Modernism: A Shift in Theological Thought

During the modernism period from the late 19th century through to the 1960s, there was a significant shift in theological thinking. Traditional beliefs were modified as God was replaced as the center of truth with mankind's opinions.

The Rejection of Scriptural Authority

Some religious leaders, eager to align with the current thinking patterns of the time, abandoned their belief in the supernatural elements of the Bible, reducing its message to merely the moral elements of Jesus' teaching. It was considered that reason and science could provide an accurate and reliable foundation for knowledge, and this would better mankind and make for an enhanced world.

The concept of biblical inerrancy was systematically dismantled by modernist theologians who argued that Scripture should be subject to the same critical analysis as any other historical document. Miracles were reinterpreted as myths or symbolic narratives rather than actual historical events. The virgin birth, the resurrection, and other supernatural occurrences were dismissed as pre-scientific explanations that modern enlightened people could no longer accept.

This rationalistic approach fundamentally altered how Scripture was viewed within many seminaries and denominations. The Bible was no longer regarded as the inspired Word of God (2 Tim 3:16), but rather as a human document reflecting the religious consciousness of ancient peoples. Consequently, biblical authority was replaced by human authority, and divine revelation was supplanted by human reason.

God's Word always remains the standard

Breaking from the Past

The so-called "new enlightenment" or progress marked a departure from tradition, prompting people to question established beliefs and reject certainty. Clear, Bible-based statements of faith were replaced by pluralism, which recognises many possible paths to God.

Modernists believed that religious truths adapt in tandem with human understanding, reinterpreting or even discarding traditional doctrines when they conflicted with scientific or philosophical advancements. This led to a significant split between advocates for preserving historic Christianity and those intent on reshaping it to reflect modern values.

Churches and denominations that embraced modernist theology often moved away from their original principles. Creeds and confessions came to be seen as obsolete and were revised or abandoned. Consequently, Christian unity fractured, and liberal theology emerged as its own distinct tradition.

Compromise is a slippery slope. What begins as a small concession, perhaps questioning a single doctrine or softening a difficult teaching, often leads to further concessions. Once the authority of Scripture is undermined in one area, there is no logical basis for defending it in any other. Each compromise weakens the foundation, making the next concession easier to accept. The pattern is predictable: doubt creeps in, convictions erode, and eventually the faith becomes unrecognisable from its biblical origins. History demonstrates that denominations which began by compromising on minor points eventually abandoned core doctrines entirely.

The Legacy of Modernism

The influence of modernism extended beyond theology into broader culture, shaping education, ethics, and social policy. The optimism that characterised early modernism, the belief that human progress would solve all problems, was severely tested by two world wars and numerous global conflicts. Yet the underlying assumptions of modernism, that human reason is supreme and traditional beliefs must adapt, continue to shape contemporary thought.

This in turn evolved into postmodernism, the current prevailing mindset that continues to influence theological and philosophical discourse today. Postmodernism rejects the modernist confidence in human reason while maintaining the scepticism toward absolute truth claims. For Christians, this presents both challenges and opportunities for presenting the unchanging gospel message.

Truth is not relative, it is absolute

Believers today must remain vigilant against similar pressures to conform biblical teaching to cultural trends. The same spirit of compromise that characterised modernism continues to influence the church, calling for a reaffirmation of Scripture's authority and sufficiency. As Jude exhorts, we must "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

Reflection and Application:

Modernism challenged the authority and reliability of Scripture in matters of faith and practice.
The movement prioritised human reason over divine revelation as the primary source of truth.
Many churches compromised biblical doctrines to accommodate modern secular philosophies.
Understanding modernism helps believers recognise and respond to similar challenges today.