanism struggles with circular reasoning, particularly its reliance on human reason as a foundational premise without external justification.

   Notable Quote:
   "To demonstrate that, you have to presuppose it. So it's a perfectly circular way of thinking."
   — Dr. Jones (22:05)

3. Emerging Spiritual Needs:
   Modern individuals seek spiritual fulfillment and wholeness, areas where secular humanism fails to provide meaningful answers, leading to feelings of alienation.

   Notable Quote:
   "They want to belong somehow to more than the mere physical. But there is another reason why secular humanism is in decline."
   — Dr. Jones (23:30)

4. Philosophical and Religious Challenges:
   High-profile defections from atheism, such as Anthony Flew's conversion, and the rise of new spiritual movements further erode secular humanism's dominance.

   Notable Quote:
   "The conversion of Anthony Flew, the Great Atheist, is an example of that. He stated this it is simply inconceivable that any material matrix or field can generate agents who think and act."
   — Dr. Jones (24:30)

Secular Humanism's Redefinition and Legacy

Dr. Jones discusses how secular humanism has been rebranded across various domains:

• Intellectual Discipline: Philosophical materialism, asserting that matter is the ultimate substance.
• Religious Expression: Atheism, the belief in no deity.
• Political Form: Marxism and socialism, promoting human-centered governance.

Despite these different manifestations, all forms consistently reject the notion of a transcendent God, dismissing religion as superstition.

Notable Quote:
"In all these expressions of secularism, it's a consistent rejection as a mere ancient superstition, as sort of a holdover from the Middle Ages."
— Dr. Jones (20:40)

The Withering Away of Secular Humanism

Dr. Jones posits that secular humanism is now withering away due to its inherent flaws and the rise of stronger, more compelling worldviews. Indicators of its decline include:

• Spiritual but Not Religious: A growing number of individuals identify as spiritual without adhering to religious doctrines, indicating a shift away from secular humanism.

  Notable Quote:
  "The proof is how many people now say I'm spiritual but not religious."
  — Dr. Jones (23:50)

• Historical Failures: The association of secular humanism with tragic historical events has tarnished its reputation and trustworthiness.

  Notable Quote:
  "That doesn't give a movement too many honors."
  — Dr. Jones (22:50)

Conclusion: The Rise of Biblical Theism

As secular humanism declines, Dr. Jones observes a resurgence in biblical theism and new forms of spirituality that acknowledge a living source beyond material existence. This shift addresses the human need for meaning and connection, filling the void left by secular humanism.

Notable Quote:
"The greatest atheist of the 20th century finally has to admit that secularism cannot justify the human mind. Isn't that beautiful?"
— Dr. Jones (24:45)

Dr. Jones concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of biblical Christianity as a robust alternative to secular humanism, advocating for its recognition and adoption in contemporary society.

Additional Information

Following the lecture, the podcast includes a segment promoting Dr. Jones' 12-part series, Only Two Religions, which further examines the dichotomy between the worship of the Creator and the worship of creation. Listeners are encouraged to donate to receive the DVD set and access to digital materials. The episode also hints at the next week's topic, where R.C. Sproul addresses common objections to the Christian faith.

End of Summary