Secular Humanist Ethics and Values Versus Biblical Morals and Beliefs

Many terms in this article can spark negative emotions. How would you think differently if you learned these triggers come from manipulation? What if the true meaning of these terms is very different from how you’ve been taught to see them?

Most people recognize how social media has been used to change opinions. Those same people would agree that it is filled with misrepresentations and false information. At the same time, however, they don’t believe they have been manipulated into accepting any falsehoods. In fact, they are certain that their beliefs are true and correct. Let’s test these assumptions.

We’ll go over some definitions to clarify things. Then, we’ll discuss why people often believe they are right, even when evidence says otherwise. Finally, you’ll have a chance to test your own assumptions.

Ethical Issues in the Modern World

Modern ethical issues span from technology, medicine, sex, and human rights to the environment. These discussions are not just abstract. They influence laws, personal choices, and social norms.

The way we approach these issues depends largely on the framework we use. Some people rely on biblical morals and beliefs passed down through religious traditions. Others turn to secular humanist ethics and values. The latter focuses on reason and compassion without appealing to divine authority.

First, here are some general definitions for the terms we will be discussing:

Ethics: Rules about what is right and wrong that help people make good choices.

Values: Things that are important to you, like honesty or kindness.

Morals: Beliefs about what is right or wrong behavior.

Beliefs: Ideas you think are true, like believing in fairness or teamwork.

Here’s a chart to see how these four concepts relate to secular humanism and traditional biblical understanding.

Topic	Secular Humanist	Biblical
Ethics	Use reason and kindness to decide what’s right and wrong.	Follow the rules from the Bible to know what God says is right and wrong.
Values	Care about honesty, helping others, freedom, and learning.	Value faith, love, forgiveness, and respect for God and others.
Morals	Be honest, fair, and kind based on thinking and caring—not religion.	Do what is right based on the Bible, like loving others and obeying God.
Beliefs	Believe people can live good lives using science, reason, and compassion.	Believe in God and Jesus, and trust the Bible to guide how to live.

To help you understand the differences, note the following:

Secular beliefs include all ideas that are not connected to religion. They focus on science, reason, and fairness for everyone.

Humanist beliefs teach that we should be kind, help others, and make good choices using reason and compassion, not religion.

Biblical beliefs are based on the Bible, which is a holy book for Christians. These include ideas like loving others, following God’s rules, and having faith.

The ethical issues in the modern world revolve around the conflict between two paradigms. One is based on science and reason, while the other is based on religious myths and superstitions.

What Are the Core Biblical Morals and Beliefs?

Biblical beliefs and morals are derived from scripture, most notably the Old and New Testaments. They are often presented as divinely revealed truths. Examples are the Ten Commandments, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and different moral codes in Jewish and Christian traditions.

These biblical morals and beliefs emphasize obedience to God. Faith in divine authority and the idea that morality has an ultimate, unchanging source are also mandates. They provide many with a sense of certainty: right and wrong are not negotiable.

At the same time, biblical morality has been interpreted in many ways. Some see it as “timeless truths.” Others point out the many factual errors, contradictions, or cultural limitations. The rules about food, clothing, or gender roles no longer seem relevant today. This leads to tension between maintaining tradition and adapting to the modern world.

Core Morals of the Abrahamic Traditions (how to live)

Believe in one God. There is only one true God who created everything.
Tell the truth. Always be honest and speak truthfully.
Be kind and fair. Treat others with respect, kindness, and fairness.
Help people in need. Share what you have and care for the poor, sick, and lonely.
Respect parents and elders. Listen to and honor your parents and older people.
Do Not Steal or Cheat. Don’t take what isn’t yours or trick others.
Do not hurt others. Avoid violence and try to make peace, unless in the defense of religion.
Be humble. Don’t brag or act like you are better than others.
Control Your Anger and Desires. Think before you act, and make good choices.
Be grateful and patient. Say thank you and wait calmly when things are hard.

Core Beliefs (What to Believe)

God is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. God knows everything and has power over all things.
God gave us rules to follow. These rules help us live good lives (like the Ten Commandments or teachings in the Quran and Torah).
God sends prophets. God chose prophets like Abraham, Moses, and others to teach people about Himself.
Life has a purpose. We are here to worship God and do good.
There will be a Day of Judgment. One day, God will judge everyone based on their actions.
Prayer and worship are important. Talking to God and showing respect through prayer are part of daily life.
Books from God teach us. The Torah (Judaism), the Bible (Christianity), and the Quran (Islam) are holy books that guide people.
Forgiveness and mercy matter. God is forgiving, and we should forgive others, too.

Every sect within these religions has a unique interpretation of the holy texts. You are always going to hell in someone else’s version of the Abrahamic faiths.

What Are Secular Humanist Ethics and Values?

On the other side, humanist secular values and ethics are rooted in logic, reason, scientific understanding, and empathy. Secular humanism doesn’t ask, “What does God command?” Instead, they ask, “What best promotes health, freedom, fairness, and dignity?”

Humanist values and ethics are not stagnant; they evolve with new knowledge. For instance, ancient texts don’t discuss genetic engineering or climate change. However, secular humanism offers reason and logic to help us rethink our morals for ethical issues in the modern world.

Key principles often include:

Respect for human rights and equality. All people are valuable and must have the same fundamental human rights. People need clean water, food, shelter, and medical care. These rights should be available to everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Promotes the long-term care of the environment. All living creatures are valuable, with the right to coexist. It sees our role in the world as caretakers of the future. Everyone has a responsibility in the world as caretakers of the future.

Valuing compassion, empathy, and cooperation. The health of people, living things, and the environment takes precedence over profit.

Commitment to evidence-based reasoning. It champions the scientific approach, which is the most reliable way to solve complex problems and improve the world.

It advocates for a democracy built on laws that reflect equality and inclusion and promote equal access to the election process. It does not support using religion as a basis for public policy.

A belief that meaning and morality are human-made, not divinely dictated. It encourages a humanist approach. This means treating everyone fairly and ethically. It does not favor any group or class.

The philosophy of secular humanism benefits everyone. It promotes the protection of the environment. And it promotes science and rational thinking to help us solve global issues. It makes you wonder why some fight against these progressive values. It even fights for your right to hold the irrational beliefs of religion as long as they don’t harm others. This approach is well-suited for addressing ethical issues in the modern world.

Why We Think We’re Right (Even When We’re Not)

Psychology shows that once people adopt a set of morals and beliefs, they defend them fiercely—even against strong evidence. This is not unique to religion. Secular humanism also has convictions.

However, secular humanist ethics and values are built on questioning assumptions. So, they can change their convictions when presented with new information. It is a mindset that encourages the advancement of knowledge through ongoing debate, revision, and humility. Whereas religious traditions reject ideas that contradict continuity with their doctrines or beliefs.

We like to feel smart. Nobody enjoys being wrong. It can make us feel embarrassed or unsure of ourselves. So, sometimes we stick to our ideas just to feel confident and in control.

Our brains take shortcuts. Our brains are built to save energy. Instead of verifying every fact, we often rely on what feels familiar or what we’ve heard before. This can lead us to believe things that aren’t true.

We see what we want to see. This is called confirmation bias. It means we pay more attention to things that support our beliefs and ignore things that don’t. For example, if you think a particular food is bad for you, you might only notice articles that agree with you. You skip the articles that claim it to be healthy.

We trust our group. People often believe what their friends, family, or favorite news sources say. If everyone around you agrees on something, it’s easy to think it must be true—even if it’s not.

Changing your mind is hard. Admitting you were wrong takes courage. It can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’ve believed something for a long time. But learning and growing often mean changing your mind when new facts come along.

What can we do about it?

Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions.
Listen to other views, even if they are different from yours.
Check the facts before sharing or acting on information.
Be okay with being wrong—it’s how we learn.

Points of Convergence and Conflict

Interestingly, secular and biblical perspectives often overlap. Both stress compassion, justice, and honesty. Many morals and beliefs found in the Bible align with what secular humanism also values.

Conflicts arise when religious rules and modern views on equality, freedom, and science come into conflict. For example:

LGBTQ+ rights: Secular humanists advocate acceptance, while some biblical interpretations condemn same-sex relationships.

Women’s roles: Humanism emphasizes equality, while conservative interpretations of Scripture restrict leadership roles.

Science and medicine: Humanists embrace new knowledge. Biblical views resist topics like evolution or reproductive rights.

These differences highlight a core tension of differing paradigms. It prompts us to ask, “Should we base morality on ancient, outdated concepts, or should it adapt based on science and rational thinking?” Can the ancient concepts of the world address the ethical issues in the modern world?

Testing Your Own Assumptions

Here are a few reflection questions to consider:

Do your beliefs and morals come from tradition, personal reflection, or both?

Are there times when biblical morals and beliefs align with human compassion, and times when they do not?

Do you think humanist ethics and values are too flexible, or is their adaptability their strength?

What approach can best handle the ethical issues in the modern world? Is it strict religious rules or flexible scientific reasoning?

Take the “Are You Humanist” Quiz

Question	Answer Choice
1. Do you value reason and evidence?	a) Yes, I believe in seeking truth through logical thinking and factual evidence.
	b) Not always. I prefer relying on my intuition and emotions.
	c) I live by faith and not by facts and evidence.
2. Which statement resonates with you the most?	a) I believe in the potential of every individual to make a positive change in society.
	b) People are inherently evil, and there is little hope for creating a harmonious world.
	c) Those who don’t hold the same religious beliefs that I do are my enemies.
3. How important is equality to you?	a) Equality is a fundamental principle; everyone should have equal rights and opportunities.
	b) It is not my concern; people should fend for themselves.
	c) Equality is another word for favoritism, giving some more than they are entitled to have.
4. A neighbor is facing a tough situation. What do you do?	a) Offer emotional support and help them find practical solutions.
	b) Disregard their troubles; it’s every person for themselves.
	c) Pray for them and tell them God will help.
5. Which statement best reflects your perspective on religion?	a) I respect religious beliefs but value secularism and individual freedom.
	b) People need to believe in God. Atheism is the road to hell.
	c) Religion is the only pathway to a meaningful life; there is no room for skepticism.
6. How do you view social justice issues?	a) I feel compelled to fight for justice, equality, and the rights of those marginalized.
	b) It’s not my problem; others should worry about these matters.
	c) I believe my religious beliefs should be the law of the land.
7. Are you able to change your beliefs based on new evidence?	a) Yes, I believe that continuous learning requires discarding old beliefs.
	b) I prefer sticking to what I already know and am comfortable with.
	c) Absolutely not. My religious and political beliefs are my identity.
8. How do you perceive the importance of the arts and culture?	a) Arts and culture are essential for human expression, creativity, and personal growth.
	b) They are meaningless endeavors that divert attention from other interests.
	c) Too much is spent on the arts and culture. We should divert these resources to sports like football and basketball.

Results of “Are You A Humanist Quiz”

If you mostly answered with (a): Congratulations! You are most likely to have a secular humanist mindset. Your belief in reason, evidence, equality, and human potential aligns with humanist principles. You understand the importance of empathy and social justice. And you value secularism, science, and personal freedom. You understand this approach is vital to address the ethical issues in the modern world.

If you mostly answered with (b): While you may not fully identify as a humanist, this quiz may have sparked some curiosity about it. Exploring humanism further could help you discover new perspectives. You are likely interested in the values that drive positive change in our world.

If you mostly answered with (c): You likely identify with materialism and far-right political ideologies. But since you took the effort to read this article and take the quiz, it means you are beginning to open your mind to other possibilities. That’s great. Several other articles on this site can help with your intellectual and spiritual awakening.

Whether you confirmed your humanist identity or became intrigued by the concept, we are glad you are here. The “Are You a Humanist Quiz” is designed to shed light on the inclinations that dictate your thinking.

Humanism celebrates the potential of individuals and the pursuit of knowledge. It is committed to creating a just and inclusive society. We hope you delve deeper into the world of humanism and let its ideals help you lead a more positive life. You understand that your actions can make this world better for everyone. Embrace your inner guide, which will lead you toward a more compassionate and enlightened future!

More people align with the philosophy of secular humanism than you realize. How about you? Do you think all people deserve fairness and the ability to live with dignity? Should everyone deserve free, clean water? How do you feel about providing adequate food, shelter, and health care? Humanists believe in these things in an inclusive and verdant culture. They champion human rights for all races, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

Why do some people think humanism is evil? What about you? How do you feel about a humanistic perspective now? Does it seem like a bad thing? Let’s look at why some people think humanism is evil.

Conclusion: Two Paths to Meaning

At their core, both frameworks attempt to answer the same question: How should we live?

Biblical morals and beliefs provide stability, identity, and a sense of divine authority. Secular humanist ethics and values emphasize adaptability, reason, and universal human dignity. Neither framework is free from flaws, and both deserve critical reflection.

Understanding both traditions allows us to engage in dialogue instead of division. In a world full of new challenges, such dialogue may be the most ethical path of all.

Humanism gives us a philosophy that is a healthy alternative to religious sectarianism. It does not support the use of religious beliefs for governing. Belief in imaginary friends and enemies is not a justification for violence. We are born humanists. It’s time we return to our original state of being.

References

Psychological factors contributing to the creation and dissemination of misinformation. NCBI, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Digital media and misinformation: mechanisms of social media influence. NCBI, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Processing of misinformation as motivational and cognitive biases. Frontiers in Psychology.
The impact of affect on the perception of fake news on social media: a systematic review. Social Sciences (MDPI).
Emotional framing in the spreading of false and true claims. arXiv (open-access preprint).
Misinformation spreading on Facebook. arXiv (open-access preprint).
Echo chamber (media). Wikipedia.
Confirmation bias. Wikipedia.
Algorithmic radicalization. Wikipedia.
Motivated reasoning. Wikipedia.
Framing (social sciences). Wikipedia.

additional Resources

American Humanist Association: This is the most prominent organization of this philosophy. Its website features extensive resources, including articles, videos, and recommended readings.

The Humanist Hub is for people interested in ethics and values. They offer various resources, including podcasts, blog posts, and online courses. It is an easy-to-use resource for learning about humanism.

Secular Humanism: A Guide for the Perplexed by Andrew Copson. This book gives a clear look at humanism. It covers its history, key ideas, and why it matters today. It offers a clear and accessible introduction to philosophy for beginners.

Humanist Press. This publishing house specializes in books about humanism. Their extensive catalog includes works from renowned humanist thinkers. It provides a wealth of resources on the Humanist lifestyle.

The Humanist Magazine is a quarterly publication that covers a wide range of related topics. It features articles, interviews, and opinion pieces by experts and activists. Subscribing provides a source of thought-provoking content on the philosophy of secular humanism.