2. WHAT IS LIBERALISM ? “There is nothing new under the sun…” - Eccl. 1:8 Modernism is not modern New Thoughts are not new Innovations are repeats If it is true, it is not new, if it is new, it is not true By Tom Roberts

3. WHAT IS LIBERALISM ? w Modern name given to old practice wThere have always been liberals in Biblical history wLiberalism has to do with an attitude toward God’s revelation and one’s relationship to it.

4. LIBERALS OR CONSERVATIVES w Conservatism: “disposition to preserve what is established; opposition to innovation or change.” “To defend standard” w Liberalism: “favorable to progress or reform…as unrestricted as possible” w Dictionary Definition avoids prejudice

5. DEBATE NOT CONFINED TO CHURCHES OF CHRIST w Politics w Catholics w Protestants w Garden of Eden ! (Gen. 3) wConservative - Jehovah wLiberal - Satan wWas There A Right or Wrong?

6. DISCUSSION PRESUPPOSES A STANDARD OF AUTHORITY Politics and Constitution Catholics and Papacy Protestants and Creeds w Relativism or “Pluralism” denies a standard: Situation Ethics w One is as good as another w There is no right or wrong

7. GOD ESTABLISHED A STANDARD IN OLD TESTAMENT Deut. 6:1-9; 8:1 Deut. 28:1-14 (cf: 15-68) Liberals Condemned - Deut. 13:1-5 Attitude: “Like the nations” 1 Sam. 8:5 - spirit of liberalism Spirit of Discontent, “progress.”

8. NEW TESTAMENT IS ALSO A STANDARD Gal. 1:6-9; Jude 3; Phil. 1:17 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2; 3:16-17 Liberals Condemned – 2 John 9-11; Rev. 22:18-19 Attitude: “turn from truth” 2 Tim. 4:1-4 - spirit of liberalism

9. DEBATE IS MORE THAN NAME- CALLING OR PREJUDICE “Liberal” and “Conservative” are human terms for Biblical Attitudes Biblical word - “Sound” (healthy) 1 Tim. 1:8-10; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3 Compare Isa. 1:4-6 - unhealthy Spiritual soundness is found in following God’s Revelation

10. EXAMPLES OF LIBERALISM First Century - 2 Thes. 2:3-7; Acts 20:28-32; 1 Tim. 4:1-3 1875-1925 in America Missionary Society - 1 Tim. 3:15 Instrumental Music - Eph. 5:19 1950’s in America

11. LIBERALISM ISSUES OF 1950 Centralized Control: Brotherhood elders, sponsoring churches, local churches under larger churches; missionary societies Sound Doctrine: Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-2; Phil. 1:1 Elders are restricted to local church. Liberalism denies it.

12. LIBERALISM ISSUES -2 Institutionalism: Big Businesses; Church unable to do its work of evangelism, edification or benevolence; subsidize institution; church is “unable” Sound Doctrine: Eph. 4:11-16; 3:8-11 Example: TCU, ACU, “Homes”

13. LIBERALISM ISSUES -3 Benevolence: Care of needy became issue. Not lack of care, but should institutions replace the Lord’s church and individual care. Sound Doctrine: 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 6:1-4; James 1:27; 1 Tim. 5:8-16 Example: Boles Home, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Day Care

14. LIBERALISM ISSUES - 4 Social Activities as work of church: Church kitchens, gyms, ball games, skits, youth directors, ski trips, youth churches Sound Doctrine: Jn. 4:24; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:22, 34 Work of Home Confused- Eph. 6:4

15. CONFLICT IS INEVITABLE Spirit of Liberalism Demands Change: Be “unrestricted,” “progressive,” something new. Spirit of Liberalism opposed by sound preaching - 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 Tim. 6:3-5 To Obey Is Better – 1 Sam. 15:22; 2 Thes. 1:8

16. LIBERALISM AND THE PLAN OF SALVATION Great Commission: Mk. 16:16 Compromise: Be “progressive” “positive,” “non-judgmental” Spirit of Liberalism embarrassed by sound preaching - Jn. 6:60-66 To Obey is Better - Acts 4:18-20