The Christian Humanist

Whilst the title of this episode may seem to imply that there is something wrong with the Bible: The Word of God. The aim of this episode is to understand the problems that arise in our approach towards, and in turn the study of scripture. The Bible is the book that is believed by the faithful to speak the mind of God: giving us an insight into the workings of God's mind: His worldview, His Plan, His Character. Whilst doing so is an astronomical feat (I mean how exactly can the Mind and Will of the Creator of the whole universe be summarized in a single book- albeit a very large one). The Bible nonetheless is a monumental effort in terms of its literary, theological, poetic, historical (at various levels), prophetic and dogmatic character. 

The Problem with the Bible as it relates to the Christian Faith, as it relates to the question of Humanism-that is the question of human well-being, lies in our approach towards it. The Bible while affirmed as the Word of God, is clearly not the only source or medium through which God speaks to His Creation. This point is most notable in relation to the study of the natural world. Here the famous trial of Galileo Galilei, at the dawn of the Scientific Revolution, and the argument from two books: the Book of God's Word and the Book of God's Works is key. This particular subject and the debate it gave rise to is best reserved for dedicated episode. Here I will outline 3 main problems that affect our approach to Scripture, and in turn affect our understanding of God and how it ultimately affects (negatively) the question of human wellbeing:

Jesus Christ. The Son of God. The person upon whom the Christian faith is based on. The problem with Christianity in the modern world: that is its apparently anti-humanistic character, for the large part stems from our view of the founder of this faith. His role, function, and mission. Whilst Christianity is fundamentally a belief system that is based on the belief in God; it stands apart from other major religions: notably Islam and Judaism, in that the founder of the belief system is also God Himself! In addition to the idea that Jesus is God, by virtue of the fact that He is the 'Son of God'. Add it all together and we are headed into a rather complex territory.

The problem with Jesus Christ, in relation to the question of God, in relation to the question of human wellbeing- which is the central principle of The New Humanist-mainly comes down to the poor understanding of this significant figure. Whilst the person of Jesus Christ is often understood in relation to the divine, His humanity as something distinct from, whilst also still a part of the Godhead is a key point that accompanies this mystery. The conception of Christ, as God or the Son of God is something that many, if not most don't fully understand. Not even close. Including, yours truly. Since that is the case, how confident are we (or anybody) to speak authoritatively about this person, given the gaping void in our understanding of Him. 

Particularly in relation to the question that the concept of God in the Christian faith is Trinitarian: God as Father, God as Son, and God as Spirit. Which brings us to the main problem when it comes to the study of Jesus Christ: Since we know so little about Him (besides what is laid out in Scripture), what are we to make of Him and His mission to this world? 

I thought of titling this episode: The Problem with the Christian 'version of' God. But since my audience (as Anchor analytics shows) predominate from the Western/Christian world, and that I, your humble 'host' is of that heritage our task here is simpler. When it comes to problems with Christianity in the West, the key source of contention lies with the question of God. Or specifically how the concept of, or the being we refer to as 'God' is understood. Often times, the problem with how the Christian faith is perceived (negatively) comes down to the negative/poor understanding of this central facet of the faith. And since our focus here is on the anti-humanism of Christianity, one of the contributory factors I have identified is how badly God as a being or reality is understood. 

To provide one example, in the movie Titanic, we hear the character and main antagonist Caledon Hockley stating in reference to the great ship: "It is unsinkable. God himself couldn't sink this ship". This verse, which was based on actual events, gained great prominence owing to the ultimate fate of the ship. And it has come to serve as an example that warns against the dangers of man's hubris, and also of the terrible power of God. However, herein lies a problem. Or many in fact; when it comes to our understanding of God. In this episode I will break down the problem with the Christian 'God' by looking at three points:

One of the primary aims of this podcast is to advance a more comprehensive critic of religion. Notably Christianity. However it is my intention to do so in a way that is constructive from a religious, notably Christian perspective. An approach which stems from the non-atheistic character of humanism that I have chosen to espouse. So far in the critic of religion I have taken a broader and more 'simpler' approach by engaging the anti-humanism of 'religion' more generally, and the anti-humanistic character of Christianity more specifically, visa vie my critic of the Catholic faith. Here-including the next six episodes, I will proceed to advance an introductory critic of Christianity. As one of the three great religions of the world, it is time I looked critically at some of its major short falls. Those that emerge, in practice and importantly, the manner in which the faith is understood (or misunderstood). To do this I will analyze six key facets of Christianity in relation to its anti-humanistic character. 

The next point analyzing the anti-Humanism of Roman Catholicism, concerns a very Catholic concept: Sacramental worship. Sacramentalism is a key facet of the Catholic spirituality. One that is built into the very institutional character of the Church: the construct, consisting of hierarchies, rules, and rituals. In the Catholic version of Christianity there are 7 sacraments: Baptism; Eucharist; Confirmation; Reconciliation; Marriage; Ordination and Extreme Unction. Sacramental worship is central to the Catholic faith, for at a critical level, it reinforces the necessity for its institutions and the persons (clergy) that man them. Whilst its spiritual utility, if one may use that expression, may vary from person to person; with the divine graces that are supposed to be brought forth via these sacraments being a function of the faith and sincerity of the recipients. Though this has not stopped the Catholic leadership on insisting on this particular mode of spirituality as the only, or at least the most superior way to God. This attitude and the systems that have arisen as a result this (self-defeating) mindset are the source of many problems to the Catholic Church; and by extension for the spiritual wellbeing of society. Subjects for another time. Here I will engage the main problems with Sacramentalism by analyzing three points:

One of the central facets of the Catholic faith is the idea of Sainthood. The idea of being a Saint, or wanting to become one is a key component of Catholic spirituality. Whilst this point is not always openly asserted, in recent times, I have observed, the idea of being a Saint is increasingly employed in an evangelical context. In addition to the importance that is attached to the many Saints throughout the history of the Church, those that have come to in many ways define the Catholic faith: with the countless Churches that have built around the world in their name being a strong indicator. Then there is the person of Mary, the mother of Christ, who is also a Saint, who is held in high regard within the Church. The problem with Sainthood as a concept are numerous, and given its significance to the Catholic faith, it is a key force that has come to shape the very character of the religion. Hence the problematic character of Sainthood must be understood in light of the modern world: one where individuality, personal growth, human betterment and prosperity, at an individual level, and societal progress at a collective level are valued.

The problem with the Catholic idea of the Sainthood comes down to the following factors:

Besides her Sainthood (which is a subject for another time), the main problem with the Madonna is her revered, essentially non-human state. If you are from the Catholic world you are likely to be aware of the importance that is attached to this spiritual personality. Besides the reverence that is dedicated towards her, Mary in many Catholic circles has come to hold a position that is akin to that of the Maker Himself. The problem with Mary, in addition to those concerns raised by Protestants is more deep rooted, whilst connected to the sources of unease felt by non-Catholic Christians. And they are: