Book Reviewed: Christianity & Liberalism
Author: J. Gresham Machen ~ W.M.B Eerdmans Publishing Company
ISBN: 0-8028 -1121-3 pp 189
Reviewed By: Pastor Tim Crockett
Summary:
Trying to capture the essence of great books is sometimes a daunting task particularly when an author has so much to contribute in his area of expertise. This work, which is now under consideration, is just such a work. The author writes with passion and yet plainly addresses the issues facing his day. Either knowingly or unknowingly he wrote a work that has left an indelible mark on history, condition and the future of fundamental Christianity. The author, using the skill of a surgeon cuts through with great precision the weaknesses of liberal beliefs. In doing so he has removed the underpinning of their core arguments, reducing them to ashes left to the whims of a gentle breeze.
Critique:
The layout of the book is very plain. It is not meant to be appealing to the eye, only the intellect. He writes to inform, thereby making the book a challenging read. This is typical of literature written during this period of time. Simply put, you won’t blow through this book, you will want to savor every word and take plenty of notes. The introduction to this work was in my estimation the best I have read. The author really lays the ground work for the remainder of his work and captures the quintessence of liberalism both then and now. There is plenty of food for thought, and over abundance of intellectual stimuli for the intellectually inert.
His intent is best summed up with his own words, “The purpose of this book is not to decide the religious issue of the present day, but merely to present the issue as sharply and clearly as possible, in order that the reader may be aided in deciding it for himself.” pg 1
The chapters that address the critical issues are: Doctrine, God and Man, The Bible, Christ, Salvation and The Church. What follows, will be points of interest (with brief comments) from each of the chapters.
Ø Doctrine - “Here is found the most fundamental difference between liberalism and Christianity – liberalism is altogether in the imperative mood, while Christianity begins with a triumphant indicative; liberalism appeals to man’s will, while Christianity announces, first , a gracious act of God.” pg 47 The Bible speaks much of doctrine, but not just any doctrine, sound doctrine encompassing the whole of our system of faith and practice.
Ø God and Man – “Modern liberalism has lost all sense of the gulf that separates the creature from the creator… Even more important is another difference. According to the Bible, man is a sinner under the just condemnation of God; according to modern liberalism there is no such thing as sin. At the very root of the modern liberal movement is the loss of the consciousness of sin” pg 64 In order for man to have a proper view of self he must first see and acknowledge God for who he is. The failure of man to do this has resulted in a quagmire of religious ideals stunting the progress of man and obscuring relevant truths concerning the nature of man and God.
Ø The Bible – “…liberalism is totally different from Christianity, for the foundation is different. Christianity is founded upon the Bible. It bases upon the Bible both its thinking and its life. Liberalism on the other hand is founded upon the shifting emotions of sinful men.” pg 79 The Bible stands like a rock undaunted and has remained steadfast in spite of all the machinations of the liberals, skeptics and antagonists. The Bible and expository preaching must be the mainstay when gathering together.
Ø Christ - “… by modern liberalism He [Jesus Christ] is regarded in a totally different way. Christians stand in a religious relation to Jesus; liberals do not stand in a religious to Jesus … Jesus for him is an EXAMPLE for faith, NOT THE OBJECT of faith. (Emphasis mine) pg 85 Let us never lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ is the focal point of who we are and what we do in this life.
Ø Salvation – “The grace of God is rejected by modern liberalism. And the result is slavery – the slavery of the law, the wretched bondage by which man undertakes the impossible task of establishing his own righteousness as a ground of acceptance with God. Emancipation from the blessed will of God always involves bondage to some worse taskmaster.” pg 144 Slavery to sin is at the root of man’s problems. Rather than take the road spattered with the blood of the Lamb they look with disdain at the atonement and systematize a religion that revolves around self.
Ø The Church - “…Christianity differs from liberalism in the way in which the transformation of society is conceived.” Though both the liberal and Christian see the need for transformation, the Christian believes that this accomplished through regeneration and the local church (comprised of the regenerate) is “… the highest Christian answer to the social needs of man.” Unfortunately many churches today have become a breeding ground for compromise. The pulpits in
Personal Response:
How has the book challenged me? I would go back the author’s intent to educate with the intention that the reader will make a decision. Halting between two opinions will not suffice in today’s modern Christianity. Ecumenicalism appears to be the norm and those truths which blared triumphantly from the pulpits of yesteryear have now simmered down to a mere squeak.
There needs to be a definite message with no inkling of compromise. Liberal teachings and influence should be exposed without hesitation and the uncompromising truths of God’s word should be published boldly from the sacred desk.
I feel it is important to study and preach on the weightier matters of doctrine and in so doing, offset the damaging effects of the liberal movement and strengthen believers to able contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.
