Liberalism in Christianity is infecting religious elites and Protestant movements, threatening true understanding with widespread biblical ignorance. Public syncretization, like Koran readings in churches and evangelical leaders equating Allah with the Christian God, marks a dangerous shift from distinct identity. This internal secularization erodes Judeo-Christian ethics, with Evangelicals questioning Jesus' divinity and Catholics supporting abortion, alongside papal endorsements of same-sex unions. Urban liberality, especially in cities like Los Angeles, sways immigrants from conservative faiths to non-practice. American churches increasingly accept homosexuality, driven by lay pressure and gay rights campaigns rather than God's Word, accelerating societal moral disintegration and distinguishing those truly aligned with God from others.

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Liberalism and Today's Christianity

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Much of this nation's political, economic, and religious elite are infected with liberalism, with a notable portion of the energy promoting it originating in Protestant church movements. This trend poses a serious threat to true understanding, as evidenced by widespread biblical ignorance among even the more informed and fervent individuals. The public syncretization of Christianity and Islam, seen in events such as readings from the Koran during Sunday worship services at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and other churches across 26 states, further illustrates this shift. Prominent evangelical figures have signed letters suggesting that Allah and the Christian God are the same, a stance that marks a dangerous departure from distinct religious identity as the Beast's influence grows.

Today's Christianity (Part One): Christianity Goes Global

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The conservative zealots of Southern Christianity stand firmly against the lawless liberalism of the North, whether it originates from Europe or America. They view this liberalism as calumny and tripe, resenting its lawlessness as incompatible with Christianity. With unwavering resolve, they resist what they perceive as the West's apostasy, determined to oppose it with all their being. Southern Christianity is poised to grow into a powerful anti-Western cultural phenomenon, gritting its teeth against Western economic and cultural globalism. There is also the looming question of whether Southern Christianity, with its missionary zeal, will unite to mount a crusade against this liberal Christianity in the North, further intensifying the divide.

The Changing Face of Mainstream Christianity

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Liberalism in Christianity has contributed to a significant shift in the beliefs and values of mainstream Christian communities. Surveys reveal a troubling erosion of fundamental Judeo-Christian ethics, with many Evangelicals questioning the divinity of Jesus Christ and a substantial percentage believing He was a created being or even sinned during His life. Among Catholics, a plurality now supports the legalization of abortion, marking a notable departure from previous stances, while recent papal endorsements of same-sex civil unions signify a dramatic change in perspective within a short span of time. This internal secularization poses a grave danger to the church, threatening its relevance as nominal Christians increasingly abandon core precepts, thus accelerating the disintegration of societal morality.

The Continuing Slide Into Liberalism

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The spirit in cities often converts individuals to social liberality, particularly as seen with immigrants in heavily populated areas like Los Angeles. Surveys of Mexican immigrants, both legal and illegal, in Southern California reveal a shift in religious beliefs and practices over time. Despite a strong conservative Catholic background in Mexico, many become non-practicing Catholics after living in the United States for a relatively short period, indicating the influence of urban liberality on their faith. American Christian churches have undergone a significant change in attitude toward homosexuality, becoming increasingly accepting and liberal. This shift is largely driven by lay membership persuading church leadership, rather than originating from the pulpit. The momentum for this change stems from an aggressive campaign by the gay rights movement, alongside internal membership pressure and external political influence, rather than from a direct belief in God's Word. This trend of growing liberality in religious communities is expected to continue, distinguishing those truly aligned with God from others.

Liberalism, in the News Again

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Liberalism in Christianity has roots in the Protestant church movement, advocating considerable latitude in scriptural interpretation and doctrine. It is described as a tendency verging on secular humanism, often rejecting much orthodox theology. As a philosophy, liberalism is based on the belief in progress, the essential goodness of man, and the autonomy of the individual, while standing for the protection of political and civil liberties. However, this perspective is seen as dangerous by some, as it contrasts with the biblical view of man's inherent evil and deceitfulness. To many Christians, liberalism poses a greater threat than conservatism because it tends to invite human nature toward open immorality, eventually tolerating anything and everything. This pattern of thought is likened to satan's attitude, as described in scripture, where he sought to break free from God's constraints, passing this philosophy of unrestrained liberty on to others, ultimately influencing the systems and basic thought of the world away from the restraint of God's laws.

Liberalism and Education (Part One)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Liberalism began in Protestant churches as a theological issue long before it was absorbed into mainstream politics as a political issue. It had to begin there because America at one time was almost totally Protestant. Liberalizing America morally and spiritually began in the churches primarily the Protestant churches. About 100 years ago it began to be absorbed primarily into the Democratic Party. Many citizens were already being misled morally and spiritually by gradual degradation of God and the Bible. This was accomplished by very gradually filling the administrations and faculties of universities and colleges with already-deceived liberal-minded administrators and professors until people of that mindset dominated the universities programs. The teachers unknowingly carried the liberal mindset into the elementary and high schools and continued spreading it to the children.

Conservatism and Liberalism

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Liberalism in Christianity consists of any progressive opinion or policy that favors change or reform to the established order of God's way of life. This approach stands in direct opposition to conservatism, which preserves that order without alteration. Jesus Christ demonstrated perfect conservatism by refusing to introduce any liberal modification to divine principles, thereby avoiding sin and qualifying as Savior and future King. Those who receive His Spirit gradually abandon liberalism in favor of the same unchanging conservatism. Satan originated liberalism by proposing a reform to the governmental structure under God, believing his vision would improve outcomes if he gained control. He advanced this change through persistent campaigning and open warfare despite inevitable defeat. Human nature, being essentially lazy and prone to pride, readily adopts the same liberal pattern by seeking easier alternatives to humble submission and hard work under God's laws. This process spreads through intellectual and cultural channels, first affecting universities and then broader society, resulting in the erosion of biblical foundations in national life. The outcome appears in widespread lawbreaking, including the destruction of marriage, the taking of innocent life, theft for political gain, and the encouragement of lawless invasion, all justified under liberal visions that have abandoned divine conservatism.

Christians and Evolution

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Liberalism in Christianity is illustrated through the phenomenon of Evolution Weekend, an observance backed by the Clergy Letter Project, which encourages clergy across religious faiths to sign a statement affirming their acceptance of evolutionary theory as fully compatible with religious faith. Roughly 13,000 clergy, mostly American and mostly from Christian denominations, have signed this letter, and about 550 churches have planned to participate in Evolution Weekend, showing that secular humanism, pushed heavily in public schools and universities, has infiltrated nominal Christianity and created a false synthesis of evolution and Scripture in many minds. This liberal drift is exemplified by clergyman Dr. Jeffrey DeYoe, who dismisses literal devotion to biblical accounts as a "sin of Creationism," claiming that belief in the limited storytelling of an ancient people cannot contain everything God wants humanity to know. Such a statement reveals how far liberal Christianity has departed from biblical fidelity, since true Christians accept Scripture because Jesus commands reliance on God's every word (Matthew 4:4) and because all Scripture is divinely inspired (II Timothy 3:16). Since Jesus, as Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2), affirmed the seven-day creation (Matthew 19:4-6) and Noah's Flood (Luke 17:27), belief in evolution effectively denies Christ, His mission, and His message, including the connection between Adam and Eve's sin and the redemptive purpose of Christ's death, rooted in the first prophecy of a Savior in Genesis 3:15. Despite the apparent alarm these numbers might cause, the actual scope of liberal Christian involvement in Evolution Weekend proves quite small. The 13,000 signing clergy represent only about 2.6% of the over half-million clergy in the United States, and the roughly 550 participating churches account for merely 0.2% of the nation's approximately 270,000 congregations, a number that has also declined nearly 50% from its peak in 2009. Moreover, these participating churches overwhelmingly originate from the most liberal, leftist, and humanist wings of mainline denominations such as the Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches, with significant representation from Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ congregations, a few Metropolitan Community churches built upon homosexuality, and even forty-four non-Christian participants, including Muslim and Reform Jewish congregations. Additional secular and metaphysical organizations, such as humanist societies and pagan networks, further reveal the ideological company such liberalism keeps. This confirms the adage that one is known by the company one keeps, showing that Evolution Weekend remains confined largely to ultra-liberal churches and secular humanist groups. Nevertheless, this liberal infiltration signals a broader pattern of anti-God influence steadily advancing in society, one that will intensify as Christ's return approaches, requiring God's people to stand firm against it, as urged in Ephesians 6:13.

'Christianity Today' and Trump

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Donald Trump is not a paragon of virtue but is a change from the doctrines entrenched in Washington. Personal morality is not enough to remove anyone from office.

Handwriting on the Wall: Cultural Christianity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'Cultural Christianity' is a Christ-free, worldly adaptation of faith used for cultural identity, often embraced for its social influence, lacking true devotion.

Today's Christianity (Part Two): Southern Christianity Moves North

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Contrary to the intention to marginalize Christianity through the Immigration Reform Act of 1965, it instead gave rise to a new strain of conservative Christianity.

God, Allah, Rick, and John

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Rick Warren, the energetic and ambitious founder of the Purpose Driven Church movement, is now seeking to syncretistically merge Islam and Christian faiths.

How Did Europe Get This Way?

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

The Europe of the past few decades has honestly earned the label of 'that vast plain of irreligion.' Ironically, religion caused its secularization.

WorldWatch September-October 2003

'WorldWatch' by David C. Grabbe

News, events, and trends in light of Bible prophecy for September-October 2003: Southern Christianity, Roman Catholicism and Homosexuality, AIDS Devastation.

Is Conservatism Dead?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The decline of orthodox teaching in the churches has led to an tolerant approach to moral degeneracy, with standards in a constant state of flux.

America's Conscience Seared with a Hot Iron

Commentary by David F. Maas

'Righteous' Lot represents those who become accustomed to the sin around them, progressively searing their consciences, similar to spiritual neuropathy.

An Atheist Minister?

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The United Church of Canada accepts the credentials of Greta Vosper, a self-professed atheist and non-believer of the Bible, confirming her position as a minister.

Denying God From the Pulpit

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A United Church of Canada minister openly proclaimed her atheism recently — and retained her pulpit.

In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Of the things God says He hates, including pride and hands that shed innocent blood, nothing seems to be more disgusting than the American abortion industry.

The Catholic Church is Changing Direction

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Catholic Church's heretofore historical defense of conservative principles, capitalism, and traditional Biblical morality is about to change dramatically.

Hollywood Propaganda: The Insidious LGBT Agenda (Part One)

Commentary by David F. Maas

Hollywood moguls, executives, producers, directors, writers and actors have committed themselves not only to approving sexual perversion, but to promoting it.

A Dark Cloud on the Horizon

Commentary by Clyde Finklea

Pope Francis' 2030 agenda calls for a one world Holy Catholic Apostolic Church. The Papacy cast out its net to the evangelicals starting in July of 2014.

Dissatisfaction

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Change agents have attempted to apply traditional Christian terminology to politically correct referents, distorting and defiling the original meaning.

How Little They Know

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must escape the influence of our defective culture, sacrificing our time in Bible study and meditation, coming to know God and doing His will.

Death in the Vatican

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The death of Pope Francis revives questions about the direction of the Catholic Church after his progressive agenda created deep divisions within it.

Would Jesus Approve of Same-Sex Marriage?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The absence of any outright scriptural condemnation of homosexuality from the lips of Jesus has been a mainstay of so-called Christian, pro-gay rhetoric.

The Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

For every pure thing God has created, Satan has manufactured a counterfeit, even passing himself off as an angel of light. He is the master imitator.

Apologies to C.S. Lewis

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Dear Bollix, Just a short note to congratulate you on the wonderful job you are doing overseeing the American religious landscape. When I appointed you...

Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Institutions which started out as Puritan theological schools (Harvard and Yale) are turning out a plethora of godless humanists.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.

Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge

Article by David C. Grabbe

Gnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies, and perhaps surprisingly, in the belief systems of many people who profess to be Christian.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Like the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.

Murder?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

No ethical issue since the Civil War has so disturbed the social fabric of this nation. People instinctively know that abortion is not morally neutral.

God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.

Tests of True Knowledge

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church was invaded by Gnosticism that denigrated the 'enslavement to Yahweh, His Law, and the Sabbath,' replacing it with Greek philosophy.

Navigating the Third Wave

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Third Wave is the Information Age, highlighted by instant communication, rapid transportation and ready information on any conceivable topic.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.

Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Peter warns of scoffers in the church, apostate tares, devoid of God's spirit, ridiculing the doctrine that Christ would return or doctrines of judgment.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.

Matthew (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Life consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.