Human Beings First

In a recent podcast interview I was asked to explain the difference between Christian Humanism and “straight up” Christianity. I don’t recall exactly how I answered the host, but in short, I asserted that true humanism stems from Christianity, particularly as it is expressed in the incarnation. This is because the incarnation was a miraculous event which demonstrates that the Creator of the Universe is favorably disposed toward human beings.

We can say then that Christianity “straight up” is sufficient unto the day and we are saved to the uttermost by Christ’s gospel. We need nothing else. Christian Humanism affirms that while redemption from our sins is enough—its more than we deserve—God also freely gives us with it abundant life (John 10:10).

Said another way, Christian Humanism recognizes that Christianity is the basis for the affirmation of all human flourishing in individuals and cultures. It is not concerned with formulating doctrine or offering a particular Christology. Rather, it is more concerned with how Christology informs various human concerns. As one scholar summarized, “Christian Humanism seeks an understanding of the whole range of human experience in the light of God’s revelation to humanity in the person and work of Jesus Christ.”

Further, Christian Humanism sits in tension with both modern humanism and the church. It contends with the humanists who are most often associated with naturalism, agnosticism, or straight up atheism, that the source and goals of human flourishing are rooted in Christianity.

Simultaneously, it contends with the church—or at least those misinformed notions that reside in much of the church—that humanism is not contrary to Christianity. It is the result of Christianity. It is only by Christianity that we can ever reach the fullness of our humanity. This means we are human beings first, and only then Christians. 

By the way, I’m teaching a live online course on Christian Humanism this fall for upperclassmen and adult learners. There are still two seats remaining.