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
-
Tinderbox
$15.99On the day before her Amish parents’ twentieth wedding anniversary, Sylvia Miller stumbles across the key to the old brass tinderbox her father keeps in his Lancaster County watch repair shop. Piqued by curiosity, Sylvia unlocks the cherished heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life.
Once Sylvia overcomes her shock, she confronts her father about the contents of the box. To her amazement, the respected convert to the Old Order admits that he is not fit to be a member of the Hickory Hollow Amish church–in fact, he never was.
Burdened by the weight of his deception, Earnest Miller reveals the details about his past to Sylvia–and to his wife, Rhoda. The long-kept secret alters everything for the close-knit family, and when word of Earnest’s deceit reaches others in the community, the truth pits Amish neighbors against one another and threatens to dry up Earnest’s livelihood–as well as to break up Sylvia’s engagement to the preacher’s grandson.
Can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness and acceptance?
Add to cart5 in stock (additional units can be purchased)
-
When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart (Anniversary)
$15.99In 1998, after 12 years of counseling the wives of men in sexual sin, Kathy Gallagher wrote the original version of When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart. Presented in the form of letters which addressed the most pertinent struggles wives deal with, this book proved to be a lifesaver for thousands of women over the years. The 20th Anniversary Edition of When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart adds nine chapters of new material, making it more compelling than ever. The hurting wife will quickly find that Kathy sympathizes with her emotional turmoil and offers solid counsel on a wide range of issues. But most importantly, she will be directed to the only true source of hope: Jesus.
Add to cartin stock within 3-5 days of online purchase
-
What Happens When I Talk To God
$15.99Combining her passion for prayer with her love for little ones, beloved writer and speaker Stormie Omartian teams with talented illustrator Shari Warren to share an important message: “It’s never too early to teach a child to pray.” Stormie encourages children to develop the life-changing practices of talking to God every day and explains prayer in easy-to-understand ways. With examples taken directly from the lives of young boys and girls, she helps kids get to know God, thank Him for His love and care, and ask for His help in tough times. Stormie also touches upon forgiveness, the power of praying with others, and having a relationship with Jesus as she assures children that their prayers do make a difference. Bright, contemporary watercolors depicting a broad spectrum of children accompany the text to present a beautiful picture of growing closer to God in prayer. For children ages 3 to 7.
Add to cart2 in stock
-
We Will Not Be Silenced
$17.99When You Want to Speak Up but Aren’t Sure What to Say
You’ve witnessed-and experienced-how Christians are silenced or intimidated because of their beliefs. To merely uphold biblical perspectives is rejected as bigotry and even hatred. Certain segments of today’s culture are quick to shame and pressure everyone to conform to their expectations.
If you find yourself becoming discouraged by the growing tide of hostility, We Will Not Be Silenced will lift your heart by revealing you are not alone in this battle, while also giving you guidance on how to live your faith with courage. You will learn how to…
*identify the harmful views being normalized in America and respond to them with truth and gentleness
*thrive in the face of persecution and display Christlike love through your words and actions
*show genuine compassion to those who live secular lifestyles without affirming their life choicesWe Will Not Be Silenced will equip you to move beyond fear and joyfully accept the challenge of representing Christ to a watching world that needs Him more than ever before.
Add to cart2 in stock
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.