Every now and then, more often than not, something that someone says or writes grabs my attention. Sometimes in a great way and other times in a disturbing way. This past week, a blog was shared on social media that did just that. This particular blog post was written by Alisa Childers. Although I do not know her and have never met her, I found her blog post about what is called “Progressive Christianity” very interesting.
As I mentioned, I do not know her except what I read on her blog page. On this particular topic, I find myself in agreement with her. She wrote about how some churches have headed toward or are in danger of heading toward “Progressive Christianity”. I find myself wanting to not only suggest that everyone read her blog post, but I wish to bounce my thoughts off of her statements.
First, I will quickly summarize the points that she makes in her blog post. She offers a warning or at least a notice to the churches about what it means to be “Progressive Christians”. I will only give you the 5 points that she talks about, you should go read her post if you want to know what she says about them.
Childers points out that there are 5 things to look out for in a church to protect against falling into “Progressive Christianity”. Unless that is your desire, then it is probably already too late.
- A Lowered View of the Bible.
- Feelings are emphasized over facts.
- Essential Christian doctrines are open for re-interpretation.
- Historic terms are re-defined.
- The heart of the gospel message shifts from sin and redemption to social justice.
After explaining each of these points, Childers goes on to explain a little about each of them. Read her blog post! All to conclude that there are some churches out there who are leaning toward this, have given over to it, or at least are in danger of it.
I point out all of this so that I can say this;
Christianity according to what I read in the Scripture, the absolute truth, can only be one thing. That one thing is what God says it is! No man has the authority to change even one word of God’s truth. Many in this world, over the history of man, have tried and delivered a message that is inconsistent with the truth of the Bible. This is nothing new.
The idea of something called “Progressive Christianity” is a contradiction in and of itself! The fact that God is Holy and has never changed should give the clue that His Truth would be the same way.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2Timothy 3:16-17
So, to use the word “progressive” with the word “Christianity” would be likened to using the phrase “NO LORD”. If God is to be our Lord, we would not ever say “NO” to Him. If we did, then he would not be our Lord.
The word “progressive” means “happening or developing gradually or in stages;” it is also defined as “(of a group, person, or idea) favoring or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas.” (MW Dictionary)
I will submit that what God has put in place is a finished product and is a perfect product! There is no need to add to, take away, or change any part of it. God is a Holy and perfect being who is the creator of all.
He has put in place a master plan of reconciliation of Himself to His creation. The only thing that changes, develops, or progresses along the way is man! You and me! We are the ones who will be changed.
For anyone to presume that the gospel is something that is an evolving or changing thing is one who is still living in the darkness, trapped in the snare of the lies of Satan.
The truth is simply this:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; on God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Galatians 4:4-6
There is only one Christianity. There cannot be various kinds of Christianity. The only one and true Christianity in existence is one that consists of Jesus as Lord and Savior, as well as an acknowledgement of sin and the consequences that come with it.
To Alisa Childers, I say thank you and God bless you for sending out yet another warning to us all! To those of us who are living the Christian life, I say God help us to cling to the truth in the Bible and stand firm in what God has put in place!
I have always believed that the ones who are in the most danger of being separated from God for eternity are those who believe that they are saved, yet for what ever reason do not truly know God!
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,’ did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
