Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

[GingerBeer]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

By theological liberalism I mean:

Theological liberalism, a form of religious thought that establishes religious inquiry on the basis of a norm other than the authority of tradition. It was an important influence in Protestantism from about the mid-17th century through the 1920s.

The defining trait of this liberalism is a will to be liberated from the coercion of external controls and a consequent concern with inner motivation. Although some earlier indications of the liberal temper of mind existed, it became overtly evident during the Renaissance, when curiosity about natural man and appreciation for the human spirit developed, and during the Reformation. (see here for more)​

 

[JackRT]

I applaud theological liberalism as a hallmark of authentic Christianity.

 

[pescador]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

By theological liberalism I mean:

Theological liberalism, a form of religious thought that establishes religious inquiry on the basis of a norm other than the authority of tradition. It was an important influence in Protestantism from about the mid-17th century through the 1920s.

The defining trait of this liberalism is a will to be liberated from the coercion of external controls and a consequent concern with inner motivation. Although some earlier indications of the liberal temper of mind existed, it became overtly evident during the Renaissance, when curiosity about natural man and appreciation for the human spirit developed, and during the Reformation. (see here for more)​

There is a reason that the Bible says that Christians are to be guided by the Holy Spirit within rather than directed by the external law. Tradition is following the habits of people rather than following God.

 

[Tree of Life]

I applaud theological liberalism as a hallmark of authentic Christianity.

What is authentically Christian about theological liberalism?

 

[Ada Lovelace]

The church I attend when I'm back at home in Los Angeles has a reputation of being one of Southern California's most liberal churches. It was founded in the 1800s, and as one of the rectors explained, "political activism is in the church's DNA". It's also one of the largest Episcopal churches in the United States. When I'm up at school I go to a Methodist church that is also theologically liberal and thoroughly thriving.

 

[JackRT]

What is authentically Christian about theological liberalism?

Putting it simply liberalism is nothing more than the ability and the willingness to "think outside of the box". That is certainly true of Jesus and Paul and most of the great Christian thinkers throughout the ages.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

I certainly hope so.

 

[Eryk]

 

[Eryk]

Mainline/liberal churches are in decline, but theological conservatism does not guarantee growth. The Southern Baptist Convention is in decline, too.

It's not about numbers. Evangelicalism persued popularity with the world and intellectual respectability under the banner of "engagement" and here we are. The truth about God has never been the majority view in this sin-deluded world. The world will be offended by it, or just laugh at it, and a remnant will be called out.

 

[football5680]

Yes, because there is no substance behind it. The Bible isn't the basis of their beliefs, their beliefs come first and the Bible must adapt to them.

 

[GingerBeer]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

I certainly hope so.

Why do you hope so?

 

[pescador]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

I certainly hope so.

You hope that churches will die?

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Why do you hope so?

Because it is then self-limiting. It kills itself.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

You hope that churches will die?

I hope that Liberal Protestantism dies off.

 

[Albion]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

By theological liberalism I mean:

Theological liberalism, a form of religious thought that establishes religious inquiry on the basis of a norm other than the authority of tradition. It was an important influence in Protestantism from about the mid-17th century through the 1920s.

The defining trait of this liberalism is a will to be liberated from the coercion of external controls and a consequent concern with inner motivation. Although some earlier indications of the liberal temper of mind existed, it became overtly evident during the Renaissance, when curiosity about natural man and appreciation for the human spirit developed, and during the Reformation. (see here for more)​

Theological liberalism, defined that way, probably has a place in the spectrum of churches. It is hardly what most people have in mind when the subject of theological liberalism comes, up, however. In answer to your question, most of the church bodies that gone liberal in recent generations have indeed suffered losses.

 

[pescador]

I hope that Liberal Protestantism dies off.

But that's not what you said earlier.

 

[pescador]

Theological liberalism, defined that way, probably has a place in the spectrum of churches. It is hardly what most people have in mind when the subject of theological liberalism comes, up, however. In answer to your question, most of the church bodies that gone liberal in recent generations have indeed suffered losses.

What is your basis for saying this? I have understood that the older mainline denominations are the ones that are losing people.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

But that's not what you said earlier.

It is.

It hope that any church that "takes to heart" the tenets of Protestant Liberalism withers.

 

[mark kennedy]

Is theological liberalism a death knell for every church that takes it to heart?

By theological liberalism I mean:

Theological liberalism, a form of religious thought that establishes religious inquiry on the basis of a norm other than the authority of tradition. It was an important influence in Protestantism from about the mid-17th century through the 1920s.

The defining trait of this liberalism is a will to be liberated from the coercion of external controls and a consequent concern with inner motivation. Although some earlier indications of the liberal temper of mind existed, it became overtly evident during the Renaissance, when curiosity about natural man and appreciation for the human spirit developed, and during the Reformation. (see here for more)​

They don't stop at 'authority of tradition', they mercilessly torture the text of Scripture to fit their secular philosophy. The Scriptures are the essence of the 'authority of tradition' the either marginalize or dismiss categorically. It's an intellectual and theological wrong turn in the modern world that serves little purpose other then secularizing our religious institutions.

 

[GingerBeer]

They don't stop at 'authority of tradition', they mercilessly torture the text of Scripture to fit their secular philosophy. The Scriptures are the essence of the 'authority of tradition' the either marginalize or dismiss categorically. It's an intellectual and theological wrong turn in the modern world that serves little purpose other then secularizing our religious institutions.

Sometimes evangelicals torture the text of scripture to maintain their doctrines.