Christian Liberalism- Introduction
They’re in our schools and in our churches! People who profess to be Christian, yet deny the authority of Scripture, and compromise essential doctrines. What is Christian liberalism?
Christian Liberalism- The Beginnings
Christian liberalism blossomed in the 19th century. In order to adapt to modern trends, certain scholars began to apply anti-supernatural ideas and Darwinian evolution to Scripture. The miracles of the Bible were now considered myths. The deity of Christ was replaced by a Jesus who was martyred for his humanitarian efforts, and who did not literally rise from the dead.
Christian Liberalism- High View of Mankind
In fact, Liberals have an extremely optimistic view of man. Mankind is evolving religiously. World peace is man’s ultimate goal in which the “Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man” reigns supreme. Salvation is for the society rather than individuals.
Christian Liberalism- Contradictory to Scriptures
However, evolutionism and the denial of miracles are diametrically opposed to what the Scriptures teach. Although Christians can adopt modern thinking, they should not let the “spirit of the age” become their ultimate authority, especially when these thoughts contradict the Bible. Man was created by God, not by accident, as evolutionists teach (Gen. 1,2). And if we deny miracles, we must also deny Christ’s physical resurrection. But Scripture says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). Without a literal resurrection, there can be no salvation.
Christian Liberalism- Jesus the Legend?
Liberal scholars, like the Jesus Seminar committee, eliminate many of the words of Jesus to mere legends. But in doing so, they’ve reduced Him to a non-controversial figure instead of the unique Son of God. Why was He crucified if He didn’t offend anyone? If His disciples were the ones who created many of the famous sayings of Jesus, liberals ought to worship them instead of Christ!
Ultimately, Christian liberalism builds its house upon the shifting sands of sinful men, but Christianity is built upon the rock of God’s Word.