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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.
The Changing Face of Mainstream Christianity
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityLiberalism 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.
Today's Christianity (Part One): Christianity Goes Global
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerThe conservative zealots of Southern Christianity staunchly oppose the lawless liberalism prevalent in the North, whether it originates from Europe or America. They view this liberalism as a calumny and incompatible with true Christian values, resenting it as a form of apostasy. Southern Christianity is determined to resist this perceived Western moral decline with all its strength, positioning itself as a powerful anti-Western cultural force that stands against economic and cultural globalism from the West. There is also a question of whether Southern Christianity, with its missionary zeal, might unite to launch a significant crusade against this liberal Christianity in the North, reflecting deep tensions and potential conflicts within the broader Christian landscape.
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)Conservatism is a political philosophy that calls for stability and the protection of established institutions. Liberals think conservatives are stuck in the past.
Christians and Evolution
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThough seemingly large and increasing numbers of clergy and churches accept evolution, they are in reality a rather small percentage of professing Christians.
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.
Liberalism and Education (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While liberalism claims to champion civil liberties and individual liberties, liberal governments rob us of liberty and saddle us with useless regulations.
Conservatism and Liberalism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Political and spiritual liberals both subvert standards based on law and the covenant relationship by those believing they have a better way than God's.
'Christianity Today' and Trump
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughDonald 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.
Today's Christianity (Part Two): Southern Christianity Moves North
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerContrary 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. GrabbeThe 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. GrabbeNews, 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.
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.
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. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughA United Church of Canada minister openly proclaimed her atheism recently — and retained her pulpit.
The Catholic Church is Changing Direction
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughThe Catholic Church's heretofore historical defense of conservative principles, capitalism, and traditional Biblical morality is about to change dramatically.
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFor 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.
Hollywood Propaganda: The Insidious LGBT Agenda (Part One)
Commentary by David F. MaasHollywood 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 FinkleaPope 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. CollinsChange agents have attempted to apply traditional Christian terminology to politically correct referents, distorting and defiling the original meaning.
Death in the Vatican
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughThe absence of any outright scriptural condemnation of homosexuality from the lips of Jesus has been a mainstay of so-called Christian, pro-gay rhetoric.
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.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe 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.
Apologies to C.S. Lewis
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughDear 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.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Article by David C. GrabbeGnosticism 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. CollinsLike 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. RitenbaughNo ethical issue since the Civil War has so disturbed the social fabric of this nation. People instinctively know that abortion is not morally neutral.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughThe Third Wave is the Information Age, highlighted by instant communication, rapid transportation and ready information on any conceivable topic.
The Falling Away
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe scope of the prophesied falling away is obviously international, affecting the entire world, involving a dramatic global rejection of even basic truth.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeter warns of scoffers in the church, apostate tares, devoid of God's spirit, ridiculing the doctrine that Christ would return or doctrines of judgment.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA 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 Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany 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. RitenbaughLife 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.