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History IS Repeating Itself
In 1923, during the “Modernist Controversy,” when German Higher Criticism and Darwinism threatened to undermine Christianity’s core doctrines, J Gresham Machan complained about “liberal theologians” “trying to obtain the religious advantages of an affirmation of sinlessness in Jesus [while] at the same time” also obtaining the “supposed scientific advantages of its denial.”
In a chilling quote, Machen talked about a time almost a hundred years ago when, “immediately after declaring that the Westminster Confession contains the system of doctrine taught in infallible Scriptures, many ministers of the Presbyterian Church will proceed to decry that same Confession and that doctrine of the infallibility of Scripture to which they have just solemnly subscribed!”
Machen concluded that “despite the liberal use of traditional phraseology modern liberalism not only is a different religion from Christianity but belongs in a totally different class of religions.”
The same can be said about the current “Postmodern Controversy.” If modernists, who emphasized objective truth in science, were capable of signing faith statements by redefining terms, how much more are postmodernists, who believe perspectives formed by social contexts determine truth?
This is why, while faith statements are necessary, they are not sufficient alone in protecting Christian institutions from postmodern heresies like Critical Theory. While they are supposed to function as shields against false teaching, they can also serve as shields against legitimate criticism.We need leaders who are not only able to “exhort in sound doctrine,” but also, “refute those who contradict,” as Titus 1:9 states. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Al Mohler and Daniel Akin are fully accomplishing the latter task, even in their own backyard.
Fortunately, Enemies Within the Church is chronicling and exposing not only the leftward drift in the Southern Baptist Convention, but also in broader Christendom. Please consider contributing to our film so we can sound the alarm in theaters across the country.
Why Faith Statements Won't Save Us - Enemies Within: The Church
History IS Repeating Itself
In 1923, during the “Modernist Controversy,” when German Higher Criticism and Darwinism threatened to undermine Christianity’s core doctrines, J Gresham Machan complained about “liberal theologians” “trying to obtain the religious advantages of an affirmation of sinlessness in Jesus [while] at the same time” also obtaining the “supposed scientific advantages of its denial.”
In a chilling quote, Machen talked about a time almost a hundred years ago when, “immediately after declaring that the Westminster Confession contains the system of doctrine taught in infallible Scriptures, many ministers of the Presbyterian Church will proceed to decry that same Confession and that doctrine of the infallibility of Scripture to which they have just solemnly subscribed!”
Machen concluded that “despite the liberal use of traditional phraseology modern liberalism not only is a different religion from Christianity but belongs in a totally different class of religions.”
The same can be said about the current “Postmodern Controversy.” If modernists, who emphasized objective truth in science, were capable of signing faith statements by redefining terms, how much more are postmodernists, who believe perspectives formed by social contexts determine truth?
This is why, while faith statements are necessary, they are not sufficient alone in protecting Christian institutions from postmodern heresies like Critical Theory. While they are supposed to function as shields against false teaching, they can also serve as shields against legitimate criticism.We need leaders who are not only able to “exhort in sound doctrine,” but also, “refute those who contradict,” as Titus 1:9 states. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Al Mohler and Daniel Akin are fully accomplishing the latter task, even in their own backyard.
Fortunately, Enemies Within the Church is chronicling and exposing not only the leftward drift in the Southern Baptist Convention, but also in broader Christendom. Please consider contributing to our film so we can sound the alarm in theaters across the country.
Why Faith Statements Won't Save Us - Enemies Within: The Church
