DR J. Gresham Machen, Assistant Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis in Princeton Theological Seminary, in his valuable book, “Christianity and Liberalism,” shows what is the difference between modern “liberal” religion and historic Christianity. He believes that these are two distinct religions proceeding from altogether separate roots.
He says:—”In the sphere of religion, in particular, the present time is a time of conflict, the great redemptive religion which has always been known as Christianity is battling against a totally diverse type of religious belief, which is only the more destructive of the Christian faith because it makes use of traditional Christian terminology. This modern, non-redemptive religion is called “Modernism” or “Liberalism.” Both names are unsatisfactory; the latter, in particular, is question-begging. The movement designated as “Liberalism” is regarded as “liberal” only by its friends; to its opponents it seems to involve a narrow ignoring of many relevant facts.”
He contends that modern Liberalism is not only un-Christian, but that it is also unscientific. The following are a few quotations from his book:—
“Material betterment has gone hand-in-hand with spiritual decline,” and a new Reformation is required. Speaking of the modern objection to doctrine, he says—”The things objected to in the theology of the Church are also at the very heart of the New Testament. Ultimately the attack is . . . against the Bible and against Jesus Himself.”
“Indifferentism about doctrine makes no heroes of the faith.”
“The doctrine of God and the doctrine of man are the two great presuppositions of the gospel. With regard to these presuppositions, as with regard to the gospel itself, modern Liberalism is diametrically opposed to Christianity.”
“At the very root of the modern Liberal movement is the loss of the consciousness of sin.”
“Miracles are rejected by the modern Liberal Church, and with the miracles the entirety of the supernatural Person of our Lord.”
“The acceptance of the supernatural is the very heart and soul of the religion that we profess.”
“Liberalism finds salvation (so far as it is willing to speak of ‘salvation’) in man; Christianity finds it in an act of God.”
“The modern rejection of the doctrine of God’s wrath proceeds from a light view of sin, which is totally at variance with the teaching of the whole New Testament and of Jesus Himself.”
“The older evangelism, says the modern Liberal preacher, sought to rescue individuals, while the newer evangelism seeks to transform the whole organism of society: the older evangelism was individual; the newer evangelism is social.”
After pointing out that, in a most important sense, Christianity is individualistic and not social, the author adds—“But though Christianity is individualistic, it is not only individualistic. It provides fully for the social needs of man.”
After pointing out how hopeless must be the work of the missionary of Liberalism in the foreign field, the author says—“The Christian missionary and the Christian worker at home as well as abroad, unlike the apostle of Liberalism, says to all men everywhere—‘Human goodness will avail nothing for lost souls; ye must be born again.’”
“What is the trouble with the visible church,” asks Dr Machen. “What is the reason for its obvious weakness. There are perhaps many causes of weakness. But one cause is perfectly plain—the Church of to-day has been unfaithful to her Lord by admitting great companies of non-Christian persons, not only into her membership, but into her teaching agencies.”
“It is highly undesirable that Liberalism and Christianity should continue to be propagated within the bounds of the same organisation. A separation between the two parties in the Church is the crying need of the hour.”
J. FORBES MONCRIEFF, C.A.
“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God” (Isaiah i. 10). His God still. That relation is always the same; and so are the blessings which are included in it, and which He cannot fail to bestow upon those who honour His word in such trials of their faith, that against hope they believe in hope: for blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.—Romaine.