Rediscovering Biblical Truth Amidst Liberalism's Decline

 

Summary

In our exploration of the concept of liberalism, we began by dissecting the term itself, focusing on the suffix "-ism," which signifies a comprehensive worldview or philosophy. Liberalism, in its most virtuous form, is about free thinking—liberation from human conventions and traditions to pursue truth under God's authority. However, this freedom should not lead to skepticism or a lack of conviction. Christianity is built on firm convictions and assertions, as emphasized by Martin Luther in his debates with Erasmus. The Holy Spirit is not a skeptic, and neither should we be in our pursuit of truth.

Theological liberalism, particularly from the 19th century, sought to strip Christianity of its supernatural elements, reducing it to ethical teachings. This movement, characterized by figures like Adolph Harnack, emphasized the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man—concepts not found in biblical Christianity. Instead, the Bible speaks of a universal neighborhood of man, where everyone is our neighbor, but only those in Christ are our brothers and sisters.

The rise of 19th-century liberalism provoked a reaction known as fundamentalism, which sought to preserve the essential core of Christianity. This core includes non-negotiable beliefs such as the resurrection of Christ. The debate between liberalism and fundamentalism was not merely academic but a battle for the essence of Christianity itself. Liberal theology, often anti-supernatural and antinomian, poses a significant threat to biblical Christianity by undermining its foundational truths.

Today, we witness a cultural shift as the bankruptcy of liberalism becomes evident. While liberal churches struggle, conservative and evangelical churches are experiencing growth. This resurgence of biblical Christianity is a hopeful sign that the world is awakening to the enduring truth and vitality of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The Essence of Liberalism: True liberalism involves free thinking under God's authority, not independence from it. It is about pursuing truth without being enslaved by human conventions, but always within the framework of divine revelation. This pursuit should lead to convictions, not skepticism. [05:11]

- The Misconception of Universal Brotherhood: The Bible does not teach the universal brotherhood of man but rather a universal neighborhood. While everyone is our neighbor deserving of love and justice, true brotherhood is reserved for those in Christ. This distinction is crucial for understanding our relationships and responsibilities. [22:21]

- The Reaction of Fundamentalism: In response to 19th-century liberalism, fundamentalism emerged to defend the core tenets of Christianity. This movement emphasized the non-negotiable aspects of the faith, such as the resurrection, which are essential to biblical Christianity. [27:05]

- The Threat of Liberal Theology: Liberal theology, with its anti-supernatural and antinomian tendencies, poses a significant threat to biblical Christianity. It seeks to redefine or remove the core doctrines of the faith, leading to a form of Christianity that is fundamentally unchristian. [39:09]

- The Resurgence of Biblical Christianity: Despite the challenges posed by liberalism, there is a growing recognition of its bankruptcy. Conservative and evangelical churches are experiencing growth, indicating a renewed interest in and commitment to the truths of biblical Christianity. [44:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Introduction to Liberalism
- [01:04] - Understanding "-ism"
- [02:21] - The Root of Liberalism
- [03:37] - Orthodoxy vs. Liberalism
- [04:34] - The Noble Pursuit of Truth
- [06:14] - The Danger of Skepticism
- [09:07] - 19th Century Liberal Theology
- [11:06] - Comparative Religion
- [12:59] - Essence of Christianity
- [15:08] - Reductionism in Theology
- [17:37] - The True Fatherhood of God
- [21:08] - Adoption and Sonship
- [25:14] - The Rise of Fundamentalism
- [31:44] - Neo-Liberalism Today
- [39:09] - The Crisis of Liberalism
- [44:56] - The Resurgence of Biblical Christianity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 8:31-32 - "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
2. Galatians 5:1 - "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
3. Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "liberalism" mean in the context of the sermon, and how is it different from the general use of the word? [01:04]

2. How does the sermon describe the essence of true liberalism in relation to God's authority? [05:11]

3. What are the two concepts that 19th-century liberal theology reduced Christianity to, according to the sermon? [15:08]

4. How did fundamentalism respond to the rise of 19th-century liberalism, and what were its core tenets? [25:14]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that true liberalism should be pursued under God's authority, and what are the potential dangers of not doing so? [05:11]

2. In what ways does the sermon argue that the concepts of the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man are not supported by biblical Christianity? [16:28]

3. How does the sermon describe the impact of 19th-century liberal theology on the core doctrines of Christianity, and what are the implications for modern believers? [28:01]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the current cultural shift towards biblical Christianity, and how does this reflect on the perceived bankruptcy of liberalism? [44:56]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of freedom in Christ. How can you ensure that your pursuit of truth remains under God's authority and not influenced by human conventions? [05:11]

2. Consider your relationships with others. How can you distinguish between treating everyone as a neighbor and recognizing the unique brotherhood among believers in Christ? [22:21]

3. How can you actively defend the core tenets of Christianity in your community, especially when faced with liberal theological perspectives that challenge these beliefs? [27:05]

4. In what ways can you contribute to the resurgence of biblical Christianity in your local church or community? What specific actions can you take to support this movement? [44:56]

5. Think about a time when you encountered skepticism or doubt in your faith journey. How did you address it, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in guiding you towards conviction? [07:13]

6. How can you engage in meaningful discussions with those who hold liberal theological views, while maintaining your commitment to biblical truths? [39:09]

7. Identify one area in your life where you might be influenced by cultural liberalism. What steps can you take to align this area more closely with biblical teachings? [43:02]

Devotional

Day 1: True Freedom in Pursuit of Divine Truth
True liberalism is not about independence from God but about seeking truth under His authority. It involves liberation from human conventions and traditions, allowing for free thinking that aligns with divine revelation. This pursuit of truth should lead to firm convictions rather than skepticism. Christianity is built on solid beliefs, and the Holy Spirit guides believers in their quest for truth, ensuring they are not led astray by doubt. The essence of liberalism, when rightly understood, is a noble pursuit of truth that honors God and His Word. [05:11]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on human conventions rather than seeking God's wisdom and truth? How can you begin to align your thinking with divine revelation today?


Day 2: Understanding True Brotherhood in Christ
The misconception of universal brotherhood suggests that all humanity is inherently united as brothers and sisters. However, biblical Christianity teaches a universal neighborhood, where everyone is our neighbor deserving of love and justice. True brotherhood is reserved for those who are in Christ, forming a spiritual family bound by faith. This distinction is crucial for understanding our relationships and responsibilities, as it emphasizes the importance of spiritual kinship over mere human connection. Recognizing this helps believers navigate their interactions with others, offering love to all while fostering deeper bonds with fellow believers. [22:21]

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you show love and justice to your neighbors while also nurturing your spiritual relationships with fellow believers in Christ?


Day 3: Defending the Core Tenets of Christianity
The rise of 19th-century liberalism, which sought to strip Christianity of its supernatural elements, led to the emergence of fundamentalism. This movement aimed to preserve the essential core of Christianity, emphasizing non-negotiable beliefs such as the resurrection of Christ. The debate between liberalism and fundamentalism was not just academic but a battle for the essence of Christianity itself. Fundamentalism sought to protect the foundational truths of the faith, ensuring that the core doctrines remained intact and unaltered by modern reinterpretations. [27:05]

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV)

Reflection: What are the core tenets of your faith that you hold as non-negotiable? How can you actively defend and uphold these beliefs in your daily life?


Day 4: The Threat of Redefining Christianity
Liberal theology, with its anti-supernatural and antinomian tendencies, poses a significant threat to biblical Christianity. It seeks to redefine or remove the core doctrines of the faith, leading to a form of Christianity that is fundamentally unchristian. This redefinition undermines the foundational truths that have been upheld throughout history, creating a version of Christianity that lacks the power and authenticity of the gospel. Believers must be vigilant in recognizing these threats and committed to preserving the integrity of their faith. [39:09]

"For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your understanding of Christianity that have been influenced by modern reinterpretations? How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in biblical truth?


Day 5: The Resurgence of Biblical Christianity
Despite the challenges posed by liberalism, there is a growing recognition of its bankruptcy. As liberal churches struggle, conservative and evangelical churches are experiencing growth, indicating a renewed interest in and commitment to the truths of biblical Christianity. This resurgence is a hopeful sign that the world is awakening to the enduring truth and vitality of the gospel. Believers are called to be part of this movement, actively engaging in their faith and sharing the transformative power of the gospel with others. [44:56]

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the resurgence of biblical Christianity in your community? What steps can you take to share the gospel and its transformative power with those around you?

Quotes


And I never want to be so liberal that I declare my independence from the authority of God. But I do want to be liberal in the sense of having a positive zeal to discover the truth of God, wherever it may be found. And so, the authentic liberal, historically, is the one who is eager to pursue truth as freely as possible without being enslaved by human conventions. [00:04:55]

Christianity is a religion. It is a faith that is built on the foundation of convictions, and of affirmations. Luther again said to Erasmus, "You don't want to take, you don't want to make assertions." He said, "The making of assertions is the very market of the Christian. Take away assertions and you take away Christianity. And I think it's important that we understand that. [00:07:49]

The term "liberalism" in theology refers to a specific movement with a specific agenda and with a defined theology that occurred on the theological scene in the 19th century in Europe. So, when a theologian speaks about liberalism, he's usually speaking about what we call 19th-century liberalism, 19th-century liberal theology. And, as I said, it has a definite portrait with a definite agenda and so on. [00:08:42]

And the conclusion they came to was that at the core of all religions was basically a concern for ethics, for values, that all the trappings of prayer and the symbols of redemption and the liturgy of salvation, and all of those things are really the externals, the negotiable peripheral matters that aren't of the essence. [00:14:15]

Now, in light of the place where we are in American culture, it may be shocking for an American to hear me say that the Bible does not teach the universal fatherhood of God, and maybe even more shocking to hear me suggest to you that the Bible does not teach the universal brotherhood of man. I mean, how many thousands of times in your lifetime have you heard that said? [00:16:07]

The only way we ever have the right to call God "Father," to cry, "Abba" in His presence is because we have been adopted. And the biblical message of sonship and daughterhood in the body of Christ, is rooted and grounded in this concept of adoption, that only Christ is the natural Son of God, and only if you are in Christ do you become a member of the household of God. [00:21:24]

The Bible doesn't teach the universal brotherhood of man; it teaches the universal neighborhood of man. Biblically, all men are not my brothers. If you are a Christian you are my brother or my sister. If you are not, you're not my brother or my sister in the New Testament sense. But whether you're my brother or my sister, theologically and biblically in that sense, you are my neighbor. [00:22:59]

And originally, the fundamentalist response to liberalism was a response of classical Christian scholarship. Today in our culture, and in religious jargon, fundamentalism tends to communicate the idea of that which is anti-intellectual, legalistic, simplistic and primitive. But historically, in the debate between liberalism and fundamentalism, the fundamentalists were so-called not because they wanted to reduce Christianity to five or six fundamental points. [00:25:04]

You deny the resurrection of Christ as a supernatural event, you have denied Christianity. If you seek to construct Christianity without the resurrection, you have a religion, if you will. You may have an interesting ethical system, but what you have is neither historic nor biblical Christianity. You see what I'm saying at this point. That was the message of the so-called fundamentalist, or the conservative scholar at the turn of the century. [00:27:09]

And Warfield said if you negotiate resurrection, you negotiate Christianity. And so, this was a to-the-death issue. One of the most significant splits in the history of the struggle of the Christian church, the war between historic Christianity and 19th-century liberalism as a movement. What was at stake was the authority of Scripture and the very basic creeds of the church. [00:28:09]

Liberal theology is not only anti-supernatural and anti-personal redemption, it is at its core, antinomian, that is, it is openly manifestly hostile to the law of God. And at that point, it provokes conflict, conflict with orthodox Christianity. Ladies and gentlemen, if no one has ever called you narrow-minded, you may wonder about the state of your soul in this day and age, because if you take the slightest stance for the Word of God in this time and in this generation, somebody is going to call you a Puritan or Victorian or uptight, reactionary, conservative or something of that sort. [00:38:59]

The good news is, and the point with which I'll close, is that I think culturally, nationally and internationally, the world is waking up to the bankruptcy of liberalism. When I was a seminary student, the five largest seminaries in United States, in terms of student enrollment were all liberal seminaries. Today, the five largest seminaries in the United States are all conservative and evangelical seminaries. [00:43:38]

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Transcript
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