The Humanist Evangelical Crusade

From Webster's Dictionary:

Humanist: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason
Evangelical: marked by militant or crusading zeal
Crusade: a remedial enterprise undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm

If you've ever had the opportunity to discuss Christianity with a devout non-Christian be ready for a history lesson. Call it Christian Imperialism 101. It is an issue most often visited and spoke about in liberal college professor classrooms, on atheist websites (Memoirs of an Ex-Christian) or revisited on a arts and education channel (History Channel, Discovery, etc.). Many point at the Religious Right's forceful entry into the political realm in the 1980s as a continuation of this imperialistic movement.

Before anyone accuses me of dismissing the past "sins" of Christianity, let me say that there is a valid arguement that many bad things have happened in Christ's name. Power hungry Pope's have tried to recapture the Holy Land and by doing so slaughtered anyone in their way. The great Exploreres used Christianity as a reason to kill while in the search for gold. The United States - considered by many a Christian nation, stands guilty of pushing the Indians off their land while turning a blind eye towards the issue of slavery. We can all agree - Christian or not - that these things should have never had happened.

But another excuse you will hear is the "I don't feel like anyone should feel pushed into believing in something." This is a popular arguement in Hollywood but it runs contrary to their actions and many other secular humanist. In the past 10-15 years a seed that began to sprout during the late 1960's and 1970's (sat dormant while everyone was busy making money in the 80's and 90's) is in full bloom. Call it the Humanist Evangelical Crusades.

We see it now anytime a divisive issue takes shape. The World Bank's policy towards Third World nations annually draws violent protests - especially when the G8 holds their summit. Renegade "Green Groups" use militant practices to blow up SUV's and other symbols of our gas guzzling society. The Olympic torch is run under armed guard because of the many attempts to snuff it out during it relay around the world.

What we are seeing is the humanist agenda has introduced force into its attempts to convert others to their ideals. At the same time a growing number of Christian organizations have abandoned this sort of idiocracy and gone to the front lines where the help is really needed. Instead of battling it out with a police officer on the streets of a western nations capital during a protest, they are working hand in hand with those dying of AIDS in Africa. While protesters attempt to extiguish the Olympic flame, Christians are at work in China spreading the Good News of hope that many in that nation have lost.

As our world becomes increasingly divided, it should be interesting to see how the Humanist agenda evolves into a more agressive aproach. Will the future see violent protests outside of Christian schools who teach Creationism? Will our church's be interrupted during their services by those who do not believe what is being preached? Will the government step in to stop organizations trying to do good (while spreading the gospel) on our streets and on the streets world wide?

Time will tell... whatever happens in the future it seems that right now this "philiosphy built on reason" has lost all reason for it's actions.