Secularism is not the absence of belief, but a new set of beliefs about human rationality, purpose, and moral values.
Christianity fundamentally shaped the concept of equal human worth and the notion of human rights.
Deep dives
The Nature of Faith and Secularism
In this podcast episode, Tim Keller explores the nature of faith and secularism, presenting the idea that everyone is living by faith, whether they believe in God or not. He argues that secularism is not the absence of belief, but rather a new set of beliefs about human rationality, purpose, and moral values. Keller suggests that while there is no absolute proof for the existence or non-existence of God, beliefs can be compared by evaluating their consistency with human experience, evidence, and their own internal coherence.
The Origins of Human Rights in Christianity
Keller discusses the origins of human rights, countering the common perception that human rights emerged from secular thinking. He argues that the idea of human rights arose in Christian Europe during the late Middle Ages, inspired by biblical doctrines such as the belief in the image of God in every human being, the significance of human choice, the importance of the physical world, and the understanding of a personal God. Keller highlights that Christianity fundamentally shaped the concept of equal human worth and the notion of human rights.
Secular Society's Challenges with Human Rights
Keller addresses the problems that secular society faces when it comes to human rights. He points out that while the secular world might assert the existence of human rights without any basis, it struggles to justify those rights or motivate sacrificial support for them. Keller highlights an example where a cultural anthropologist, who believes that moral values are culturally constructed, faces resistance from other cultures that do not share the same beliefs. This highlights the challenge of advocating for universal human rights without a transcendent divine order.
Christianity's Role in Supporting Human Rights
Finally, Keller discusses how Christianity can contribute to the understanding and support of human rights. He emphasizes that Christianity offers a coherent and non-oppressive absolute truth that affirms universal values while resisting domination. By focusing on Jesus Christ's subversion of worldly expectations and his sacrificial love, Christianity provides a moral framework that challenges oppressive power dynamics. Keller contends that this non-totalizing metanarrative of Christianity supports justice while also recognizing the mystery and limitations of human understanding.
In this episode, Tim Keller explores questions around justice and human rights. What are human rights? Where did the idea come from? What are the problems secular society has with human rights? What can Christianity contribute?
This talk was recorded before a live audience on April 11, 2019 in New York City.
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