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
-
10 Steps To Your Best Life
$17.99Add to cartThere used to be a time we called normal. In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, we led distracted lives in a chaotic world. Though things seemed in control, we were lacking the joy of accomplishment, the courage from pushing through the unknown into the beautiful, the wonder of walking down an untraveled road to a new destination. We sought refuge in the safe confines of what we knew, what was familiar.
Then, everything changed. Things will never go back to normal. This may seem pessimistic, but author Brent Crowe shows us there is a time-tested, pandemic-tested approach to a more fulfilling kind of life. There is a new normal that can, and should, emerge from the ashes of 2020. The ancient wisdom of Jesus gives us just that.
10 Steps to Your Best Life extracts 10 clear steps that Jesus taught for living in and through the most difficult times of transition. Discover how to emerge from the shadows with a clear vision for living well in a post-pandemic world.
-
Inspire Worship : 100 Devotions For Coloring And Creative Journaling
$18.99Add to cartA unique way to relax, reflect, and connect with God while using your creativity! Inspire: Worship is a music and art-themed devotional that calms your spirit and brings hope to your soul. Let this beautifully designed collection strengthen your faith as you meditate on 100 devotionals inspired by the world’s most-celebrated songs of the Christian faith. Each reading encourages you to stand strong, lean on God’s grace, and rest in knowing that he has a wonderful plan for your life. Inspired by the #1 bestselling Inspire Bible, this collection of devotionals features over 125 line-art illustrations. It has been uniquely created with the art and coloring enthusiast in mind.
-
Marvelous Maker
$14.99Add to cartThe Marvelous Maker is a creation redemption parable that tells the story of creation, fall, sacrifice, and redemption. This rhyming retelling uncovers how the Maker fabulously creates a universe for His glory and for His children to enjoy. Everything is perfect and good until the Tricky Tempter enters the scene and tempts the Maker’s children, which brings a horrible darkness to creation and allows the Tempter to take the children captive. The Maker sees His children’s hardened hearts and their suffering and chooses to rescue them despite the cost. He sacrifices His life to bring healing to His children.
Their relationship restored, the Maker then trains the children to fight against the Tricky Tempter. The children’s hearts and eyes are opened as they realize that the Maker is good, and they choose to follow, love, and praise Him.
Each of The Marvelous Maker’s forty lines is based on Scripture, encapsulating the message of the gospel and sharing it with readers in a picture-book format that is poetic but powerful.
-
To Win A Prince
$16.99Add to cartAs a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ile, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.
Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ile, he’s forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely–but he can’t allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.
As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of happily ever after survive the challenges she faces?
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.