Posted on 11/08/2009 10:26:23 AM PST by Gamecock
I'm re-reading J. Gresham Machen's Christianity & Liberalism with my friend and co-worker, Jacob Hall. Machen wrote this book in 1923 as a response to the doctrineless preaching of Harry Fosdick. It rings true today--and I'm not just talking about what others are preaching. I'm talking about the temptation I face to avoid saying hard things. I'm surprised how often I have an inner conversation as I prepare a sermon. It goes something like this: "Aaron, that's true. It's in the Bible. It needs to be said even though it may offend some." In spite of myself, I am resolved to call myself and others to repent. Here is Machen, challenging preachers to stop their feeble attempts to reform the self-righteous. Instead, we ought to show the "righteous" their sin.
The fundamental fault of the modern Church is that she is busily engaged in an absolutely impossible task—she is busily engaged in calling the righteous to repentance. Modern preachers are trying to bring men into the Church without requiring them to relinquish their pride; they are trying to help men avoid the conviction of sin. The preacher gets into the pulpit, opens the Bible, and addresses the congregation somewhat as follows: ‘You people are very good,’ he says; ‘you respond to every appeal that looks toward the welfare of the community. Now we have in the Bible—especially in the life of Jesus—something so good that we believe it is good enough even or you good people.’ Such is modern preaching. It is heard every Sunday in thousands of pulpits. But it is entirely futile. Even our Lord did not call the righteous to repentance, and probably we shall be no more successful than He.
I’ve got the book. It is on my list to read.
Hi IT,
It is a remarkably easy read. I think each chapter stands alone.
:) Sure.
Just spent an interesting worship at a PCA church where the readings and the Lord’s supper were done by women. Still trying to understand it.
Readings? OK.
But the Lord’s Supper??
I even have problems with the women reading if there are elders available... which there were. In fact, other than the sermon and the announcements... and the officiating of the table, everything was done by women. Women helped to serve the table.
YIKES!
Are you sure it wasn’t a PCUSA?
Positive.
EPC?
Cumberland Pres?
(I’m funnin’ with you now)
Pacific Northwest Presbytery.
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