Modern Naturalism Liberalism
“...we can no more remove ourselves from that world than we can escape from the atmosphere that we breathe.” (2, Machen)
The context of Machen’s quote can be found in two definitions that shape the discussion in the introduction of his book, Christianity and Liberalism. These definitions include “modernism” (synonymous usage with “liberalism”) and “naturalism.”
Modernism is the “non-redemptive religion,” a wolf in sheep’s wool, or in plain terms - old terminology with new definitions.
Naturalism is the denial of any supernatural connection or contribution to creation.
Thus enters the discussion of modern naturalism liberalism (MNL).
What is the effect of MNL?
The true implications of this theory or idea that has infiltrated culture in unclear and incomplete in Machen’s introduction. However, there is strong language that denotes an incredible impact. He explains how the effects can be difficult for a discerning eye to understand yet presses in upon everyone in many aspects.
What is this pressing reality that MNL dooms everyone to?
This is where Machen’s quote is useful in understanding the impact of MNL in our culture. He wrote, “...we can no more remove ourselves from that world than we can escape from the atmosphere that we breathe.” (2, Machen)
Interesting. The culture in which we live is a frame of mind that we cannot escape. Devastatingly hopeless. And unfortunately accurate.
The context of Machen’s quote can be found in two definitions that shape the discussion in the introduction of his book, Christianity and Liberalism. These definitions include “modernism” (synonymous usage with “liberalism”) and “naturalism.”
Modernism is the “non-redemptive religion,” a wolf in sheep’s wool, or in plain terms - old terminology with new definitions.
Naturalism is the denial of any supernatural connection or contribution to creation.
Thus enters the discussion of modern naturalism liberalism (MNL).
What is the effect of MNL?
The true implications of this theory or idea that has infiltrated culture in unclear and incomplete in Machen’s introduction. However, there is strong language that denotes an incredible impact. He explains how the effects can be difficult for a discerning eye to understand yet presses in upon everyone in many aspects.
What is this pressing reality that MNL dooms everyone to?
This is where Machen’s quote is useful in understanding the impact of MNL in our culture. He wrote, “...we can no more remove ourselves from that world than we can escape from the atmosphere that we breathe.” (2, Machen)
Interesting. The culture in which we live is a frame of mind that we cannot escape. Devastatingly hopeless. And unfortunately accurate.
In a similar way, a fish can only live in the world of his fishbowl. I’m not certain this particular analogy quote holds water, but it does raise an excellent point. The context in which we live influences how we live, how we think, how we feel and modern naturalism liberalism is influencing American culture.
What caused MNL?
Machen attributes multiple shifts or changes throughout especially the last 100 years in American history to cause and contribute to this.
Machen is known to be a believer and I had hoped he would not have excluded this point in his writing. Perhaps he didn’t know about it in his time and church context. Machen somewhat blames development and technology for the cultural shift in the last 100 years without mention of spiritual warfare or the Enemy’s efforts in destroying Christianity. (2, Machen) A necessary topic of conversation in the discussion of Christianity and culture albeit not well known.
What do we do about MNL?
Maybe we’ll uncover this golden question later in the book! I’m not convinced there will be a simple answer to this complex conversation, but I am hopeful that Machen will offer his opinion of a helpful solution. Stay tuned!
I will note and appreciate the fact that this book was originally published in 1923 and is somewhat still relevant. I am anticipating running into information that is outdated or no longer applicable to the conversation. But we shall see what that looks like when we come to it!
Bibliography
Machen, John Gresham. Christianity and Liberalism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1923.
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