Postmodernism, Apostasy and the Emergent Church

Of all the prophecies contained in the bible, perhaps the most disheartening for the Christian is that of the falling away of the church from sound doctrine.  We find this reference in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 where Paul warned that the man of sin, (the Antichrist), would not be revealed until a falling away takes place first.  Most interpretations of this reference take this verse to mean that the Church would experience a growing apostasy.  The definition of apostasy means to depart from the precepts of ones faith.  It could also mean the watering down or diminishment of Christian principles and instruction. (Read 1 Timothy 4:1-2, and 2 Timothy 4:2-3 for further warnings).

We now live in a post-modern world, a world where it is increasingly more difficult to reach people for Christ.  Many churches are attempting to develop programs to attract new people into the church.  This is all very well and good, but unfortunately some of these programs can play into the hands of the great deceiver himself, (Satan), and can become twisted into another gospel entirely.  For those that may not know what post-modernism is, here is a brief definition from Christian apologist, Roger Oakland:

Quote “The postmodern mindset moves beyond the rational and the factual to the experiential and the mystical. In other words, in the past it was possible to know right from wrong and black from white. In the postmodern era all things are relative to the beholder. What may be right for you may be wrong for someone else. There is no such thing as absolute truth. The only thing that is absolute is that there is no absolute.” Unquote.

Prior to the post-modern era, the central message of biblical Christianity was very simple;  The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and his substitutionary atonement for our sins, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to reconcile with God, (John 14:6).  However, in an effort to attract more people into the church and to appear less divisive and dogmatic, the postmodern church gravitates to more of a ”purpose-driven viewpoint of establishing a global utopia” to quote Oakland, with less emphasis on what used to be sound biblical doctrine concerning such issues as homosexuality, eschatology, and the cross as the only means of reconciliation with God.  Roger Oakland goes on to say that one of the hallmarks of the postmodern teaching is how the future is perceived.

Quote, “Rather than urgently proclaiming the gospel according to the Scriptures and believing the time to do so is short, the emphasis has now shifted. No longer are “signs of the times” significant. The battle cry is very different. A major emphasis among evangelicals is the idea that the world can be radically improved through social programs.” Unquote.

Oakland goes on to warn that such efforts will come to naught and are destined to failure. 

Quote, “According to the Scriptures, there will be no kingdom of God until the King arrives. All the human effort man can muster up will fall short of bringing utopia. In fact, according to the Scriptures, fallen man will lead us further down the road to a society of despair and lawlessness just like it was in the days of Noah.” Unquote

Roger Oakland, who has spent many years in the ministry of biblical discernment, gives us several warnings to watch for  with regards to what he calls the Emergent Church movement:

• Scripture is no longer the ultimate authority as the basis for the Christian faith.
• The centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ is being replaced by humanistic methods promoting church growth and a social gospel.
• More and more emphasis is being placed on building the kingdom of God now and less and less on the warnings of Scripture about the imminent return of Jesus Christ and a coming judgment in the future.
• The teaching that Jesus Christ will rule and reign in a literal millennial period is considered unbiblical and heretical.
• The teaching that the church has taken the place of Israel and Israel has no prophetic significance is often embraced.
• The teaching that the Book of Revelation does not refer to the future, but instead has been already fulfilled in the past
• An experiential mystical form of Christianity begins to be promoted as a method to reach the postmodern generation.
• Ideas are promoted teaching that Christianity needs to be reinvented in order to provide meaning for this generation.
• While the authority of the Word of God is undermined, images and sensual experiences are promoted as the key to experiencing and knowing God.
• These experiences include icons, candles, incense, liturgy, labyrinths, prayer stations, contemplative prayer, experiencing the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist.
• There seems to be a strong emphasis on ecumenism indicating that a bridge is being established that leads in the direction of unity with the Roman Catholic Church.
• There will be a growing trend towards an ecumenical unity for the cause of world peace claiming the validity of other religions and that there are many ways to God.
• Members of churches who question or resist the new changes that the pastor is implementing are reprimanded and usually asked to leave.

As time progresses and postmodern emergent Christianity becomes more main-stream, we should expect to see a continuation of the watering down of true biblical Christianity.  In fact that has already begun to happen as several key “Evangelicals” such as Rob Bell** and in particular, Brian McClaren** have started questioning the singularity of the Christian faith and that it may not be the only road that leads to God.  This is patently false, and should be exposed for what it is; heresy and apostasy within the Church.  We should also watch for, and warn when we see biblical Christianity undertaking ecumenical or interfaith dialogues with other religion faiths, which legitimizes the concept that all roads lead to God, (they don’t).   Again another quote from Roger Oakland on this movement:

Quote; “This new form of Christianity will replace biblical faith with a faith that says man can establish the kingdom of God here on earth. The Word will continue to become secondary to a system of works driven by experiences. An ecumenical pattern towards unity with Rome will become more apparent. Those who refuse to embrace this direction will be considered spiritual oddballs that need to be reprimanded. Those who stand up for biblical faith will be considered the obstructions to the one world spirituality that is promoted as the answer for peace. The best way to be prepared for what is coming is to gain an understanding of what is happening now.” Unquote

We urge all of you to be studious in your study of Gods word.  And to become like the Bereans who examined the scriptures daily to ensure what they were being taught was true, (Acts 17:11)

MARANTHA , Even so, come Lord Jesus.

For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. Hebrews 10:37

Source of information:  http://www.understandthetimes.org/   Roger Oakland

** For more information on Rob Bell and Brian McClaren  http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/