Being a Christian is foolish in many ways. It is foolish
from the perspective of this world. It is foolish to the majority of people
living in this world. It is especially foolish from the seemingly enlightened
ethos of the modern, twenty-first century, humanism that has become the hegemonic
worldview of the post-Christian civilization that dominates the advanced world.
One of the problems inherent in living in a post-Christian era is, at least for
the evangelist, that most people think they know what Christianity is all about,
even if they’ve never read a Bible or gone to church. Because, as is expressed
in the term itself, the modern world is “post-Christian,” Christianity is
assumed to have outlived its usefulness, and society is presumed to have
progressed beyond its former, tribal roots. Education has replaced the need for
mythology and superstition. Rational thought can advance and regulate society,
and humanity no longer needs Christianity, or religion, to maintain social order.
Is Christianity foolish? By many standards, I believe it
really is. But those standards are based upon a humanistic worldview that I don’t
subscribe to. I will, however, use that worldview to explain why modern society
is rapidly becoming hostile towards Christianity, even in nations that were
once beacons of Christian freedom and evangelism to the world. I will expose
the foolishness of Christianity from ten viewpoints, all of which have become
dominated by humanism. Understand that these viewpoints, or disciplines, in and
of themselves are neither humanistic nor theistic in nature, but they are
dominant methods for explaining and understanding the world and human behavior,
and they have all been influenced by humanistic presuppositions. If we can
understand how much these viewpoints influence modern society, and how much the
modern practice of these influences have become biased, then we can understand
why modern society at large is rejecting the Christian faith. We will also see
how the acceptance of some of these values have influenced others. Admittedly,
many of my assertions herein are derived from my own observations. Since this
concept of “humanism” has already been mentioned, and will be referred to
frequently hereafter, it should be defined. The concept is complex, but the
operative definition used for this treatise will be, “a doctrine, attitude, or
way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy
that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual’s dignity and
worth and capacity for self-realization through reason.”1
The foolishness of Christianity:
I.
Scientifically: The definition of science is
lengthy, but a good summation is, “knowledge about or study of the natural
world based on facts learned through experiments and observation.”2
Now let me be clear; I am not claiming that there is anything wrong with
science or its pursuit. Even from a theistic perspective, much benefit can be
derived from pursuing knowledge and truth regarding the natural world through
the scientific discipline. But the modern, hegemonic doctrine of the practical
application of science in the academic arena is to deny, and attempt to
invalidate, traditional Christian (and other religious) doctrines. The modern
application of science operative under humanistic principles rejects the
supernatural because its practitioners have no method for observing and testing
it. In reality, by definition, anything outside of scientific methodology
should not be part of scientific discourse. However, operating from a
humanistic agenda, the modern scientific community has crossed the boundary of
the discipline to claim that the natural universe is the only reality. Even
though macro-mutation as an operative necessity of modern evolutionary understanding
has never been observed or tested, it has been accepted as truth. One reason is
because any supernatural explanation must necessarily be false, as the
existence of the supernatural has already been rejected. Under such a
presupposition, the foundational Christian doctrine of creation is a falsehood,
and those who believe it are foolish. Other foolish Christian doctrines include
the virgin birth, resurrection, and belief in dualism (body and soul/spirit).
As these concepts cannot be observed or tested, they are declared fallacy.
These practitioners have used presuppositions that already violate the
scientific method (macro-mutation as causal of the evolutionary origin of
species; denial of the non-natural as reality by currently measurable standards)
to disprove other concepts that cannot currently be validated using the scientific
method. But it is clear to see how, since science is accepted by some as the
only way to understand reality, by scientific practitioners asserting Christian
concepts, such as creation, the incarnation, the virgin birth, the deity of
Christ, resurrection, the soul/spirit, angels, and even God Himself, are
unscientific, those who belief in such concepts must be foolish. The irony is
that many of the concepts defined as supernatural might simply be unmeasurable
by current scientific understanding and technology, and may be measurable in the
future. Perhaps many things currently understood as supernatural may only
occupy dimensions beyond those currently measurable; the three spatial and
time. Of course, while many people use the mythos propagated by these humanistic
practitioners of science to assert that Christianity is foolish, the Bible
asserts that, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”3
II.
Philosophically: Just as with science, the
definition of philosophy is lengthy, but likewise, a good summation is, “the
study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc.”4
Again, I am not of the opinion, nor am I claiming, that philosophy as a
discipline is intrinsically opposed to theism, or Christianity. In fact, there
have been many Christian philosophers over the centuries of the discipline’s
practice. But there are two concepts that have risen to prominence as generally
accepted philosophical truth, both of which directly oppose foundational
Christian doctrines. These philosophical arguments are not necessarily true,
but they are generally accepted by many as uncontestable, and are therefore
accepted by modern society. The first concept is the argument known as the
Epicurean Paradox, or the Problem of Evil. While many may not be familiar with
its name or even the individual premises that create its structure, its
conclusion seems to be widely circulated and generally understood. In its most
simplistic form, it asserts, ‘If an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly
good God exists, then evil should not exist; evil does exist; therefore, God
does not exist.’ I have discussed this argument at length in another writing of
mine, and plan to revisit another aspect of it in the future. For now, let me
just say that the long-form of the argument can be dismantled based upon at
least two flaws; one being that it commits an informal fallacy of containing a
logically flawed premise (which I have written about), and the other being that
it contains (at least) one presuppositional assertion that is unprovable (which
I plan to write about). Nevertheless, whether the argument stands the test of
logic or not, it has gained general acceptance as a basis for rejecting, or at
least questioning, the existence of God. The second concept that has gained
general acceptance in the mainstream ethos of post-Christian modernism is that
of relativism, and specifically, moral relativism. I will refrain from defining
or countering this tenet here, as I think most people understand what it means,
and the purpose of this writing is not to argue against these viewpoints, but
rather to understand how they affect society’s view of Christianity. Needless
to say, historic, or traditional, Christianity asserts and assumes moral absolutism,
as defined by God, as a foundational truth. Since modern society has accepted
both the Epicurean Paradox and moral relativism as truth and standard, it is
clear to see how the concept of God, according to Christian theology, and the
Biblical standard of morality both become obsolete, and Christianity becomes
foolish for continuing to promote both ideals. On the other hand, the Bible
asserts, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his
opinion.”5
So far, I have discussed two of the ten viewpoints that I
wanted to analyze in order to understand and explain how the world views and
judges Christianity. Now I will speed things up as we look at the next eight.
III.
Psychologically: Again, the discipline of
psychology is neither inherently hostile nor affirming of Christianity. But the
positions, assertions, and methods of its practitioners can influence society’s
views. The modern community of practitioners of psychology in general, similar
to the aforementioned disciplines, have embraced a form of humanism. Using
another definition of the term, I would characterize this manifestation of its
influence as, “a system of values and beliefs that is based on the idea that
people are basically good, and that problems can be solved using reason instead
of religion.”6 This view of humanity is in direct conflict with the
historic, traditional Christian doctrine of original sin, or inherent depravity,
of human beings. To most modern, secular psychologists and their counterparts, the
concept of depravity would be considered destructive of human self-worth, self-confidence,
and the ability improve one’s condition, life, or self. Therefore, from the
perspective of these practitioners, who have again influenced the mainstream of
society, the Christian concept of depravity, and essentially sin by extension,
are false. After all, what the Bible calls sin, psychological practitioners
have redefined as poor choices, mistakes, justifiable behavior under the
conditions existing, etc. Adherence to said concepts would therefore make one
foolish. By their opinion, this modern version of psychological truth is
superior, and they possess greater wisdom than an ancient text. But the Bible
says, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”7
IV.
Culturally: On the whole, western cultures
typically promote the value of the individual, while eastern cultures typically
promote the value of the collective. While both can have merit, both can also
have drawbacks. But for the purposes of this writing, we will focus on western
concept of promoting individualism. Nowhere in history has this concept been
more prevalent than the modern world. In modern, western cultures, the value of
individualism is supreme. This value has only been enhanced by the philosophical
promotion of relativism, and the psychological promotion of justified behavior.
Tolerance is the modern mantra; despite the intolerant behavior of its
proponents towards those who disagree with their views. Generally speaking, the
guiding principle of individual behavior in modern, western cultures is the
belief that, as long as it doesn’t hurt someone else, then it isn’t wrong. This
attitude is in direct conflict with the absolute moral standards of the Bible,
which have been historically promoted by the Christian faith. Building upon the
denial of an afterlife by the strict naturalist perspective, it makes perfect
sense to live this life in pursuit of one’s pleasures, regardless of whether or
not those pleasures are deemed sinful by God’s Word, since God is probably a
fable and there might not be an afterlife. Even if God and the afterlife are
real, modern practitioners of psychology and science have justified human
behavior based upon conditioning, circumstances, and biological impulses
anyway, so God won’t judge people according to some ancient tribal codes
written down by unenlightened people that lived thousands of years ago. I have
engaged in a little bit of hyperbole here for illustration, but it is very easy
to see how the values that have become imbedded in modern culture could cause
Christianity to further appear foolish. “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.”8
V.
Religiously: It may appear somewhat confusing at
first that I would analyze religion as a modern viewpoint from which to declare
Christianity foolish. But because of Christianity’s claim of exclusivity as being
the only faith through which one can enter relationship with God, it becomes
clear why, from the perspective of all the other religions of the world, as
well as those who hold no faith, Christianity’s claims appear foolish. Not only
does Christianity claim exclusivity, which certainly is absurd to some, it also
claims that human beings can only be saved by God’s grace, rather than through
their own good works. In fact, Christianity goes so far as to claim that
mankind cannot truly perform good works apart from God’s enabling. This is
quite contrary to other religions, as well as the generally accepted practical
assertions of modern psychology, as previously discussed. Christianity also
holds as its central figure, a Savior who was crucified. And finally, for
nearly two-thousand years, Christians have been claiming that Jesus will return
one day; and for nearly two-thousand years, He hasn’t. From the perspective of
those outside the faith, this might start to look embarrassing. For Christianity
to claim exclusivity, and to be the sole faith which claims that salvation isn’t
merited by works, makes it unique in comparison to many other religions. And
for its primary figure to be martyred, and for its prediction of Christ’s
return to be unfulfilled for nearly two millennia, makes it look absurd. So it isn’t
difficult to see how, from the perspective of religion, Christianity may appear
foolish. “For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we
preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles
foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God and the wisdom of God.”9 “Know this first of all, that
in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their
own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the
fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of
creation.’”10
VI.
Economically: In general, the modern world
promotes and values accumulation of wealth and possessions over most, if not
all, other considerations. To accumulate wealth can even be considered a civic
duty in some cultures. Contrast this value system with that of historic,
traditional Christianity, which teaches that the love of money is at the root
of a host of evils. Not only that, but Christianity has traditionally promoted
giving to the poor, and giving to the Church for the needs of fellow
Christians. Now, I’m not claiming that the world doesn’t have non-Christians
who give of their finances altruistically, as this would be erroneous. But I am
claiming that the value Christianity places upon temporal wealth stands in
contrast to the value placed upon it by the world. The world teaches that one
should seek comfort in this life, most often obtained through wealth, because
this life is all that we know for sure exists (remember the assertion of modern
naturalism). Whereas Christianity teaches that one should invest in heavenly
riches in the hereafter and not seek after worldly gain. It is easy to see how,
from an economic perspective, the investment values of Christianity can appear
foolish. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses
his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”11 “And
I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life
easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night
your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared
for yourself?’”12
VII.
Socially: This next portion speaks to current,
ongoing controversies. The western world has been experiencing a radical
transformation over the last few decades regarding its social values. High upon
the list of current social issues are the topics of abortion and sexuality.
While society at large has moved towards general acceptance of abortion and
sexual/gender preference, even renaming the issues as freedom of choice or
reproductive rights, and marriage equality or transgender
equality/rights/tolerance, Christianity still seems to struggle with acceptance
of these issues. What is the problem here? While one side claims that a fetus
isn’t human, the other side claims that abortion is murder. While one side
claims that people are born with same sex desire or as transgender, the other
side claims that such issues represent sexual deviancy or rebellion against God’s
natural order. While I won’t try to tackle the issues here, I will simply assert
that the movement of societal values has been steadily towards acceptance, and
at an increasing pace. As more of society accepts these ideals, Christianity,
insofar as its adherents cling to historical positions, appears to stand
opposed to progress and thus seems foolish, or worse, hateful. “There is a way
that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”13 “Although
they claimed to be wise, they became fools”14
VIII.
Progressively: Although this viewpoint aligns
with the aforementioned, I aim to examine different aspects here; namely,
education and liberation. Public education has moved beyond simple reading,
writing, and arithmetic (not to mention history, science, and other academic
disciplines), to embrace an agenda of promoting social change. Oftentimes, this
change stands in opposition to the Christian worldview. Likewise, progressive, social
liberation from Christian values regarding moral absolutes (sin), sexuality, the
nuclear family, gender roles, etc., delegitimizes traditional Christian positions.
As society continues to embrace these values deemed as progressive in terms of
public education and moral liberation, Christianity will continue to appear
more foolish. “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where
is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the
world?”15
IX.
Politically: Let’s be direct here. Expediency
wins in politics. Give the people what they want. If one wants to advance in
politics, one must learn the art of compromise. Historical, traditional
Christianity is not expedient. It doesn’t compromise. There might be
organizations or individuals who claim to be Christian that are willing to
compromise. But there is always a group that doesn’t. This group has always
been around. They were thrown to the lions during the Roman persecutions. They
were killed by the medieval inquisitors. They were persecuted by the
communists. And they are still persecuted today in various parts of the world
for not compromising their faith to align with whatever temporal authority
holds the power of life or death over them. Why are they so stubborn? Why do
they insist on obeying God rather than man? What do they persist in such folly?
From the world’s perspective, what fools these Christians are. “For the message
of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being
saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of
the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’”16
X.
Pragmatically: When all else fails, let’s be
pragmatic. Let’s be practical. Theology is just theoretical. Belief is just
idealistic. What will actually help me to get where I want to be in this life?
That’s what I’m interested in. It’s impossible to know what comes after this,
so why waste my time. Why should I endure unnecessary persecution? I don’t even
know if the religion is really true, after all. Why suffer? I want to advance.
I want to get ahead. Isn’t that what God would want for me anyway? I’ll deal
with all these religious things later, after I’ve secured myself and my future.
Even if Christianity is true, these Christians say that God is love anyway. He’ll
understand; after all, He made this world and put me here. Or He didn’t; in
which case, I might as well do the sensible thing, since I’m on my own, after
all. “But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”17
True Christianity always has, and always will, stand in
opposition to the ways of this world. The world has been upside down ever since
the first humans rebelled against their Creator. God has been about the business
of restoring human beings to Himself ever since. He is patient, and He allows
people to choose to reject Him. But for the sake of His righteousness, His
patience has limits. There will come a day when the false wisdom of this world
will crash against the reality of His truth. Call upon Him now, while He may be
found, for He will save all who call upon His name. (Isaiah 55:6; Romans 10:13)
If being wise in this world means rejecting the Bible and my
Lord, then I would rather be a fool for Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:10)
Grace and peace.
Footnotes
1.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 3/26/17, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism
2.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 3/26/17, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science
3.
Psalm 14:1, New International Version (NIV)
4.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 3/26/17, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy
5.
Proverbs 18:2, English Standard Version (ESV)
6.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 3/26/17, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism
7.
1 Corinthians 3:19, New King James Version
(NKJV)
8.
1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV
9.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24, New American Standard
Bible (NASB)
10.
2 Peter 3:3-4, NASB
11.
Matthew 16:26, NKJV
12.
Luke 12:19-20, NIV
13.
Proverbs 14:12, NKJV
14.
Romans 1:22, NIV (Romans 1:20-32 for context)
15.
1 Corinthians 1:20, NIV
16.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19, NIV
17.
1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV
