Ebook
Since the rise and growth of secularization, the place of God and religion is becoming increasingly problematic in our Western culture. But what is the alternative to its Christian heritage? Humanism puts "man" at the center of everything, but can you "believe in man" just as much as you can believe in God? Is this secular worldview really rational, based on science, consistent, and durable? And above all, does our society become more humane because of it? Can you simply obliterate God from our culture and values without these collapsing like a pudding? Secular humanism has always been extremely critical of the church--and in itself that is allowed--but what if we judge and measure it with the same criteria?
“This book is as bold, direct, and clear in confronting humanism
and its effects on the church and Western culture, as was Martin
Luther’s original 95 Theses that started the Reformation.
. . . This book takes you beyond the obvious and provides
clarity and real answers to the key issues. It has the potential to
not only inform but to transform culture. A highly recommended read
for every Christian in the West.”
—Gary Benjamin, Pastor of Prayer at Gateway Church, Southlake
Texas
“In this age when the global community is once again approaching a
season of sweeping reforms, Ignace Demaerel has published his 95
Theses on Humanism to help us reexamine humanism. This is a
thought-provoking read that examines the historical origins and
various forms of humanism. The reader will also be challenged by
the examination of the implications and conclusions of humanism
which most in our time have accepted as true but with little
examination or testing. It is a helpful and enjoyable read.”
—Barry Wissler, President, HarvestNet International
“Captivating, quick, and full of ingenious quotes that give shape
to this ever-changing belief system. The author provides sharp wit
and stark answers to present day questions. A quick tour of the
philosophies and subtle changes that began to shape humanism and
culture itself. The writer challenges humanism to use its pillars
of tolerance and open-mindedness to discover itself. Does the
Father of Humanism approve of what it is today?”
—R.J. Gathright, founder of Four Corners Global
"Coming from a life of hands-on, dedicated, and committed Christian
activism and prayer for Europe from his homeland of Belgium, Ignace
Demaerel offers us a perspective on the European zeitgeist that is
accessible and well worth reflecting on. I have found it to be a
significant challenge to my own thought and action and recommend
it."
—Roger Haydon Mitchell, Political Theologian and Activist,
Lancaster University, UK
Ignace Demaerel (1961) was born in Brussels, Belgium. He studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven, and Protestant Theology in Brussels. He is married, has four children, one foster son, and four grandchildren. In addition to teaching religion at school, he is a pastor in Brussels. He has written many articles and two brochures (“The Spiritual Climate of Belgium” and “Father, Make Us One”), and he has published four books in Dutch (on prayer, the person of Jesus, bread and wine, and now on humanism). Since 2012 he has also been a columnist/opinion writer for the Flemish magazine Knack.be. The “95 Theses on Humanism” is the first book to be translated into English.