Upholding Christian Truths Against Modern Liberalism

 

Summary

J. Gresham Machen's book, "Christianity and Liberalism," remains a critical text nearly a century after its publication. The book addresses the challenges posed by liberalism to orthodox Christianity, emphasizing that liberalism is not merely a variant of Christianity but a fundamentally different belief system. Machen's thesis is clear: "Christianity is not liberalism," and he argues that liberalism stands outside the boundaries of orthodox Christian faith. This distinction is crucial as it underscores the need for clarity and conviction in upholding core Christian doctrines.

The historical context of the book is rooted in the 1920s, a time of significant cultural and scientific progress, which led to a sense of optimism about the future. However, this progress also brought about a shift in religious thought, with modernism challenging traditional Christian beliefs. Modernism, characterized by an unfettered belief in human progress and goodness, sought to do away with the concepts of a holy God, sin, and the necessity of Christ's death and resurrection. In response, liberalism emerged as an attempt to accommodate Christianity to these modernist sensibilities, often compromising essential doctrines.

Machen's response to this was not to accommodate but to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with clarity and conviction. He argued that the answer to modernism is not compromise but a return to the core doctrines of Christianity. These include the inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross, the bodily resurrection, and the second coming of Christ. Machen's work serves as a call to Christians to stand firm in their faith and to contend for these fundamental truths.

Key Takeaways:

- Clarity in Doctrine: Machen emphasizes the importance of clarity in understanding and articulating Christian doctrines. In a world where modernism challenges traditional beliefs, Christians must be clear about what they believe and why it matters. This clarity provides a foundation for conviction and courage in the face of opposition. [01:07]

- The Distinction Between Christianity and Liberalism: Machen argues that liberalism is not a form of Christianity but a separate belief system. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. By understanding this, believers can better defend their faith against the encroachment of modernist ideas. [02:16]

- The Role of Fundamentalism: Fundamentalism, in its original sense, is about holding to the fundamentals of the faith with conviction. Machen's relationship with fundamentalism highlights the importance of not just believing in these fundamentals but being willing to contend for them. This willingness to stand firm is essential in preserving the truth of the gospel. [12:40]

- The Authority of Scripture: The authority of Scripture is central to Machen's argument. In a time when the Bible's authority is questioned, Christians must reaffirm their commitment to the Bible as the Word of God. This commitment is foundational to understanding and living out the Christian faith. [23:18]

- Proclaiming the Gospel: Machen's ultimate goal is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world that often looks to human progress and goodness for hope, the gospel offers a message of divine grace and salvation through Christ. This message is the true hope for humanity and must be proclaimed with boldness and clarity. [24:18]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to Machen's Book
[00:37] - Relevance of "Christianity and Liberalism"
[01:07] - Clarity and Conviction in Doctrine
[01:42] - Thesis of the Book
[02:42] - Historical Context of the 1920s
[03:43] - Harry Emerson Fosdick's Influence
[04:10] - The Rise of Modernism
[06:02] - Cultural and Scientific Progress
[07:03] - The Shift in Religious Thought
[08:09] - Challenges to Biblical Authority
[09:22] - Darwin's Influence
[10:28] - The Church's Response to Modernism
[12:14] - Fundamentalism vs. Liberalism
[13:06] - Machen's Relationship with Fundamentalism
[18:17] - Machen's Response to Liberalism
[19:21] - The Gospel as the Answer to Modernism
[23:18] - The Authority of Scripture
[24:18] - Proclaiming the Gospel with Clarity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Christianity and Liberalism" by J. Gresham Machen

Bible Reading:
1. Jude 1:3 - "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people."
2. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
3. Galatians 1:6-9 - "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the main thesis of Machen's book "Christianity and Liberalism," and how does it relate to the distinction between Christianity and liberalism? [01:42]
2. How did the cultural and scientific progress of the 1920s influence the rise of modernism and its impact on religious thought? [06:02]
3. What are the five fundamentals of the faith that Machen emphasizes, and how do they contrast with the views of liberalism? [13:37]
4. How does Machen describe the role of fundamentalism in preserving the truth of the gospel? [12:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Machen's emphasis on the authority of Scripture challenge the modernist view that questions the Bible's inerrancy? [23:18]
2. In what ways does Machen argue that liberalism is not just a variant of Christianity but a fundamentally different belief system? [02:16]
3. How does Machen's call to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction serve as a response to the challenges posed by modernism? [24:18]
4. What does Machen mean by stating that the answer to modernism is not compromise but a return to core Christian doctrines? [19:21]

Application Questions:
1. Machen emphasizes the importance of clarity in doctrine. How can you ensure that your understanding of Christian doctrines is clear and well-articulated in your daily life? [01:07]
2. Reflect on a time when you encountered modernist ideas that challenged your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to stand firm in your beliefs? [06:02]
3. Consider the distinction Machen makes between Christianity and liberalism. How can you discern and address liberal influences in your own faith community? [02:16]
4. Machen highlights the role of fundamentalism in contending for the faith. What are some practical ways you can actively defend the core truths of Christianity in your interactions with others? [12:40]
5. How can you reaffirm your commitment to the authority of Scripture in a world that often questions its validity? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Bible? [23:18]
6. Machen calls for the bold proclamation of the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of divine grace and salvation through Christ. How can you share this message with them this week? [24:18]
7. Reflect on the cultural pressures that may lead to compromising essential Christian doctrines. How can you remain steadfast in your faith while engaging with the world around you? [11:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Clarity in Doctrine
In a world where modernism challenges traditional beliefs, it is crucial for Christians to have clarity in understanding and articulating their doctrines. This clarity provides a foundation for conviction and courage in the face of opposition. Machen emphasizes that Christians must be clear about what they believe and why it matters. This understanding is not just for personal edification but also for effectively communicating the faith to others. In a time when many are swayed by the winds of cultural change, having a firm grasp on the core tenets of Christianity is essential for maintaining one's faith and witness. [01:07]

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: What specific Christian doctrine do you find most challenging to articulate clearly? How can you seek to understand it better this week?


Day 2: The Distinction Between Christianity and Liberalism
Machen argues that liberalism is not a form of Christianity but a separate belief system. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. By understanding this, believers can better defend their faith against the encroachment of modernist ideas. Liberalism often seeks to accommodate Christianity to fit modern sensibilities, which can lead to the compromise of essential doctrines. Recognizing the fundamental differences between Christianity and liberalism helps believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the temptation to dilute the gospel message. [02:16]

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen modern ideas influence your understanding of Christianity? How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in biblical truth?


Day 3: The Role of Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism, in its original sense, is about holding to the fundamentals of the faith with conviction. Machen's relationship with fundamentalism highlights the importance of not just believing in these fundamentals but being willing to contend for them. This willingness to stand firm is essential in preserving the truth of the gospel. In a time when many are tempted to compromise on core beliefs for the sake of cultural acceptance, fundamentalism calls Christians to remain steadfast in their convictions. It is a call to courageously uphold the truths of the faith, even when it is unpopular or countercultural. [12:40]

"Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3b, ESV)

Reflection: What is one fundamental Christian belief you feel called to defend more passionately? How can you prepare yourself to do so effectively?


Day 4: The Authority of Scripture
The authority of Scripture is central to Machen's argument. In a time when the Bible's authority is questioned, Christians must reaffirm their commitment to the Bible as the Word of God. This commitment is foundational to understanding and living out the Christian faith. The Bible is not just a historical document or a collection of moral teachings; it is the inspired Word of God that guides believers in all aspects of life. Upholding the authority of Scripture is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian message and ensuring that one's faith is grounded in truth. [23:18]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How do you currently engage with Scripture in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to its authority?


Day 5: Proclaiming the Gospel
Machen's ultimate goal is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world that often looks to human progress and goodness for hope, the gospel offers a message of divine grace and salvation through Christ. This message is the true hope for humanity and must be proclaimed with boldness and clarity. Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, not relying on human wisdom or cultural trends, but on the power of the gospel itself. Proclaiming the gospel is not just a duty but a privilege, as it brings the hope of salvation to a world in need. [24:18]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you share it with them in a way that is both bold and loving?

Quotes

"The beauty of this book is not only the way Machen speaks to those challenges that were coming at Christianity, but also the way Machen just gives us such clarity. Do you remember? Controversy and conflict bring clarity and conviction. This book brings such clarity to those doctrines that are the hub of the wheel of Christianity and I think puts steel in our spines to have conviction for these doctrines." [00:54:05]

"The thesis of the book is a little play on the title because it's not actually 'Christianity and Liberalism,' but Machen's thesis in this book is very simply this, 'Christianity is not liberalism,' or maybe we should flip it around; 'Liberalism is not Christianity.' That's the bottom line that Machen is after." [01:46:42]

"Modernism is the elephant in the room in the 1900s. What is it? Well, you can say this is the belief, the unfettered belief, in human progress predicated upon the idea of human goodness, that man is not fundamentally sinful at their being or sinful, as Luther would say, 'to our very core,' right? A sinner at the root of our essence, of our being." [04:15:55]

"Now, when you stop and think about it, the progress made culturally, scientifically, in terms of transportation, in terms of medicine, in terms of technology, think of the progress made of that generation from 1880 to 1920 versus all of the progress made over human history up until 1880. Probably, the progress made over that generation would've dwarfed the progress made over the millennia of human history prior to it." [05:42:59]

"Now, fast-forward to our moment and think of the progress made. Now, I may put progress in quotes, alright. Sometimes I think what we count as progress may actually be regress, but let's just call it progress for the sake of argument. Think of the rapidity of progress in our age and of advancement in our age, whether it's in technology or communication or medicine or transportation." [06:14:39]

"Now, to stand against liberalism was fundamentalism. Now, this term 'fundamentalism' does come to mean different things in different generations of the American church. So, we talk about fundamentalism of the 1980s and 90s, that's probably a different fundamentalism than of the 1920s. In its purest, sort of, originating form, a 'fundamentalist' is one who believes in the fundamentals of the faith." [12:03:23]

"In fact, the first time the word 'fundamentalist' was used, it was used in this way: a fundamentalist is not only one who believes in the fundamentals of the faith, but a fundamentalist is one who is willing to do battle royal for those fundamentals. In other words, conviction. Not just belief, but conviction. 'I'm willing to fight for it, to contend for the faith.'" [12:31:58]

"Well, what were those fundamentals? The inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross, the bodily coming again, the second coming of Christ in person, and miracles in the Bible. Now, I mention those five fundamentals because this is what Fosdick does in his sermon." [13:28:15]

"And he ends up again helping us to see that it's not Christianity and liberalism but that indeed liberalism is not Christianity. That the answer to modernism is not compromise, is not accommodation, but the answer to modernism is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ." [18:45:58]

"The Christian religion which is meant is certainly not the religion of the modern liberal church, but a message of divine grace, almost forgotten now, as it was in the Middle Ages, but destined to burst forth once more in God's good time, in a new reformation and bright light and freedom to mankind." [19:35:80]

"On the contrary, by showing what Christianity is not, we hope to be able to show what Christianity is. Liberalism is not Christianity. So, what is Christianity? It's the gospel. 'And we do this in order that men may be led to turn from the weak and beggarly elements and have recourse again to the grace of God.'" [21:28:77]

"And what had happened over the centuries of the church when it came to the question of authority that the Bible had been substituted for the authority of the traditions of men, the traditions of the hierarchy of the church, and Roman Catholicism has not stopped. In fact, whether it's the doctrine of Mary or the doctrines related to the pope or the teachings related to the sacraments, they've not only stopped, they've gone further than the church at the Reformation." [22:48:64]

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Transcript
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