It is Dangerous to Reason Without God
by David Cross
In 2002 the World Humanist Congress stated: humanism is a democratic and ethical life-stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic and does not accept supernatural views of reality.
This surely is the dominant attitude in the world today, categorically opposing Christian belief, but we need to be clear about the consequence of this humanist position. Without an external arbiter of morality, the definition of an acceptable ethical life-stance is a negotiable issue, ever changing with politics and fashion. It becomes the pursuit of pleasure rather than righteousness, depending on the fickle will of people rather than the steadfast will of God.
In contrast, Christians believe that it is God, rather than man, who gives meaning and shape to our lives. We believe that a humane society would exist if the laws and commands of God were obeyed, rather than trusting simply in the capabilities of man. We believe in the existence of a Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that He works supernaturally in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord. We believe Jesus to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.
God has given human beings an extraordinary gift of being able to explore and reason out the physical laws of this world but when it comes to ethical laws, God gives us some critical advice: don’t reason without Him.
Prayer: Father, forgive us for the arrogance that we display in trying to reason out the meaning and shape of our lives without You. We affirm once again that we are Your children, utterly dependent on Your unfailing provision and protection. Amen.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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