Introduction

The term theological liberalism gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean? At its core, theological liberalism is a system of thought that elevates human reason and cultural relevance above the authority of Scripture. It arose in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as theologians sought to reinterpret the Christian faith in light of modern science, philosophy, and cultural shifts. While it often claimed to preserve Christianity, in reality it stripped away the supernatural elements of the faith and undermined the authority of God’s Word.

Q&A: What Is Theological Liberalism?

Theological liberalism insists that Christianity must adapt to modern culture in order to survive. Instead of submitting to the authority of Scripture, it reinterprets or discards biblical truths that conflict with contemporary thinking.

• Scripture is reduced, rather than the inspired and inerrant Word of God, the Bible is treated as a human record of religious experiences.
• Doctrine is minimized, miracles, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, His substitutionary atonement, and the resurrection are often denied or redefined.
• Man is exalted, human reason, experience, and moral progress become the final standard of truth.

Why Is It Dangerous?

Theological liberalism is not a harmless alternative perspective, it is a direct attack on the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). By undermining the authority of Scripture and the gospel itself, it leads people away from the saving truth of Christ.

• It empties the gospel of its power (1 Cor. 1:18).
• It replaces God’s truth with human wisdom (Col. 2:8).
• It produces churches that look religious but deny the power of God (2 Tim. 3:5).

How Should Christians Respond?

Christians must be on guard against theological liberalism, both in the culture and in the church.

• Hold fast to Scripture, the Bible is God’s inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
• Contend for the faith, stand firm on the essential truths of the gospel (Gal. 1:6–9).
• Stay rooted in Christ, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Conclusion

Theological liberalism may present itself as intellectual and compassionate, but it is, in reality, a denial of the gospel. True Christianity is not about accommodating the culture, it is about proclaiming Christ crucified and risen. Our call is to cling to God’s Word, trust His promises, and hold forth the truth in love.

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