10 Commandments Of Progressive Christianity
$7.99
A cautionary look at ten dangerously appealing half-truths.
In 1923, J. Gresham Machen, then a professor at Princeton Seminary, wrote his classic text, Christianity and Liberalism. The book was a response to the rise of liberalism in the mainline denominations of his own day. Machen argued that the liberal understanding of Christianity was, in fact, not just a variant version of the faith, nor did it represent simply a different denominational perspective, but was an entirely different religion. Put simply, liberal Christianity is not Christianity.
What is remarkable about Machen’s book is how prescient it was. His description of liberal Christianity–a moralistic, therapeutic version of the faith that values questions over answers and being “good” over being “right”–is still around today in basically the same form. For this reason alone the book should be required reading, certainly for all seminary students, pastors, and Christian leaders.
Although its modern advocates present liberal Christianity as something new and revolutionary, it is nothing of the sort. It may have new names (e.g., “emerging” or “progressive” Christianity), but it is simply a rehash of the same well-worn system that has been around for generations.
The abiding presence of liberal Christianity struck me not long ago when I came across a daily devotional from Richard Rohr that listed ten principles he thinks modern Christianity needs to embody. These ten principles are actually drawn from Philip Gulley’s book, If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus. In that devotional series, ironically titled “Returning to Essentials,” Rohr sets forth the ten principles as a kind of confessional statement of modern liberalism (while at the same time pretending to deplore confessional statements). They are, in effect, a Ten Commandments for progressive Christianity.
Indeed, these ten sound like they were gathered not so much on the mountaintop as in the university classroom. They are less about God revealing his desires and more about man expressing his own–less Moses, more Oprah.
But take note: each of these commandments is partially true. Indeed, that is what makes this list, and progressive Christianity as a whole, so challenging. It is a master class in half-truths that sound appealing on the surface until you dig down deeper and really explore their foundations and implications. Benjamin Franklin was right when he quipped, “Half the truth is often a
in stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
SKU (ISBN): 9781949253214
ISBN10: 194925321X
Michael Kruger
Binding: Trade Paper
Published: November 2019
Cruciform Quick
Publisher: Cruciform Press
Print On Demand Product
Related products
-
Screwtape Letters
$17.99Add to cartWormwood, a demon apprentice, must secure the damnation of a young man who’s just become a Christian. He seeks the advice of an experienced devil, his uncle Screwtape. Their correspondence offers invaluable—and often humorous—insights on temptation, pride, and the ultimate victory of faith over evil forces. Paperback with French flaps and deckled page edges.
-
In Loving Memory LuxLeather
$19.99Add to cartThis guest book for a memorial or funeral commemorates a life, and celebrates the memory of the other lives they touched.
Lined pages
Lay-flat binding
Padded faux leather hardcover bound
Debossed cover design
Silver foil title and accents
Packaged in acetate gift box
Scripture on each page -
Mr And Mrs Our Wedding LuxLeather
$14.99Add to cart“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help… two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
This timeless wedding guest book is elegantly designed as the perfect keepsake for a couple on their wedding day. Couples can reminisce about their special day as they are reminded of the many friends and family that attend their big day. As part of our Mr & Mrs collection, this guest book can be combined with other items to make a lovely gift basket for a wedding shower.
The LuxLeather cover with debossed lace pattern and gold foiled title give this guest book every touch of elegance desired on a wedding day. The cover has a stitched edge with Scripture verse from 1 Peter 1:22 “Love one another deeply, from the heart,” on the back. 160 lined pages provides ample space for guest to mark their attendance. A variety of designs featuring Scripture verses are sprinkled throughout the book. This guest book comes packaged in an acetate gift box for gift giving and safe keeping.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.