Humanism, the late Arthur Broadhurst insisted, “is an essential element of Christian faith”; it can be so “when the focus shifts away from arcane theological arguments, hostile ideological battles, church politics and rituals.”
In this newest featured book, Broadhurst, who died this August, argued, “Without rational inquiry and critical thinking, Christian thought devolves into literalism and fundamentalism, mythology becomes historical event, religious beliefs become unbelievable. Without the impact of humanism on religious belief and practice, Christianity tends to focus on the other worldly rather than this world, on Christian theology rather than Christian practice, on worship and prayer rather than loving and caring for one’s neighbour.”
Founder of the Center for Non-Religious Spirituality, Jim Palmer explains, “Christian humanism advocates the self-actualization of humanity, and commitment to social ethics within the framework of Christian principles, and shows deference to Jesus and the life he lived.”
Broadhurst was—until he walked away from his calling—an ordained United Church of Christ minister; he graduated from Colgate Rochester Divinity School with B.D. and M.Min. degrees. He went on to fill administrative posts at several independent secondary schools in four American states, becoming a director for the National Association of Independent Schools in Boston.
The Gospel of Christian Humanism: Christianity Without God—Essays on Religion and Ethics
By Arthur Broadhurst
Self-published, 2019