As Christians, we are to know, trust, live, defend, and share our faith. We have a number of forces (movements or distractions, if you will) in our society which can pull us away from our faith and damage the church. Perhaps we could call them “isms.” They might be belief systems. Atheism and secularism come to mind, for example. Below are the Top 10 “isms” (plus one at the bottom) that are detrimental to Christians in their faith walk and to the church. A brief synopsis is provided for each.
The Bible warns against these. For each “ism,” two Bible passages of warning/instruction are given. These passages serve as warnings and guideposts, reminding Christians to stand firm against cultural pressures and remain rooted in God’s truth.
Top 10 “Isms” That Threaten Christians and the Church
1. Secularism
Threat Level: Most severe.
Secularism prioritizes human reasoning and excludes religious faith from public and private life. It promotes the idea that religious beliefs should remain a private matter and not influence education, politics, or culture. This erodes a biblical worldview, diminishing the role of faith in decision-making and leading to moral relativism.
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- Romans 1:18-21: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”
- Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
2. Relativism
Threat Level: High.
Relativism asserts that truth is subjective and varies by individual or culture. This undermines the concept of absolute biblical truth, leading Christians to question or compromise their faith’s core doctrines. It fosters a “live and let live” mentality that can discourage evangelism and accountability within the church.
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- John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
- Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”
3. Atheism
Threat Level: High.
Atheism denies the existence of God, promoting a worldview rooted in materialism and often accompanied by a focus on science as the sole arbiter of truth. It challenges Christians to defend their faith in a culture increasingly dismissive of spiritual realities and moral absolutes.
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- Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”
- Romans 1:20: “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
4. Hedonism
Threat Level: Moderate to high.
Hedonism centers on the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification as the ultimate purpose in life. This is antithetical to the Christian call to self-denial and discipleship, leading believers to compromise their spiritual priorities for temporary satisfaction.
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- Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
5. Individualism
Threat Level: Moderate.
Individualism emphasizes personal autonomy and self-expression above communal or divine obligations. It often manifests as a “me-first” mentality, weakening the biblical call to live in community, serve others, and submit to God’s authority.
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- Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
6. Materialism
A preoccupation with wealth and possessions as the measure of success and security. It detracts from storing up treasures in heaven and shifts focus away from God as the provider.
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- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
7. Naturalism
The belief that everything can be explained by natural processes, denying the supernatural. It challenges faith in miracles, divine intervention, and the existence of God.
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- Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
- Hebrews 11:3: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
8. Pluralism
The acceptance of all beliefs as equally valid. It undermines the exclusivity of Christianity and the proclamation that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
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- Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
- 1 Kings 18:21: “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.'”
9. Consumerism
An excessive focus on consuming goods and services for personal fulfillment. This fosters a shallow faith that seeks entertainment and convenience over spiritual depth and sacrifice.
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- Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
- Isaiah 55:2: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”
10. Narcissism
An excessive focus on self, characterized by pride, entitlement, and a lack of empathy. It distorts the call to humility and serving others as modeled by Christ.
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- 2 Timothy 3:1-2: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant…”
- Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Plus One – Humanism
Yes, humanism is a “thing” and a significant worldview. It emphasizes human potential, reason, and achievements, often placing humanity at the center of existence instead of God. Humanism can take on different forms. Humanism, particularly secular humanism, promotes a belief system where human reason, ethics, and self-determination are prioritized over divine authority or supernatural beliefs. It asserts that humans can achieve fulfillment and moral progress through reason and science without reliance on God or religion.
Key Tenets of Humanism:
- Emphasis on human dignity, worth, and autonomy.
- Advocacy for social justice, ethics, and equality, but often from a godless framework.
- Rejection of supernatural or religious explanations for life and the universe.
Should Humanism Be in the List?
Humanism could stand as its own category, but since it overlaps with secularism, relativism, and naturalism, I have not listed it separately.
Biblical Warning Against Humanism
Humanism is ultimately incompatible with the Christian faith because it elevates humanity over God. The Bible consistently reminds us of our dependence on God and warns against human pride.
Here are two biblical warnings that directly counter the principles of humanism:
1. Trust in Human Wisdom and Strength Instead of God
- Jeremiah 17:5-6:
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'”- Explanation: This passage warns against relying on human capabilities and excluding God from our lives. Humanism’s emphasis on human strength and wisdom aligns with the “trust in man” condemned here. The passage emphasizes the futility and barrenness of life without reliance on God.
2. Exalting Humanity Over the Creator
- Romans 1:21-23:
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”- Explanation: Humanism often exalts human reason and achievements, effectively replacing God with humanity as the ultimate authority. This passage highlights the folly of such thinking, as it leads to spiritual darkness and idolatry of self or creation.
Conclusion
Humanism deserves recognition as a significant “ism” affecting Christian faith, either as its own entry or as part of secularism and relativism. If included, it would rank near the top due to its pervasive influence in modern culture and its ability to subtly erode trust in God.
