Humanist Psychology and Good Self vs. Evil Society
QUESTION: Humanist Psychology – Good Self vs. Evil SocietyANSWER:Secular Humanists make three assumptions about the self, mind, and mental processes: 1) we are good by nature and are therefore perfectible; 2) society and its social institutions are responsible for the evil we do; and 3) mental health can be restored to those who get in touch with their inner (good) self. While other worldviews may agree with some or all of these premises, Christians disagree with all three. Christians insist that we must admit our own sinful nature and take responsibility for our immoral acts instead of blaming someone or something else. Humanist psychology, however, allows us to intellectually deny responsibility for our behavior and moral choices.
Humanist Psychology – Focus on Inner SelfSecular Humanists do not convincingly answer May’s question of why society is evil if we are all so good. Perhaps Rogers understood the contradiction when he wrote, “I should like to make a final confession. When I am speaking to outsiders I present Humanistic psychology as a glowing hope for the future. But...we have no reason whatsoever for feeling complacent as we look toward the future.”
1Notes:Rendered with permission from the book,
Understanding the Times: The Collision of Today’s Competing Worldviews(Rev. 2
nd ed), David Noebel, Summit Press, 2006. Compliments of John Stonestreet, David Noebel, and the
Christian Worldview Ministry at
Summit Ministries. All rights reserved in the original.
Notes:Rendered with permission from the book,
Understanding the Times: The Collision of Today’s Competing Worldviews(Rev. 2
nd ed), David Noebel, Summit Press, 2006. Compliments of John Stonestreet, David Noebel, and the
Christian Worldview Ministry at
Summit Ministries. All rights reserved in the original.
1 I. David Welch, George A. Tate, and Fred Richards, ed.,
Humanistic Psychology (Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, 1978), 45.
