Chapter 2: Doctrine

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Greshman Machen

Chapter 2: Doctrine

Machen's focus in chapter 2 concerns the loss or replacement of doctrine in the church mostly brought on by modern liberalism. Machen writes that the idea "Christianity is a life not a doctrine" is false. His concern is that the message of Christianity is lost when the focus is turned towards life experience rather than doctrine. The real hope of Christianity is that it is true. It's not a collection of stories meant to cause encouragement and strength in the reader. The message is derived from history. If there is a loss of truth then there is a loss of the message and of real faith.

The human experience needs to be interpreted through the lens of doctrine. Christianity was founded on a message which was developed based on facts and history rather than feelings. For example Jesus died. That is a historical fact but, he died for our sins. That is theology. The disciples and Paul also did not  just feel like Jesus rose from the dead; they knew it. It was the facts that guided their theology which then informed how they were to live. Just a few days after Jesus' death his discouraged  followers became passionate missionaries. This was not caused by a decision of their will to preach about a morally good person named Jesus. It was a supernatural change in life direction catalyzed by historical events steeped in Christian doctrine.

My concern with Machen's conclusion is that in our culture there is a predominant desire for an experience over hearing a list of facts. As I wondered in my first blog how accurate Machen was about the direction society was headed I think he saw this coming or at least my experience has been in some ways what he described. Our culture seeks to live something rather than just hear about it. For example my students in my youth group do not just want to hear that God is faithful but they want to see that for themselves. Of course they can only view their experience as God being faithful if they have the framework of doctrine that suggests God is faithful.

Though the facts, truth, and history all can lead to well-grounded faith there is also a need for people to be given the space to experience life in Christ, not just read about it. So while I hear Machen out, that people cannot merely rely on their experience for truth I think that the Christian life is about life experience as well as doctrine. Doctrine explains our experience and experience leads us towards deeper more meaningful doctrine. I understand his concern that modern liberalism Christianity is rooted in experiences which can lead to false doctrine. My only critique in applying this today in our culture is that there still should be a focus that the Christian life is one that can be experienced. Doctrine is good and gives us a lens through which to view our lives but like Machen and I said: Jesus is alive. Relationship is possible and therefore disciplines which enhance that relationship such as varying forms of discipleship, prayer, worship, or scripture reading need to be taught and practiced within the church. These types of disciplines infuse our life experiences with biblical doctrines.