Transcript of a debate with Dr. John Ankerberg, Dr. Paul Kurtz, and Dr. Norman Geisler
Secular Humanism and the Public School System
In this second part of our series on Secular Humanism, Dr. John Ankerberg moderates a debate between Dr. Paul Kurtz, a prominent figure in the Humanist movement, and Dr. Norman Geisler, an orthodox Christian philosopher. The discussion centers on the role of Secular Humanism in public education and whether the movement’s push to exclude Creationism contradicts its own stated principles of free inquiry.
The Contradiction of Free Inquiry
Dr. John Ankerberg: You have stated that the first principle of Secular Humanism is a commitment to free inquiry, yet your declarations often call for the exclusion of Creationist theory from science classrooms. How do you reconcile these positions?
Dr. Paul Kurtz: There is no contradiction. Science is based on evidence and inquiry. While Creationist theories may be taught in history or sociology, imposing them on science classrooms alongside scientific theory violates the integrity of the scientific process. This is not a matter of bigotry, but of maintaining scientific standards.
Is Creationism Scientific?
Dr. Norman Geisler: What you are describing is a classic case of "special pleading." By claiming that only evolutionary biology constitutes "science," you are dismissing the work of countless Creationist biologists. Furthermore, the history of modern science itself is rooted in the doctrine of Creation, a concept upheld by many of history’s greatest scientific minds. You are advocating for a system where only one viewpoint is allowed, which effectively forces your perspective on students.
Defining Secular Humanism as a Religion
Dr. John Ankerberg: The Supreme Court has recognized Secular Humanism as a belief system that can function as a religion. If your views are being taught in public schools, are you not effectively proselytizing a new faith?
Dr. Paul Kurtz: I disagree that Secular Humanism is a religion. It is a scientific, philosophical, and ethical position. Public schools are intended to be neutral, teaching modern literature, science, and philosophy—not to promote or disparage any particular religion.
Dr. Norman Geisler: That is a "cop-out." Whether or not you choose to label it a religion, Secular Humanism operates with the core commitments that define religion. If we are to be a truly pluralistic society, we must be fair. If the premises of Humanism are taught, the premises of Christianity should also be open for discussion. Teaching only one worldview is not neutrality; it is the exclusion of alternative viewpoints.
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