4 Approaches to the Sacred

Secular Woridview: is a way of thinking about the world where the only truth worth considering is one based on human values alone. Only the values of this world matter, religion is pushed out of the picture, and science and technology are believed to provide the answers to life’s problems.

1. Cosmocentric Approach - Nature itself is an expression of a sacred realm, and is alive with the spirit of this sacred source.

- The main features are: a) The universe or cosmos is thought of as a living reality imbued with a spiritual presence b) Nature is an expression of this dynamic and creative life. c) Each human person shares in this cosmic reality, as a personal expression of this cosmic web of life d) Human communities are structured around spiritual values based on this cosmic web of life e) These relationships unfold from a source of life that is ultimate mystery

2. The Theocentric Approach - meaning “God centered” - Life’s meaning comes from its relationship to an ultimate reality beyond the cosmos. - The main features are: a) The universe or cosmos is a living reality brought into being by a creator God or an ultimate reality that is sacred b) The universe is not the same as its Creator — nature reveals this divine presence but is separate from it c) Each human person shares in this divine life, and is created in the image of God or ultimate reality d) Life has a sacred purpose, and humanity has the responsibility of living in a way consistent with this purpose e) Humanity comes to know this purpose through the self-communication of God or ultimate reality. This self communication takes place in nature, personal encounters, and in some cases, through human history f) Society organizes its values to mirror the presence of God or the sacred

3. The Anthropocentric Approach - Modem woridviews, including religious ones, tend to be anthropocentric. The value of human individuals and communities is central. Humanity becomes interested in itself and its own story and this interest has taken both religious and non-religious forms. - expresses the values of Humanism, a point of view that praises human values and uses the dignity and ultimate worth of human beings as its starting point. - Humanism has been applied to 3 different modem approaches a) Christian humanism: combines the themes of classical humanism with those of Christianity. It recognizes a God-given dignity in humanity, and believes in human freedom, responsibility, and learning. b) Scientific humanism: combines the themes of classical humanism with those of science. It recognizes the scientific mind and the scientific method as humanity’s greatest achievements. c,) Secular humanism: confines its approach to purely secular values.

4. Secular Approach - believes in present values, in the “now”, with no concern for eternity, and is actively opposed to religion - Secularization: separation of religion from political affairs - Secularism: describes a way of living as if God or ultimate reality did not exist. It sees no divine purpose to life, and believes that humanity is not alone in the universe, and assumes the following a) There is no divine purpose or creator of the cosmos b) Nature can be observed scientifically, but it is only matter c) Each person is self-sufficient and stands alone, with no needs of God, the supernatural or ultimate reality d) All values are relative and created by humans — there are no moral absolutes, nothing that is absolutely right or wrong e) Religious worldviews are to be discarded as attempts to deny the inherent dignity of humanity. f) Society should structure its communities around historical and human institutions