Emily Ranch
Foundation of Education
1-29-11
Humanism
1.) Introduction
According to our textbook, Foundations of American Education, the definition of humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of human beings and promotes classic literature and art. There are many different kinds of humanism including religious, modern, Christian and philosophical which sometimes causes confusion to those trying to understand the exact definition however, the different types are easily understood when separated correctly and described effectively ( Edword, 2008). Humanists believe that human beings are different than other living creatures and have special qualities and abilities no other species possesses. It’s wide spread presence in education over the years has left a lasting impact on the views and techniques used by many teachers.
2.) Renaissance Humanism
Appearing throughout the 14 th -16 th centuries, humanism did much to distinguish the
Renaissance from the Middle Ages. In fact, it is said that the humanist of the Renaissance rediscovered the Greek and Latin classic and emphasized the rebirth that this specific time period is known for. It helped to shift the emphasis off the common topics of theology and logic and focused primarily on humans(Hooker, 1996). In essence it was a “knee-jerk” reaction to the deep logical ideas and formalities of the Middle Ages. Humanistic ideas paved the way for the
European Renaissance and eventually the modern world.

One of the most influential humanists during the Renaissance was the Dutchman
Desiderius Erasmus. He wrote a wrote some of the most important textbooks of his time, the
Colloquies, which not only taught Latin but also focused on morals and religion. He was a strong advocate of early childhood education and believed in the potential of a person to improve himself through education and upright moral behavior. Erasmus wrote many books on his views concerning the training of teachers and the importance regarding the needs and interests of the students in the choosing of different materials and methods in the education process
(Dean, 2006). Francesco Petrarch was also an extremely famous humanist during the
Renaissance. In fact he is commonly known as the “Father of Humanism” due to his critical and thoughtful spirit. He combined his interests in classical culture and Christianity leaving deep and lasting influences in Europe (Liukkonen, 2008).
This first wave of Humanism effected education in an extremely positive way. It encouraged the focus of education to not only be primarily math and sciences but also literature and classic pieces of art. It emphasized the student in the learning process and was able to increase the skills and effectiveness of teachers during that time period. It paved the way for the improvement of education and changed the focus in the classroom from strictly logical to more abstract.
3.) Religious Humanism
Religious humanism believes that religion is an important aspect of the development of humans and emphasized a communal approach. It contrasts to secular humanism because it advocates that individuals need more than just what is in themselves to grow and develop
(Huitt, 2009). Usually religious humanism is created when a pre-existing religion is influenced by

humanistic philosophy it shares the basic principles of concern with humanity. Over the years religion has influence nearly every aspect of world history and in this case humanism is no different, its foundations are based on religious views and concepts (Cline, 2010). The humanism of the Renaissance seemed to make more religious turn during the Reformation.
A great leader in the Reformation that also influences the religious aspect of humanism was Martin Luther. His ideas and strong stand against the Catholic Church caused many people to reevaluate many of their blind beliefs. Changing the world’s emphasis to religious aspects obviously affected the new ideas of humanism. Luther also valued the individual and emphasized the personal reading and discernment of the Bible. John Calvin’s view were also similar to Luther’s as he stressed the humanistic view in the church. Both men had a widespread influence throughout Europe.
Religious humanism emphasized more of a moral aspect in regards to education and the importance of faith in an individual’s development. Like Renaissance humanists they encouraged the study of art and classic pieces of literature but look more to religion and faith to find knowledge then only personal experience and self. The bible was appreciated more as a literary piece for not only popes to read but the common public. Religion had large influence on humanism that helped to modify some educational techniques.
4.) Christian Humanism
Christian humanism is, “ A philosophy advocating the self-fulfillment of man within the framework of Christian principles…(and is) largely a product of the Renaissance.” ( Edwords,
2008). It is the idea that the freedoms given to humans and individualism are extremely compatible to Christian doctrines and practices. Essentially it combines Christian beliefs with

humanistic values. It does reject the idea that humans can personally satisfy needs from within without knowledge of God, primarily stressing a focus on the bible, theology, and the importance of individual conscience (Doppler, 2008).
One person with influence in this aspect of humanism is St. Justin Martyr who was an early theologian-apologist in the early Christian church. Although St. Martyr was not a radical his writing were seen as one of the first influences toward Christian humanism beliefs in the 2 nd century. He is known for bringing the Christian message to the pagan and advocated classical culture in some of his writings. Other influential people include Church Fathers, Origen, Basil of
Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa also effected Christian humanism (Doppler, 2008).
Christian humanism grew directly out of Christian scholasticism and therefore, was highly influenced by education. Like Renaissance Humanism is placed a large emphasis on the study of ancient language, with the Bible being the primary work studied. Its focus was on scriptural works and clerical education primarily. Its primary focus was education through the
Bible and advocates biblical morals and ideas in schools.
5.) Secular Humanism
Secular humanism takes all religious aspects out of humanism and is an outgrowth of
18 th century ideas of free thought (Edwords, 2008). This is a worldwide view that is popular in many different groups because is leaves out any religious affiliation humanism has with biblical principles. It emphasizes belief that individual humans have all that is needed inside themselves to grow and develop their unique talents and abilities (Huitt, 2009).
Many celebrity freethinkers such as Mark Twain and Robert G. Ingersoll originally encouraged this idea of humanism without God or any religious aspect during the Golden Age

of Freethought. Paul Kurtz also wrote many detailed discussion books and articles that have advocated many ideas agreeing with secular humanism. Kurtz is also the found of the Coucil of
Secular Humanism (Stevens, 2011).
Secular humanism has had an immense impact on education. As it appeared a bit later than other forms of humanism it advocated the loss of any religious affiliation humanism had in the school promoting a student’s own individual worth from within. Secular humanism puts less of an emphasis on morals and biblical references and encourages teachers to relay the truths found from personal experience and inward meditation. Attempting to exclude God from schools and society as a whole it also promotes the theory of evolution.
6.) Analysis from a Biblical Perspective
In Genesis 1:27 (KJV) Moses states that, “God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” This important revelation taken from story of creation accredits that humans are different than any other part of creation
God spoke into being. The idea of humanism exemplifies this truth; that humans are special and should be viewed in a unique light. From birth until death the development of a human mind is much more complex than any other organism and should be treated with respect and extra attention.
The weight given to the study of great pieces of literature, especially Latin and Greek, is also a positive aspect of humanism because it points to the greatest piece of literature of all times, the Bible. Although many try to push this biblical perspective out of the public schools today, in many ways, it is impossible to deny as influencing the value and unique make up of the human body and development.

The idea of humanism and different view and twists taken on it are extremely important when considering teaching young and developing children. It is important to draw on many different ideas and learning techniques to reach and effectively teach the many different types of people encountered over the years. The value of human life and the arts are important concepts in both humanism and Christianity that have a major effect on teaching styles and practices.

References
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