America is now the most technologically advanced and financially wealthy nation in the world. After more than 200 years, democracy is still going strong both in America and around the world. In a world that is constantly becoming more globalized, the robust American culture is spreading its influence on almost every society on earth. And thanks to the German philosopher Hegel, we firmly believe our society has advanced.
But has it?
Does increased comfort and scientific progress equate to a higher state of civilization? Is it really worth death to possess freedom? Is independence really even possible? If you view the world in a humanistic sense then I suppose you would almost have to say yes, and most people do, including Christians. However, I am not convinced that the world is that much better off since that fateful day in 1776. Most Americans I know or have even heard of would probably tell me that this is a ridiculous notion, and perhaps it is. I concede that there are a number of ways in which you could argue that the world has improved. However, with every generation, era, age, that comes and goes, there are gains and losses, especially morally, and that is the focus of my thoughts on this issue. I shall certainly point out the gains that have come as a result of the rise of these humanistic ideas (indeed, it would be misleading not to do so), but I shall spend more time on the negatives, especially those I feel are less known.
What I consider the greatest benefit in this cultural shift is the view that all humans have personal intrinsic value. This is one of most important ideas to develop in the history of humanity. It helped issue forth the civil rights and feminist movements, and it is why democracy can work. Sure, when the founding fathers wrote that all men are created equal, they may not have meant what we now believe they do, but they were laying the groundwork. Their statement was one important stage in this growing trend in modern thought. At this time, I feel I must acknowledge that democracy is a pretty good system. Is it the best possible form of government? By no means! Is it perfect? Not at all! However, this is not an examination of the effectiveness of the American government. The constitution lays the groundwork for a system of checks and balances which is absolutely necessary in government, and it gives the people a voice. These, in theory, are wonderful things, and they are things that would not have been possible without the rise of exclusive humanism. This development of intrinsic human worth also led to the prominent theme in the developing post-modern society of relativity, particularly in the sense of worldviews. It establishes the fact that each person views the world from a different and valuable perspective which determines much of what they believe and the manner in which they behave. Understanding of the worldviews of others, especially those in other countries, could go quite far to promote international peace. This may be idealistic, but that is a hope worth having.
Religiously speaking, this emphasis on the individual has had two prominent, positive responses. To begin with, there has been an increased emphasis on personal devotion throughout recent centuries, though the overall popularity of this trend has been in flux at times. However, personal study of and interaction with scripture is still a relatively new development in the Christian faith. A somewhat surprising turn as a result of this individualistic focus has been the overwhelming movement in churches today to stress the relational aspect of Christianity. I am not sure when the phrase “a personal relationship with Jesus” first began showing up in sermons, but nowadays it would be almost impossible to find a conversion story that did not contain that phrase. Apparently, when exclusive humanism is combined with a belief in an omnipresent, loving God, the result is a deity who will interact with each individual on a personal level. I believe this about God, but I wonder if its importance in the church of today is somewhat beyond the bounds of scripture. However, that is a thought for later in my ponderings.
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