Secular Humanism Exposed | Colossians 1:16
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For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16
Secular Humanism is a religion. Its own “scriptures”—The Humanist Manifesto (I & II) and A Secular Humanist Declaration—say so. And its catechism saturates culture: entertainment, public policy, and especially our schools. Five days a week, eight hours a day, many children are steeped in humanistic assumptions while receiving only a few hours of biblical instruction. Parents and grandparents, we must recognize what Secular Humanism is, where it shows up, and how to answer it with the Word of God.
Humanist spokesman Charles Francis Potter famously wrote that every public school “is a school of Humanism.” His journey—from evangelical upbringing to founding a humanist “church” with no creed, clergy, baptisms, or prayers—illustrates Humanism’s project: deny God, dethrone Scripture, and enthrone man, reason, and science.
Humanism defined. It is a religion/worldview/ideology that denies God and moral absolutes and exalts autonomous human reason. Even the IRS recognizes Secular Humanism as a religion. Humanism’s “Bible” comprises Manifesto I (1933), Manifesto II (1973), and the 1980 declaration—texts that openly call their program “religious humanism.”
From Manifesto I, consider these claims—and Scripture’s answers:
“The universe is self-existing and not created.” Scripture begins: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). “For by Him all things were created” (Col 1:16).
“Man emerged by natural selection.” God said, “Let Us make man in Our image… male and female He created them” (Gen 1:26–27).
“Reject mind–body dualism.” Humanism reduces persons to biology; Scripture reveals “spirit, soul, and body” (1 Thess 5:23).
“Culture molds the individual.” Culture shapes, but Christ transforms: “He who began a good work in you will complete it” (Phil 1:6). “Let this mind be in you…” (Phil 2:5). “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2).
Manifesto II doubles down: moral codes are insufficient, “theologies of hope” (like Christ’s return) are denied, and science/man must save us. Scripture answers: “The fool has said… ‘There is no God’” (Ps 14:1). “All things work together for good… according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Jesus promises a prepared place (John 14:1–2).
Humanist ethics claim that values are autonomous and situational—fluid, self-authenticated, and unmoored from revelation. God defines right and wrong: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). When classrooms erase faith from history and public life, they are not being neutral; they are discipling children in relativism. The church and home must re-anchor young hearts in biblical truth with grace and courage.
Humanism and sexuality. Manifesto II urges maximal autonomy in sexual expression, normalizing alternatives to biblical marriage. Jesus intensifies fidelity to the heart: “Whoever looks… to lust… has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt 5:27–28). Paul says, “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18). God commands, “You shall notcommit adultery” (Exod 20:14) and honors marriage (Heb 13:4). Humanism promises freedom while leaving bondage; the gospel offers forgiveness and transformation.
Public square. A reworked “separation of church and state” is often wielded to silence faith. Imagine national crises without prayer, without hope of eternal life, without the comfort of Scripture. That is the end of a God-less creed. Our response is not panic but perseverance: pray, preach, and parent with conviction and kindness.
If you’re a humanist, I am not your enemy. My desire is that you meet Jesus Christ—the living Lord who forgives, renews, and gives hope beyond the grave. For the church, the assignment is clear: “If My people… will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn… then I will hear… forgive… and heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14). In an age that exalts man, let’s exalt Christ—and be the salt and light our moment desperately needs.
Discussion Questions
In this message, we discussed the fact that secular humanism is a religion. What makes a religion a religion? In other words, what distinguishes a religion from other types of organizations?
We defined secular humanism as a religion/worldview/ideology that denies the existence of God, the moral code of the Scriptures, and exalts man, reason, and science as the answer to all our problems. What role, if any, should reason and science play in the life of a believer and in the life of the church?
Our public education system, from elementary school to the university, is saturated with people who adhere to the ideals of secular humanism. What can your church and family do to build relationships with and show the love of Christ to these teachers?
Secular humanists claim that ethics are autonomous. Is this possible? Is it possible to have a completely autonomous morality? Why or why not?
The proponents of secular humanism have particularly marred the biblical portrait of human sexuality. What are practical ways your church and your family can help restore the beauty of the biblical portrait of marriage and sexuality to a world that seems to have forgotten what it looks like?
Take a moment to think through what your ideal eulogy would say. Thinking about death is often the key to living well. How do you want people to remember you? What have you done to help God’s kingdom grow during your life?
