The Corrosive Effects of Religious Liberalism

The Corrosive Effects of Religious Liberalism

Dear Editor:

During the last century, most of the major Protestant denominations of America fell under the influence of liberalism.

Briefly stated, the liberal approach to Christianity denies the miracles of the Bible. It denies the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible and hence its authority in determining religious questions.

In their thinking human philosophy trumps the Bible.

They question (some deny) the deity of Christ, his virgin birth, his resurrection and ascension.

They deny the reality of a future punishment in hell for the wicked.

They mold and shape the churches they control to fit the latest trends in secular society; hence feminism, abortion rights, homosexual rights rank high on their agenda.

They have a low view of free enterprise, American patriotism and national loyalty. Thus they found it very difficult to oppose the evils of Communism.

They cannot believe that God would insist that all people be exclusively followers of His Son, Jesus. Hence they question the church's obligation to send missionaries to convert those of other religions, such as Hindus, Buddhists, etc.

Some liberals are, for all practical purposes, skeptics because they deny that the Christian concept of God is valid.

You may wonder why, if they deny all the basic fundamentals of Christianity do they continue to serve as ministers and leaders of their denominations? The answer is simple, the pay is good, the wok is easy and the power and prestige are fulfilling. In their positions they can further their liberal faith and bring about major changes among large numbers of people.

A recent news article highlights the corrosive influence of liberalism. A majority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted against a resolution that stated, "that Jesus is the lone vehicle of salvation." As one commissioner put it, "I don't have the right to say that other people can't find God in other ways." Presbyterians have a rich and illustrious history. They trace their roots to the courageous reformer John Knox of Scotland and beyond him to John Calvin, the great theologian of Geneva, Switzerland. For four hundred years preachers of their church stood in the forefront of the efforts to exalt and defend Christ, the Bible and Christianity.

Today a majority of their leaders aren't convinced that salvation is only found in Christ. Jesus said, "No one cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). But liberals don't think the Bible is trustworthy. Peter and John affirmed, "in none other (than Jesus) is there salvation" (Acts 4:12). But liberals subscribe to the philosophy of pluralism that argues that all religions are of equal value and that it is wrong to argue that one exclusively right or is better than another.

Liberalism is Satan's tool to weaken and destroy churches. May we always be loyal to the Lord Jesus who died for us, and rules as head of all things to the church.

Let us honor and respect the Scripture. May we never give a liberal teacher access to our pulpit or classroom.

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