Freedom from Humanism
6. REACHING HUMANISTS"If we lift up our eyes,
we may see that the western fields
are already becoming `white unto harvest.'
George Hunter -`How to Reach Secular People', 1992An Opportunity
Behind every danger there is also an opportunity. We need to understand the nature of humanism so that we can also see the opportunities that are provided for us to share the gospel with humanists, and those influenced by humanism. People in our humanistic culture have not lost their religious consciousness. They are still spiritual people as God has made them, it is just that they have gone for a false God. Because we are spiritual beings, people are increasingly finding that their spiritual needs are not being met by our secular society, and are looking for alternatives.
a. People are looking for alternative medicine because scientific medicine tells them only part of the story.
b. There is a great increase in involvement in the occult and new age philosophies. Although it is false spirituality it indicates that people are still basically religious.
c. The rise of crime and violence and breakdown of family life, makes people realise that there is something radically wrong with our society as it is.
d. The threats of overpopulation, unemployment, poverty, pollution, and natural disasters, make people realise that despite great progress, we are still subject to an uncertain future.
e. Some people are realising that our humanistic society doesn't provide them with any purpose or goal in life. We seem to be going nowhere.
f. A rise in the recognition of indigenous spirituality, has helped people accept the importance of all culture, and its spiritual dimension. This goes directly against the stream of humanism which is trying to leave spirituality out.
Humanism, far from making people satisfied, has created a spiritual vacuum that demands to be filled. We have to be prepared to find creative new ways to meet these different trends that are happening in our society as we reach out with the gospel.
The Need For Revival
Throughout the history of the church there has been times of revival. The beginning of the church on the Day of Pentecost was a revival. More modern examples are the Welsh revival in 1904-5, the Indonesian revival of 1965, East African revivals in the 1960's & 70's, and now revival in Eastern Europe and Russia. Marks of revival:
a. A supernatural outpouring of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, in God's time.
b. Many people become Christians and part of the church.
c. The church shares more intensely in prayer, praise, and fellowship with each other.
d. The church reaches out strongly in new ways.
Revival is God's answer to regional or national spiritual crises, and the way he brings new growth in his church. Revival is God's Spirit filling the vacuum in our human spirit. God sees the opportunity and uses it for his glory. Revival cannot be organised to occur. It happens as we see and confess our own failures, and are open to new things that God is doing.
The church in the Western World is now at a point where revival is imperative, and no more than in NZ where humanism has taken its toll perhaps more than anywhere. Total church attendances are down, churches are in a rut, many people are totally ignorant of the gospel, and the need for the gospel in our nation is greater than ever. But at present humanism so grips the church and society that we are not open to receive the reviving power of God's Spirit that is needed to meet the situation.
Humanism is the major barrier to revival in the church of the Western World. Will revival come when humanism begins to collapse? Or will it be when the church rids itself of humanism and learns to reach out effectively to our secular society?
"What is needed
is nothing short of Reformation and Revival,
a rediscovery of the truth of God by his people
and a renewal of the life of God within his people."
-Os Guiness in `Dust of Death', 1974Reaching Out
While only God is going to break in to the present situation with revival power of his Holy Spirit if the tide is to be turned, we need to still reach out to people, now and in revival.
1. Reaching out with the truth. The truth is that humanism is a false world view. We need to present the case clearly against humanism and for the Christian faith. There is a great ignorance of the Christian faith among many people now.
2. Reaching out beyond the church. The church is easily seen by the world as just another club, and not the world changing influence it is meant to be. The church has to break down the walls between us because the world is not going to do it. We need to see the world around us as a mission field and plan strategies accordingly.
3. Reaching out with power. The world is not going to be convinced until it sees the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in action. Miracles are the best way to show the false world view of humanism.
4. Reaching out with a credible lifestyle. It is as much what people can see as what we say that are going to influence people. Christians will have to display a credible lifestyle that challenges worldliness.
5. Reaching out to the youth. Reaching out to children and youth is going to be vital as they are still making their choices about what world-view to adopt.
6. Reaching out to the poor. The poor have not been able to adopt a materialistic lifestyle, and are more open to the reality of the gospel, if it can be presented in a way that communicates with them.
7. Reaching out to people of other religions. Not so much for dialogue but for inviting them to consider the claims of Christianity. We live in a world where the competition for the minds and hearts of people is increasing.
8. Reaching out to all of society. The influence of humanism is in all aspects of society and it is at all these points that we must present our case.
9. Reaching out together. As a church we cannot do this on our own, but as all churches working together, we can be a mighty force for change.
"I miss receptiveness, humility,
and willingness on your part to
identify yourselves with the masses of India."
- Mahatma Gandhi, to some missionaries in Calcutta.Bible Study on Paul in Athens [Acts 17:16-34]
Paul's mission work in Athens was an example of reaching out to a humanistic society today. What can we learn from how he did his work there?
1. He went where the people were. He spoke to them on their own ground, rather than expected them to come to the church where he was. He took the initiative in reaching out to them.
2. He was relevant. His starting point was things they believed and understood.
3. He presented the gospel as an issue of what was true. He laid down a challenge before them which they could not refute.
4. He began with the issue of creation. This is a fact which unites all people.
5. He challenged idolatry. Then he moved on to point out the false nature of idolatry.
6. He presented the gospel simply. He gave the broad picture of the gospel, so that there was enough for people to latch on to. His presentation concentrated on the issue of evil being overcome - a theme of great interest for all.
7. He spoke to people in the street. He was open to the ordinary person.
8. He was ready to speak even before leaders. He was not afraid to speak to any group.
9. He was ready for opposition. Opposition did not prevent him from speaking the gospel.
10. He won some people to faith. He did not win all the people but to win some people was a great achievement.
Questions
1. What is the greatest opportunity that humanism prrovides for the gospel today?
2. Why is humanism in the church a barrier to revival?
3. How much do we need revival?
4. What is the biggest change needed today in the way we reach out to humanistic people?
Prayer
Pray for the church to learn how to reach out to people who are influenced by humanism. Pray for revival.
References
Blaikie, R.J., Secular Christianity and the God who Acts, Hodder and Stoughton, 1970
Guiness, Os, The Dust of Death, Intervarsity Press, 1973
Hunter, G.C.III, How To Reach Secular People, Abingdon Press, 1992
Kung, Hans, On Being A Christian, Collins, 1977
Lewis, C.S., Miracles, Fontana, 1947
Quoist, M., Christ is Alive
Sine, Tom, Wild Hope, Word Publishing, 1991
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