A Glimpse back in history at the Goals for New Evangelicalism (Did it happen?)

A Glimpse back in history at the Goals for New Evangelicalism (Did it happen?)

They claimed to be true to orthodox Christian beliefs.  That's easy: just redefine orthodox with the lowest common denominators.  Here are four reasons they gave for their necessity as a movement.  These points are taken from the article entitled, "New Evangelicalism" in The Dictionary of Theological Terms by Alan Cairns (pp. 257-249).

First, "they wished to place an emphasis on scholarship."  This includes heavy interaction and quotations from outright unbelievers, neo-orthodoxy and liberals.  Remember the phrase in an attempt to reach out to the scholastic world, "I'll call you a Christian, if you'll call me a scholar."  Think lowest common denominator beliefs in the Evangelical Theological Society.

Second, "new evangelicals wished to abandon the old confrontational spirit of earlier days."  This eventually created outright cooperation with liberals and Roman Catholics.  ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together) is just another product of this line of thinking fleshed out.  It would surprise you the well-known names who signed the document.  Liberals are Christians.  Roman Catholics are Christians.  So they say.

Third, "new evangelicals wished to be more open to modern scientific theory."  Think evolution doesn't matter.  This is the new basic mantra across the lines of big name evangelical groups, seminaries, and coalitions.  They have the Reformed Calvinistic soteriology talk down but they praise the unbelieving scientists.  When Bible is placed against science, the new evangelicals chose the biased views of unbelieving scientists.  But they are not worried, you need Jesus not a literal fall and Adam.

Fourth, "new evangelicals wished to become more involved than old evangelicals had been in addressing the problems of society."  Think: social justice everywhere.  New mission: social justice gospel and evangelism.  Racism, capitalism, poverty, etc....  These are the new focuses in a social justice kingdom on earth.

What damage have these misplaced goals and means brought upon Christ's church?  What steps have Fundamentalists made in these same four directions?  Be careful before you answer.  Look at what schools remain and who has closed their doors.  What changes have been made?  What walls no longer exist?  Concerned?  What schools will be left when my children a college-aged?

Think.  Preach Christ alone (this 500th Reformation year).  Comments encouraged.