The Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, gradually introduced and then mandated a secular way of life for the Jewish people. He did this by building a gymnasium and instituting anti-religious laws. Throughout history, secular entertainment and politics have often been used to undermine Christianity. The Maccabees resisted to the point of abandoning their possessions, shedding their blood (see Heb 12:4), and giving up their lives.

Key word    SECULAR HUMANISM
 
Key verse    "Some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles." —1:13
 
Command verse    "Then Mattathias went through the city shouting, 'Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow after me!' Thereupon he fled to the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their possessions." —2:27-28
 
Promise verse    "It is easy for many to be overcome by a few; in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between deliverance by many or by few; for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the army, but on strength that comes from Heaven." —3:18-19
 
Difficult verse    "Women who had had their children circumcised were put to death, in keeping with the decree, with the babies hung from their necks." —1:60-61
 
Surprise verse    "He ran right under the elephant and stabbed it in the belly, killing it. The beast fell to the ground on top of him, and he died there." —6:46
 
Prayer: Father, may I never sell out to secular humanism. May I live for You alone.