Liberalism is a Different Religion

J. Gresham Machen has given us an invaluable treatise on just what Christianity is—and is not. He wants us to know that the historic Christian faith of Paul and the apostles is not what masquerades itself as Christianity these days.

Machen states his premise in the first chapter:

“The most serious concern of the Church: that is—the relation between Christianity and modern culture. May Christianity be maintained in a scientific age? It is this problem which modern Liberalism attempts to solve. Admitting that scientific objections against the particularities of the Christian religion, against the Christian doctrines of the person of Christ, and of redemption through His death and resurrection. The Liberal theologian seeks to rescue certain of the general principles of religion, of which these particularities are thought to be mere temporary symbols. And these general principles he regards of constituting the essence of Christianity.“

As defined by Machen, in true Christianity, Jesus is more than a good example of Christian living; he must be the very object of our worship. Machen goes so far as to define the modern liberal expression of Christianity as, not only a different religion, but is a completely different category of religions from true Christianity. This is an important book and will help make a distinction between true Biblical Christianity based on the person and work of Jesus Christ—who saves us from judgment to come—and from the liberal religion of the same name that directs its efforts toward saving society through social justice.

Pay Porter handles the narration and presents the text in a clear and easy to understand style.

4 people found this helpful

True Christianity exposed

The point of view of this great man of the state of the church 20 years ago, is even more relevant today. There are some comprises that crucify Christ for a second time. Taking the word seriously is very important. It is great to hear such a scholarly approach to the soft and broad acceptance of a faulse gospal.

2 people found this helpful

Christianity Plain and Clear

The main points of the christian faith are clearly exposed by Gresham Machen in order to refute liberalism. This work, though written in 1923, anticipates the controversies faced by christian churchs in recent time, as an effect of the development of liberals ideas. Christian ortodoxy, the author points, is chistianity plain and clear. Christian faith is not a mere way of life. It is a message based on facts and with an achievable meaning. The work great merit consist in explaining the christian message, pointing to the facts in with its based and giving its meaning.

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Machen at his best

J. Gresham Machen pulled no punches in excoriating the plague of liberalism that had invaded the church in the early 20th century. His concerns of a hundred years ago echo strongly now. Excellent read for anyone who loves the truth of scriptures.

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Deep study in the infectious disease of liberalism

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Much gleaned from it. The time it was written in matters not; still very relevant today.

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Compelling and Urgent

Machen offered a clear distinction between classical, orthodox Christian theology and Liberal Protestant theology. In the 1920s, he saw the divide as urgently in need of honest address. It is no less note a century later.

Narration is good if occasionally showing an unnecessary hint of anger.

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Though one hundred years old, book is up to date

The liberalism referred to is theological, not political. The author was a Princeton professor for over twenty years. The book is an understandable defense of orthodox Christian theology as opposed to modernist or liberal Christian theology. An important and readable book.

Relevant for today

Important discussion for today's churches. A logical yet easy to understand breakdown of Christianity and liberalism.

Still so Timely

with great clarity the author provides analysis of the great woes in Christianity in the 1920's and 30's. and yet, he could have written it yesterday.

And then, after all is said, his concluding chapter gives great encouragement to those who are alive and face the battle week in and week out.

It's a classic

I should have read it sooner. Everyone should read this book, whether liberal or conservative.