Christian Humanism: Principles, Thinkers, and Anthropology

Posted on Sep 23, 2025 in Religion

Christian Humanism: Dignity and Social Life

Simple exposure to these currents of thought makes it evident that without God, humanity loses much of its dignity, and social life crumbles for lack of a solid basis for upholding fundamental human values.

The Foundations of Christian Humanism

Thus, during the last two centuries, humanism that was closed to God has gradually opened up, embracing evangelical criteria and rooting itself in a comprehensive human interest from a Christian conception of humanity and life. Its main expression is the so-called Christian humanism, a fairly modern concept, which we shall study in this unit. This philosophy, focused on the dignity of the human person, emerges as a reaction against two opposing currents: totalitarianism and individualism. It is within this context that we must frame the modern interpretation of Christian humanism, which is not a closed philosophical model.

Building a More Human World

Christian humanism aims to enable the construction of ‘a more human world,’ worthy of us as children of God. This vision can be characterized by these four key principles:

It places the dignity of human beings and their fundamental rights, beginning with the right to life, at the center of political, social, and economic life.
It is based on solidarity, as all human beings have been created and called by God to live as brothers and sisters in a world that promotes the welfare not only of a few, but of all, through effort and collaboration.
It promotes social justice through the equitable distribution of burdens and benefits, and peace among nations by addressing differences through dialogue rather than war.
It is open to God and His saving plan for humankind, since the recognition of God is not in any way opposed to human dignity; on the contrary, it is its foundation and promoter.

Synthesis of Christian Humanism

The philosophy of Christian humanism, focusing on the dignity of the human person and solidarity, emerged in the first half of the twentieth century to overcome two opposing currents: totalitarianism and individualism.

Key Thinkers in Christian Humanism

J. Maritain teaches that man, by his spirit, is more than an individual; he is a person: a being open to relations with other people and with God.
For G. Marcel, some things belong to the ‘being’ of man (‘me’), while others relate to ‘having’ (‘mine’). Humanity is a creature that can grow in the direction of being or having, but its real achievement lies in ‘more being’.
E. Mounier coined the term ‘Christian personalism,’ claiming the primacy of the human person over material needs.
J. Marías, a Spanish philosopher, defines humanity by its impression of rationality, capacity for love and ambition, and the desire for immortality.
E. Stein joined the phenomenological method with the mystical wisdom of Saint Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross.
John Paul II was a connoisseur and expositor of modern Christian thought.

Core Anthropological Principles

Christian humanism is based on a common anthropology:

Humanity is a spiritual and corporeal being, animated by a spiritual and immortal soul. The soul and body form a perfect unity in the human person.
Humans have been created in the image and likeness of God, hence their sacred dignity. God created man and woman with equal dignity.
Humans, originally tempted by the Evil One, abused freedom. Since then, they are inclined to evil and sin.
Christ has redeemed humanity and freed it from the slavery of sin and eternal death.
Every Christian, from Baptism, becomes a child of God by grace and is called to holiness.
The human being receives from God a call to live in communion and solidarity with others.
The ultimate destiny of human beings is eternal and happy life with God.
One function of art is the explication of Christian faith. Every work of a religious nature has an ultimate meaning that the viewer can faithfully perceive.

Key Terminology

Individualism: A philosophical current, attitude, and practice defending the priority of the individual toward society and the state.
Personalism: A philosophical trend that seeks to uplift the human person itself and realize it as fully and freely as possible in its openness to others and the transcendent.