“Jesus-focused Christianity took root in evangelicalism but flowered in liberal Protestantism, a postbellum theological movement that adapted to the challenges of modernity by stressing the goodness of humanity, the inevitability of progress, the necessity of good works, and the immanence of God in nature, culture and the human heart…While evangelicals continued to affirm the twin authority of Jesus and the scriptures, liberals weaned themselves off the Bible, which they increasingly viewed as a good book rather than God’s Book. Ultimately, their faith came to rest on the authority of Jesus alone.”
Stephen Prothero, American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon. Page 79.
This is a brief excerpt from a book I am reading for Christology. I haven’t had the class yet, but I could not wait to read this intriguing book. What is so interesting about the above excerpt is the total disconnect between the Word and the Incarnate Word. This is something liberals like to do, divorcing Jesus from Himself by denying the power and authority of the Word.
Stephen Prothero, American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon. Page 79.
This is a brief excerpt from a book I am reading for Christology. I haven’t had the class yet, but I could not wait to read this intriguing book. What is so interesting about the above excerpt is the total disconnect between the Word and the Incarnate Word. This is something liberals like to do, divorcing Jesus from Himself by denying the power and authority of the Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
John 1:1-5
This Jesus alone theology sounds frighteningly familiar, doesn’t it? Hmmm, what is another way to say Jesus alone? I’ll let the reader make his/her own conclusions.
1 comment:
Good post, the book sounds very interesting. Sounds like the author has a line on predominent thought on the subject.
"Jesus alone" sound so christian, so right though, people would say "only a non-christian would discuss otherwise."
What Would Jesus Do?, the statement should probably be, WDSS, What Does Scripture Say? WWJD is popular though because it leaves room for personal interpretation, gives us some wiggle room and keeps God in our pocket or on our wrist.
I'll have to put the book on my Try To Read List.
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