Liberal Theology and Its Impact on Christian Faith

Liberal theology represents a broadminded approach that departs from the absolute authority of Scripture, often diminishing core Christian doctrines in favour of human-centred reasoning.

Understanding Liberal Theology

Liberal theology has little or no appreciation of the eternal perspective, and often explains away the miracles, virgin birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, and other key elements of Christianity including the vital salvation experience without which people will not reach heaven. It is 'having a form of godliness but denying its power' by turning from the truth and freedom in Christ to self-effort and myths without reliance on the supernatural power of God (1 Cor 1:25; 2 Tim 3:5, 4:3-4).

The Danger of Human-Centred Thinking

Man's way, independent of God is the wrong way, for it is the blind leading the blind (Prov 14:12, 16:25; Lk 6:39). The Bible says, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes" (Isa 5:21). God has been removed from the framework of society today, with man determining the rules. Unbelievers often don't know where to turn to in times of crisis because even we believers are not being the life-transforming 'salt and light' we should be (Mt 5:13-16).

Is Christ at the centre of all I do?

Instead of presenting Christ to hurting humanity as the integral foundation of our faith and witnessing to His saving power, we have often kept quiet and disowned being associated with Him (Mt 10:33). By isolating Him to the side-lines and treating Him as just a spectator rather than the vital source of life and centre of our lives, His influence on our lifestyle is severely diminished (Jn 14:6; Act 17:28).

The Evangelical Contrast

In contrast, the evangelical approach sees the gospel focus of freedom, through Christ, from sin and its penalty as the foundation, and from that basis these other issues can then be adequately addressed. When the heart is transformed by coming into right relationship with Christ through salvation, this provides the solid foundation from which the other issues can be adequately addressed. Do not explain away the power of the gospel that can save but embrace and live out the truth of the Bible. The distinguishing feature of fundamentalism is the rigid belief and adherence to the Bible as the source of truth by which we can be equipped for every good work and guide our lifestyle (Act 17:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17).

Our beliefs are to come into alignment with the Bible

While it is commendable that people are concerned about social issues, such as seeking to raise the living conditions and standards of others, the most important topic of eternal life is not to be neglected. The Bible condemns those who preach a different gospel to that of the apostles (Gal 1:8). The scope of these liberal teachings that present a social gospel range from denying the deity of Christ and the necessity of His atoning death through to embracing homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle which the Bible condemns (Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10; 2 Pet 2:1).

Reflection and Application:

Examine whether Christ is truly at the centre of your daily life and decisions.
Stand firm on the authority of Scripture rather than compromising with cultural trends.
Be salt and light by sharing the transforming power of the gospel with others.
Balance concern for social issues with the priority of eternal salvation.