why were the humanists often at odds with the church?

Answer 1

The definition of humanism is the answer...you could have looked it up yourself or is this question meant to make some kind of point.

hu·man·ism /ˈhyuməˌnɪzəm or, often, ˈyu-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hyoo-muh-niz-uhm or, often, yoo-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate.
2. devotion to or study of the humanities.
3. (sometimes initial capital letter) the studies, principles, or culture of the humanists.
4. Philosophy. a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God. SW

Answer 2

The church saw itself as the dispenser of rights, all of which flowed downward from God through the divine right of kings. The Humanists proposed that rights are a natural possession of man, a doctrine which is expressed in the US Declaration of Independence and also in the US Constitution. Under this "natural rights" doctrine of the Enlightenment, the people are empowered. The US Constitution stands in contrast to most other constitutions. While most constitutions imply that authority comes from God, presumably brokered by the church, the American founders saw that ultimate authority rests in "We the People." This Enlightenment Humanist view makes the church unnecessary, so naturally the religious leaders of Europe and the church were shocked by the Humanist spirit of the American founders. Today, the Humanist movement encourages personal autonomy, which is directly contrary to the fundies' vision of man perpetually subjugated to religious authority. The church has always claimed to possess the right to tell you what to believe and how to think. The Humanists say - your mind is your own so do not let anyone dictate to you what you should believe. So it is inevitable that the church authorities fear the impact of the Humanist message of free thinking and personal choice.

Answer 3

The humanists believe that human reasoning holds all of the answers and human satisfaction is most important.

However, the Bible teaches that us in Jeremiah 10:23 "I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps."

Proverbs 20:24 "A man's steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?"

Proverbs 16:25 "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."

So you can plainly see the Bible and humanists are at two different ends of the spectrum.

If you cannot bring yourself to believe all the evidences that we were created by intelligent design, God's truths/direction is fruitless for you and it is best to live, drink & be merry today because you are certainly not going to like eternity.

Think about it.

My direction in life is just as Joshua said in Joshua 24:15, as for me and my family we will serve God.

Answer 4

Humanists avoid preaching hatred and intolerance. Most churches cannot claim the same.

Answer 5

Because they were the first people to try and make a serious challenge to the Catholic church and the newly invented printing press gave them a powerful new weapon.

Answer 6

Because the church was often against progress for humankind.

Answer 7

Because when the reject God they become a god.