Beware the humanistic influences that kill faith

God’s ways are far higher than we can imagine, His mysteries far deeper than we can ever understand. In His mercy towards us, the God of the Bible imparts divine wisdom, revelation, and commands to His people by His Spirit so we can follow Him. Devastatingly, many minds are blocked from receiving divinely from the Lord because of the influence of humanism, a philosophy that exalts human rationale over supernatural beliefs. Humanism says, “I am a good, moral, and reasonable person, therefore I know what is right for me.” Such thinking keeps us separated from faith in God and personal encounters with Him. Jesus clearly said that we are to live by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” As followers of Jesus, we worship a supernatural God who speaks and instructs His people on how we ought to think, feel, and act. 

(简体中文 > 警惕扼杀信仰的人文主义 | 繁體中文 > 警惕扼殺信仰的人文主義)

 

Job 11:7-9 NKJV  “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.

Matthew 4:4 NKJV  But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

How humanism was first introduced into the church

Humanism originated from ancient Greek philosophy and was first introduced into the church during the Renaissance in the 14th to 16th-century, as part of an effort to “renew and purify” the Roman Catholic church from papal corruption. Early humanists introduced classical philosophy, critical thinking and educational methods to the study of scripture. 

Foremost amongst these humanists was Petrarch (1304–1374), the “father of humanism,” a devout Catholic and philosopher who emphasised human potential and classical studies. Petrarch was influenced by various pagan philosophers, especially Cicero (106-43 BC), a Roman polytheist who upheld the Roman worship of many gods and the use of divination (interpreting signs from “gods”). 

These humanists favoured self-reasoning and an internalised approach to faith, over submission to corrupted Roman Catholic church authorities. In seeking to address the problems they saw in the church, these philosophers trusted in their own reasoning and research, spurning prophetic revelation from God and thereby quenched the Holy Spirit as a result.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 NKJV  Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies.

“It all depends on how you interpret the Bible.” 

One good outcome of all this was that humanism led theologians to analyse scripture based on their original Hebrew and Greek text in pursuit of deeper knowledge and understanding. At the same time, it also shifted the focus of that pursuit to moral education, empathy, and social responsibility. The Bible became a superior morals guidebook, rather than the spiritual gateway to knowing the Word, Jesus, intimately in one’s spirit.

John 1:1 NKJV   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

By emphasising human reason over divine revelation, scholars and theologians naturally began arriving at different understandings of God’s Word. Humanists will say, “It all depends on how you interpret the Bible,” when it really should be, “The Spirit of the living God has divinely revealed this to me and I have checked it with scripture to verify it. Please test it with me too.” The apostle Paul said that when he spoke to God’s people, it was either by Spirit-led revelation, knowledge, prophecy or teaching – not personal reasoning.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV  Test all things; hold fast what is good.

1 Corinthians 14:6,12 NKJV  But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

When the Holy Spirit brings revelation, different teachers will receive the same message to share to His people. God is not a God of confusion. Whatever He says is final, His Word does not contradict itself. It is humans who come to varying conclusions when it is based on our own experiences and reason – which is what humanism is all about. It is as the Bible says, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” and come to their own conclusions. 

Proverbs 29:18 NKJV  Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Because humanism emphasises the human experience, faith is then limited to what we can humanly see, hear or prove. If we don’t experience the events testified of in the book of Acts, for instance, it is rationalised as “they no longer apply to us” – because everything must make sense to the humanist. Such “faith” is based on the “rock” of systematic research, scientific evidence, or hard facts, rather than simply on the solid Rock of our salvation, God Himself (Psalm 89:26, Psalm 95:1, 2 Samuel 22:47). Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the spoken “rhema” word that God Himself speaks to us directly. The root word for “word” in Romans 10:17 is the Greek word, rhema, which means a timely word spoken by God to an individual. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV  For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word [rhema] of God.

The fact is, God will speak to individuals and lead them to do things that will confound the human mind. For example, God led:

1. Moses to hit a rock with stick so water could flow out of it for the millions of thirsty Israelites (Exodus 17:6)
2. Ezekiel to eat bread that he baked on cow dung as a prophetic sign against the Israelites (Ezekiel 4:12-17)  
3. Isaiah to walk around naked for three years as a sign (Isaiah 20:2-4)
4. Philip to be miraculously translocated 35-40 km to Azotus to meet the Ethiopian eunuch and another 85 km to Caesarea afterward (Acts 8:26-40)
5. An angel to free Paul and Silas from prison (Acts 16:25-26)
6. Balaam’s donkey to talk to him (Numbers 22:30)

These are not fanciful stories but real life accounts of real people in history – and these are just a few of many examples.

If Jesus commands us to move entire mountains or raise the dead by faith, as humanists, we will dismiss it as just being “figurative,” because it defies our logic and experience. Humanism keeps us stuck in unbelief. It keeps our minds closed to receiving Jesus’ promises, commandments, corrections, and blessings like little children.

Matthew 17:20 NKJV  So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 10:8 NKJV  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 18:2-4 NKJV. Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Humanistic values influence many religious institutions

Humanistic values run deep in institutionalised religion, and are contrary to the Word of God.

1. Core humanistic belief: “We can lead meaningful lives without supernatural beliefs or realities.” 

God’s truth | Mark 16:17-18 NKJV  And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

2. Humanism’s focus: “We focus on our personal happiness and fulfillment here and now, rather than eternal spiritual matters.”

God’s truth | Colossians 3:2-7 NKJV  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

3. Humanistic reasoning and critical thinking: “We use reason, evidence, and scientific methods to understand the world, solve problems, and make decisions.”

God’s truth | Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

4. Humanistic direction: “We determine and pursue what is fulfilling.”

God’s truth | Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

5. Humanistic community: “We come together for a shared well-being, mutual compassion, and common values, rather than for divine direction.” 

God’s truth | Psalm 95:1-7 NKJV  Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.

How humanism affects our personal beliefs 

Humanistic thinking has seeped into Christian psyche. Here are some examples:

1. “God helps those who help themselves.”
2. “We have the power within ourselves to change the world.”
3. “Live your best life with Christ. God has given you the ability to create meaning, happiness, and progress.”
4. “God has given us intelligence so use your head.”
5. “Trust your intuition. God will back you up.”
6. “Focus on being a good moral person. There is no need to pursue the things of the Kingdom of God.”
7. “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re a good person.”
8. “Good Christians do lots of good works. We have compassion for others because we are good moral people.”
9. “Love is what matters, don’t be so dogmatic / legalistic about God’s commandments.”
10. “Right and wrong are subjective; what’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me.”
11. “If you have emotional or mental issues, consult a doctor / therapist. (The Spirit of God cannot help you. Inner healing and deliverance are not for the rational person. We have what it takes to work things out.)”
12. “God wants us to be happy.”
13. “God loves you and wants you to fulfill your dreams and life goals. Just ask Him to help you.”
14. “As long as you are a good moral person, God will reward you.” 
15. “God will not let you lose your dignity or have you suffer. That would be illogical.”
16. “The supernatural is for the superstitious, not for the rational.”
17. “The stories in the Bible are just metaphors meant to inspire us.”
18. “God doesn’t move in power anymore. He has left all things in the hands of mankind.”
19. “We don’t need miracles, we just need science and technology to solve humanity’s problems.”
20. “Our primary mission as a church is to drive social justice reform and help the local community.”

Which one of these have you heard – or perhaps believe? What scripture is there to back any of these up?

In fact, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 demolishes the basic premise of humanism. The Word says that the thoughts of the wise are “futile” and “foolishness” to God. We are told that if we think we are wise by this world’s standards, then we really need to become fools to be truly wise!

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NKJV  Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 

The standard for every believer is not to be “good,” “nice,” “happy,” or “smart” but to share in Jesus’ divine nature and to obey God. This is made possible by the regeneration and renewal that the Holy Spirit does inside us. We are not truly wise until we have been rewired to think with the mind of Christ – which is what the Holy Spirit teaches and gives us. See “The royal priesthood of every believer.”

Genesis 3:6 NKJV  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Titus 3:4-6 NKJV  But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

1 Corinthians 2:13-16 NKJV  These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

“Doctrines of demons”

God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. He has to help us get up to speed with His ways of thinking in a big way. As followers of Jesus, we cannot afford to rely on the carnal soulish mind from the fall! Let us remember that it was Satan who coached Eve to see the possibility of attaining wisdom and self-actualisation within herself, to desire wisdom separate from God.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 8:5-8 NKJV  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Peter also made this mistake when he tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross to suffer and be resurrected on the third day, because it did not meet his rationality. Jesus turned around and rebuked Satan. We too have to make a choice who we will follow; the Holy Spirit or Satan, the father of lies?

Matthew 16:21-23 NKJV  From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Indeed, evil spirits will “coach” us with sensible-sounding wisdom. Any wisdom that is self-seeking and focuses on “the things of men” is “earthly, sensual, demonic”. The apostle Paul warned that in the Last Days, some will follow “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

James 3:14-15 NKJV  But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 

May we be sober-minded and not be devoured by the enemy. It is crucial that we study the Bible for ourselves and mature in the things of the Holy Spirit, “no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.” We want to worship the true supernatural Jesus of the Bible who expects us to reflect His image on earth. Our eternal relationship with God depends on understanding this truth.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Ephesians 4:14 NASB  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

If you would like to turn from following the patterns of this (humanistic) world, here is a prayer.

A prayer to repent of following the philosophy of humanism rather than the Spirit of God

“Heavenly Father, 

You are the Supreme God who has no beginning and no end (Hebrews 7:3). You are the reason I am and I breathe (Acts 17:25). If not for You, I would merely be dust (Psalm 103:14). It is by Your mercy and love that I am alive. Thank you, Lord! 

Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  

Forgive me, Lord, for not perceiving You for all that You are and for leaning on my own human understanding. Thank you for Your grace, that You do not condemn me. Instead, like a good and perfect Father, You desire to teach me all about Yourself and how to be like You. I want that too, Father God!

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths.

There is so much about Your Spirit that I don’t know and so much I need to learn. Your ways and Your thoughts are so much higher than mine. I long to taste more of Your goodness and presence. Forgive me for all the times I relied on myself, my will, and my reasoning. 

Forgive us in the Body of Christ for adopting the patterns and philosophies of this world and elevating human understanding, reasoning, morality, and wisdom over and above You. Forgive us for questioning the supernatural and rejecting the divine. How foolish of us! How much we have missed out on. Apart from You, we are nothing and can do nothing of eternal value. Our human works count for nothing. 

John 15:5 NKJV  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Today, I lay down my views of myself, my abilities and ambitions. I submit to Your Holy Spirit and ask that You transform me into a spiritual man / woman that You have called me to become.

Proverbs 28:26 ESV  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Holy Spirit, please bring to mind all the lies I have believed that have blocked me from seeing the true and divine ways of my Father in heaven. As I pause here, please show me the ways I have elevated my own thoughts and ways above Yours. Today, I renounce all the lies I have believed, (please list whatever the Holy Spirit reveals to you). I repent of following the anti-Christ spirit and the spirit of error.

1 John 3:24-4:1,3-6 NKJV  Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world…. every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.  You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Today, I submit myself to the Holy Spirit and in Jesus’ name, I command every deceptive spirit connected to the lies I believed to leave me, to go to the abyss and to never come back. Beloved Holy Spirit, please come cleanse my body, Your temple, and fill me with Your divine presence. Please renew my mind and regenerate me into a new person in the likeness of my beloved Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I declare that “My Father in heaven has called me by His own glory and goodness and has given me very great and precious promises, that I am to participate in His divine nature, as I escape the corruption in the world caused by evil human desires. My Heavenly Father’s divine power has given me everything I need to hear His voice, to follow Him, and to lead a godly life. I repent of my unbelief. As my mind is renewed in the knowledge of the supernatural God who created me, I shall put on my new nature to become more and more like my divine Creator.” (Paraphrased from 2 Peter 1:3-4, Mark 9:24, Colossians 3:10.)

1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Holy Spirit, anoint me with Your spiritual wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord so that I can worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).”

Isaiah 11:2 NKJV  The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

1 John 1:9 NKJV  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Father God, I give You all of myself to be transformed to be like Your Son, this is not by my works but by Your Spirit. I am humbly Yours.

In Jesus’ name, amen!”