When we were children back in the stone age, it was not uncommon to hear a parent say, “Watch your language!” It was sometimes punctuated with “young man” or “young lady.” Our language reflected the cultural values of the time. Certain communications were expected, and others definitely frowned upon. When speaking to adults we were expected to say, “yes sir” or “yes ma’am.” We did not refer to adults by their first name, ever, because … Continue reading
Category Archives: Liberal Theology
Sometimes when I speak in churches on the deity of Christ, I ask the congregation how many believe that Jesus is God? Most raise their hands. When I ask how many believe they could defend that claim, only a few would raise their hands. Then I’d pick someone with their hand in the air and ask them for their best argument, and sometimes the response would be, “I feel Him in my heart.” Not to … Continue reading
In his 1923 book Christianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham Machen asserts that liberalism is another religion unto itself, far removed from the biblical Christianity out of which it came. We think he makes some good points. In Chapter Two of his book, he takes the liberalism (of his day) to task concerning their public hostility toward doctrine – when in fact they have simply created new doctrines which comport with what Machen points out is … Continue reading
Earlier this week someone posted a meme of a church marquee with the message, “A Caravan of 5000 Migrants Confronted Jesus. So, He Fed Them.” This reminds us of the assertion made by many that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were “homeless.” No, they were never homeless. They had to leave their home and travel to Bethlehem due to a government decree by Caesar Augustus that required everyone to be registered in their home town. They … Continue reading
The Christmas season is upon us in full swing, as it seems to be every year at this time. 😊 And, following recent trends, the public is being offered all sorts of novel ideas, in an attempt to dismiss as mere myth, the historical Jesus and message of the Christian faith. Progressives in the media trot out a cadre of liberal “scholars” who deny the historicity of Scripture and biblical claims as little more than … Continue reading
(Originally printed in the Spring 2005 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning in page 10) By Peter Simpson What should the relationship be between the church and culture? How should the constancy of the church adapt to the fluidity of culture? The church must find some way to communicate God’s message within the cultural contexts in which it finds itself. These concerns provide impetus for thought-provoking conversation in today’s church. The emergent church claims many … Continue reading