5/19/2023 0 Comments Mere christianity cliff notesIt is also characterized by the promotion of modern scientific methods which are then regarded as separate from religion. It comes accompanied by naturalism which focuses on the processes of nature as opposed to “the entrance of the creative power of God.” 2 This modern naturalistic liberalism is characterized by a questioning of historical claims. Liberalism is an attack on the Christian faith while using traditional terminology. He uses the full term “modern naturalistic liberalism.” ‘Liberal’ refers to the open-mindedness of the position, which as he points out, is only used by the friends of liberals. Liberalism and modernism are also partners. He begins with definitions of both liberalism and naturalism. In introducing this work, Machen opens up with an appeal to the necessity of controversy in the sphere of religion. It is interesting that in his section on Christian doctrine, Machen even writes positively concerning the Roman Catholic Church: “The Church of Rome may represent a perversion of the Christian religion but naturalistic liberalism is not Christianity at all.” 1 Instead, his target is what he refers to as the “Liberal Church” which he regards as another church. It also was not Machen’s aim to be in conflict a particular denomination. Wells in writing “Outline of History.” In this book, he maintains theological objectivity by focusing on ideas being promoted in the church at large. Machen rarely calls out particular names in this book.
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