What is Modernism?

Modernism in the context of Christian theology refers to a movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a desire to reinterpret traditional Christian beliefs in light of modern scientific, historical, and philosophical developments. Modernism sought to reconcile Christianity with contemporary thought and culture, often leading to the questioning or reinterpreting of doctrines such as the authority of Scripture, the nature of Christ, the virgin birth, and the resurrection. While Modernism aimed to make Christianity more relevant to the modern world, it was met with significant opposition from conservative and orthodox Christians who viewed it as a departure from foundational biblical truths.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Responses to Modernism

Modernism often challenges traditional Christian beliefs, particularly the authority and inspiration of Scripture. The Bible, however, affirms its divine origin and authority, which has been upheld by orthodox Christianity throughout the centuries.

• Authority of Scripture: The Bible asserts that it is divinely inspired and authoritative for all matters of faith and practice. This foundational belief is central to traditional Christian doctrine and is often at odds with the critical approaches of Modernism.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV):
    

    “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

    This passage emphasizes the divine inspiration of Scripture, countering the Modernist tendency to treat the Bible as a purely human document subject to critical scrutiny.

• The Unchanging Nature of God’s Word: The Bible teaches that God’s Word is unchanging and eternal, which stands in contrast to the Modernist approach of reinterpreting biblical doctrines to fit contemporary cultural and intellectual trends.
  • Psalm 119:89 (NIV):
    

    “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

    This verse highlights the enduring nature of God’s Word, challenging the idea that biblical teachings need to be adapted or updated to remain relevant.

• The Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible is presented as sufficient for guiding believers in all aspects of life and faith. Modernism’s tendency to rely on external sources, such as science and philosophy, to reinterpret Scripture is viewed as undermining the sufficiency and authority of the Bible.
  • 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV):
    

    “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

    This passage underscores the belief that Scripture provides everything necessary for a life of godliness, without the need for reinterpretation through a modern lens.

Historical Development and Key Figures

Origins of Modernism

Modernism emerged as a response to the intellectual and cultural changes brought about by the Enlightenment, the rise of modern science, and the development of historical-critical methods of studying the Bible. These changes led some theologians to question traditional Christian doctrines and to seek ways to reinterpret them in light of contemporary knowledge.

• Enlightenment Influence: The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, laid the groundwork for Modernist thought. The Enlightenment encouraged a critical approach to all forms of knowledge, including religious beliefs, which contributed to the development of Modernism in theology.
  • Historical Criticism: The application of historical-critical methods to the Bible sought to analyze the Scriptures as historical documents, often questioning their divine inspiration and traditional interpretations.
• Darwinian Evolution: The publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) challenged traditional Christian views on creation and the origins of humanity. This led some theologians to reinterpret the Genesis account of creation in a symbolic or allegorical manner, reflecting a Modernist approach to Scripture.
  • Genesis 1:1 (NIV):
    

    “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

    Traditional Christian interpretation of this verse sees it as a literal account of creation, which Modernists often reinterpreted in light of evolutionary theory.

• Development of Liberal Theology: Liberal theology, a movement closely associated with Modernism, sought to adapt Christian doctrine to modern intellectual and cultural contexts. It emphasized ethics and the moral teachings of Jesus while often downplaying or reinterpreting supernatural elements of the faith.
  • Adolf von Harnack (1851-1930): A leading figure in liberal theology, Harnack emphasized the ethical teachings of Jesus and sought to strip Christianity of what he considered to be later doctrinal accretions, such as the virgin birth and the resurrection.
    • Harnack’s What is Christianity?: Harnack’s work exemplifies the Modernist approach to Christianity, focusing on the moral core of Jesus’ teachings while minimizing traditional dogma.

The Church’s Response

The rise of Modernism prompted significant opposition from within the Church, particularly from those who sought to defend the historic Christian faith against what they saw as a dangerous departure from orthodoxy.

• Papal Condemnation: The Roman Catholic Church was a major opponent of Modernism. In 1907, Pope Pius X issued the encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis, which condemned Modernism as a synthesis of all heresies. The encyclical required clergy and theologians to take an oath against Modernism, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to traditional doctrine.
  • Pope Pius X, Pascendi Dominici Gregis: “Modernism leads to the annihilation of all religion, and it is destructive of all faith.”

    The encyclical denounced Modernist attempts to reinterpret doctrines and emphasized the need for fidelity to the traditional teachings of the Church.

• Fundamentalist Movement: In Protestantism, the rise of Modernism contributed to the development of the Fundamentalist movement, which sought to defend the inerrancy of Scripture and the fundamentals of the Christian faith against liberal theology and Modernist reinterpretations.
  • The Fundamentals (1910-1915): A series of essays published by conservative Protestant scholars, The Fundamentals defended key doctrines such as the virgin birth, the inerrancy of Scripture, the resurrection of Christ, and the reality of miracles. These writings were a direct response to Modernist theology.
  • J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937): A prominent Presbyterian theologian, Machen was a leading critic of Modernism within Protestantism. In his book Christianity and Liberalism, he argued that Modernism represented a different religion entirely, incompatible with orthodox Christianity.
    • Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism: “The chief modern rival of Christianity is ‘liberalism’… but at every point the two movements are in direct opposition. That contention is here to be established.”

The Impact of Modernism on Christianity

Modernism has had a lasting impact on Christianity, particularly in its influence on liberal theology and its role in the development of various denominations and theological movements.

• Liberal Protestantism: Modernism contributed to the rise of liberal Protestantism, which continues to influence many mainline Protestant denominations. Liberal Protestantism often emphasizes social justice, ethical living, and the moral teachings of Jesus, while downplaying traditional doctrines such as the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the authority of Scripture.
  • Impact on Denominationalism: Modernist theology contributed to divisions within Protestant denominations, leading to splits between liberal and conservative factions. For example, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA) experienced significant internal conflict over issues related to Modernism and biblical interpretation.
• Ecumenism and Social Gospel: Modernism also influenced the rise of the Social Gospel movement, which emphasized the application of Christian ethics to social issues such as poverty, inequality, and labor rights. The movement was closely associated with the development of ecumenism, as Modernists often sought to bridge denominational divides in pursuit of social reform.
  • Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918): A key figure in the Social Gospel movement, Rauschenbusch argued that Christianity should be focused on social justice and the improvement of society, rather than on traditional doctrines or individual salvation.
    • Rauschenbusch’s Christianity and the Social Crisis: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of getting individuals to heaven, but of transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven.”

Theological Significance

Challenges to Orthodox Christianity

Modernism posed significant challenges to traditional Christian beliefs, particularly in areas such as the nature of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, and the supernatural elements of the faith.

• Questioning the Supernatural: Modernists often questioned or reinterpreted the supernatural aspects of Christianity, such as miracles, the virgin birth, and the resurrection. This led to a more rationalistic and human-centered approach to theology.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 (NIV):
    

    “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

    Paul’s emphasis on the resurrection as central to the Christian faith stands in contrast to Modernist attempts to reinterpret or downplay this event.

• Reinterpretation of Doctrine: Modernism encouraged the reinterpretation of traditional doctrines to make them more compatible with contemporary thought. This often involved a shift away from a focus on eternal truths and toward an emphasis on ethical living and social reform.
  • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV):
    

    “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

    This warning from Paul can be seen as relevant to the challenges posed by Modernism’s reinterpretation of doctrine.

The Response of Conservative Theology

Conservative theologians responded to Modernism by reaffirming the authority of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, and the supernatural elements of the Christian faith. This response led to the development of movements such as Fundamentalism and Neo-Evangelicalism, which sought to defend traditional Christian beliefs while engaging with the modern world.

• Inerrancy of Scripture: Conservatives reaffirmed the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, arguing that the Bible is without error in all its teachings and should be accepted as the final authority on matters of faith and practice.
  • John 10:35 (NIV):
    

    “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—”

    Jesus’ affirmation that “Scripture cannot be set aside” supports the conservative stance on the authority of the Bible.

• The Person of Christ: Conservatives emphasized the traditional understanding of the person of Christ, affirming His full divinity and humanity, the virgin birth, and the physical resurrection.
  • John 1:1, 14 (NIV):
    

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

    This passage affirms the divinity and incarnation of Christ, key doctrines defended against Modernist reinterpretations.

Broader Theological Implications

The Role of Tradition and Authority

Modernism’s challenge to traditional Christian beliefs has prompted ongoing discussions about the role of tradition and authority in the Church. Questions about how to balance faithfulness to historic doctrines with engagement with contemporary culture continue to shape theological debates.

• Tradition vs. Innovation: The tension between maintaining continuity with the past and adapting to new cultural contexts is a central issue in the debate over Modernism. While conservatives emphasize the importance of tradition and doctrinal fidelity, Modernists argue for the need to reinterpret faith in light of modern knowledge and experience.
  • Hebrews 13:8 (NIV):
    

    “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

    This verse is often cited by those who advocate for the continuity of Christian doctrine, opposing significant changes in response to modern trends.

The Relevance of Christianity in the Modern World

One of the key concerns of Modernism was the desire to make Christianity relevant in a rapidly changing world. This concern remains relevant today as the Church continues to navigate its relationship with modern culture, science, and philosophy.

• Engagement with Culture: Modernism’s emphasis on engaging with contemporary thought has influenced the way many Christians approach issues such as science, ethics, and social justice. However, the challenge remains to do so without compromising core doctrinal beliefs.
  • Romans 12:2 (NIV):
    

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

    This passage reflects the need for Christians to engage with the world while maintaining their distinctiveness and commitment to God’s truth.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Modernism has had a profound impact on the development of Christian theology, leading to the rise of liberal theology, the Fundamentalist response, and ongoing debates about the role of tradition, Scripture, and cultural engagement in the Church.

Conservative Reflection on Modernism

From a conservative theological perspective, Modernism is often seen as a departure from biblical truth that undermines the foundations of Christian faith. Conservatives emphasize the importance of adhering to the historic doctrines of the Church and resisting the pressures to conform to contemporary cultural and intellectual trends.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

The debate over Modernism ultimately centers on the question of how to faithfully live out the Christian faith in a changing world. While Modernism sought to make Christianity more accessible to the modern mind, it often did so at the expense of core doctrinal truths. In contrast, the biblical message remains consistent: God’s love, revealed in Jesus Christ, is unchanging and eternal.

• John 3:16 (NIV):
  

  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse encapsulates the timeless message of Christianity, which remains relevant across all ages and cultures. While the Church must engage with the modern world, it must do so without losing sight of the unchanging truth of the Gospel and the enduring love of God in Jesus Christ.