Considering “Liberalism”

What Is “Liberalism”? Typical dictionary definitions “Not literal or strict: loose” “Not literal or strict: loose” “Broad-minded; esp.: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms.” “Broad-minded; esp.: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms.” “Favorable to progress or reform” “Favorable to progress or reform”

What Is “Liberalism”? “Liberalism” is NOT a doctrine It refers to a view of doctrine “Liberalism” is not necessarily wrong Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

What Is “Liberalism”? “Liberalism” is NOT a doctrine It refers to a view of doctrine “Liberalism” is not necessarily wrong he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8

“Liberalism” is not the issue Authority is the real issue Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 1 Corinthians 4:6 What Is “Liberalism”? The danger of “liberalism” is that it rejects the Mind of God towards authority and Bible interpretation

Error of “Liberalism” This error is among believers It is a reoccurring mindset Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10) Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10) King Uzziah (II Chronicles 26) King Uzziah (II Chronicles 26) Galatians (Galatians 1) Galatians (Galatians 1) Diotrephes (III John) Diotrephes (III John)

“ Liberal” churches/Christians do not identify themselves as liberal They reject “liberalism” emphatically “We are not liberal” “We are not ultra-conservative ” Signs of “Liberalism”

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Celebrating Holidays Fellowship halls 1 Corinthians 11:22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Orphanages & homes TV, radio & printed organizations Schools 1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Not teaching on hard subjects Teaching falsely on subjects Acts 20:27 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Refuse to act as a church should Refuse to act as a church shouldDiscipline Decently and in order 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Refuse to act as a church should Refuse to act as a church should Obsession with titles and positions Obsession with titles and positions Matthew 23:8-11 "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Refuse to act as a church should Refuse to act as a church should Obsession with titles and positions Obsession with titles and positions Unequal emphasis of church works Unequal emphasis of church works Church above the Christian Certain church works preeminent 1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Refuse to act as a church should Refuse to act as a church should Obsession with titles and positions Obsession with titles and positions Unequal emphasis of church works Unequal emphasis of church works Focus on emotion over truth Focus on emotion over truth Emotion equals spirituality Deuteronomy 29:19 (When a false man) hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, 'I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart' -as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.

Liberal Identifications Have social programs/agendas Have social programs/agendas Support institutions for church works Support institutions for church works Teach weak or contrary to morality Teach weak or contrary to morality Refuse to act as a church should Refuse to act as a church should Obsession with titles and positions Obsession with titles and positions Unequal emphasis of church works Unequal emphasis of church works Focus on emotion over truth Focus on emotion over truth Antagonism of “ultra conservatives” Antagonism of “ultra conservatives” 2 Corinthians 10:10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

Fruits of “Liberalism” Once begun, digression continues So Manasseh seduced Judah and So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel. the children of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33:9

Fruits of “Liberalism” Once begun, digression continues It ultimately destroys all involved Can a man take fire to his bosom, Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? And his clothes not be burned? Proverbs 6:27

Conclusions Liberal approach to authority is condemned Liberal christians are recognizable Liberal churches bear specific fruits