Gotcha! Progressive Christianity

Introduction:

We live in a world where the lines between truth and error are increasingly blurred. One such distortion is the rise of “progressive Christianity,” which is gaining popularity, particularly among those who claim to represent the Christian faith. But we must ask: Is it really the Christianity of the Bible? Progressive Christianity, in its many forms, presents a version of faith that often diverges sharply from the truths revealed in Scripture. In fact, it risks leading people away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns us:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”

As we examine the movement of progressive Christianity, let us look closely at the fruits it produces, and whether they align with the teachings of Christ or lead us astray.

1. A Low View of Christ: The “Moral Example” Not the Divine Savior

Gotcha Point: Progressive Christianity lowers Jesus from the divine Son of God to a mere moral teacher.

In progressive Christianity, Jesus is often portrayed not as the eternal Son of God but as a moral guide—someone whose life we should try to emulate. For example, famous evangelists like Joel Osteen promote a message where Jesus is primarily presented as a “hopeful” figure who can help us live better lives, rather than the Savior who died for our sins. Osteen’s teachings, though filled with positivity, downplay Christ’s divine nature and the necessity of His atoning death. His focus is more on self-help and prosperity rather than on repentance, salvation, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

But what does Scripture say? John 1:1-14 affirms that Jesus is the Word made flesh, the Creator of all things. John 8:58 clearly states that Jesus is the eternal “I AM,” underscoring His divinity. Progressive Christianity, by making Jesus a mere example to follow, strips Him of His divinity and mission as the Savior of the world.

Gotcha Question: If Jesus is only a moral teacher, why did He claim to be God in the flesh and demand to be worshipped? (Matthew 28:17; John 14:9).

2. Focus on Moralism, Not Salvation: Jesus as a Guide, Not a Savior

Gotcha Point: Progressive Christianity emphasizes moral behavior, but that’s not the essence of the gospel!

Prominent figures like Rick Warren, who is often associated with the “Purpose Driven” movement, emphasize living a morally good life, but they minimize the reality of salvation through Christ. The emphasis is on being “good” and “successful” in this life, rather than on repentance from sin and faith in Jesus for salvation. This moralism reduces Christianity to a system of self-improvement, where the goal is just to be kind to others and live a good life.

Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and not through works. The gospel is not about becoming a better person, but about being saved from sin and eternal separation from God. When progressive Christianity focuses solely on moral behavior, it misses the very heart of the gospel—the need for Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

Gotcha Question: If being good is all that matters, then why did Jesus have to die for our sins? (Luke 19:10; Matthew 1:21).

3. Downplaying Sin: We Are Not “Good People” at the Core

Gotcha Point: Progressive Christianity downplays the seriousness of sin and the need for redemption.

In progressive Christian circles, sin is often ignored or minimized. The idea that humanity is essentially good and that people just need to be more compassionate and loving is common. Oprah Winfrey, while not a traditional evangelist, has influenced many with her messages of universalism and self-empowerment, suggesting that human beings are inherently good and can find salvation through their own means. This perspective is directly contrary to the biblical understanding of sin, which teaches that all have fallen short of the glory of God and are in desperate need of a Savior.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The truth of Scripture is clear: humanity is not inherently good; we are fallen, sinful beings in need of Christ’s redemptive work. Denying this reality is not only misleading but dangerous.

Gotcha Question: If we are all inherently good, why did Jesus say, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17)?

4. Devaluing the Authority of Scripture: The Bible Is Not Just “Human Words”

Gotcha Point: Progressive Christianity rejects the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, instead viewing it as merely a human document.

Progressive Christians often claim that the Bible is a collection of human writings about God, subject to cultural context and human error. This view is championed by individuals like Brian McLaren, a well-known figure in the emergent church movement, who has questioned the authority and clarity of Scripture. In contrast, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

The progressive view of Scripture undermines its authority and truth, leaving individuals without a firm foundation. If the Bible is not the infallible Word of God, then we are left to determine truth based on human opinion—leading to confusion and instability in the faith.

Gotcha Question: If Scripture is not the Word of God, how do we know what truth is, and who has the right to define it?

5. The “All Paths Lead to God” Fallacy: Rejecting the Exclusivity of Christ

Gotcha Point: Progressive Christianity promotes the idea that all religions lead to the same God—Jesus strongly disagrees.

Prominent figures like Joel Osteen and Oprah Winfrey have embraced the idea that all religious paths lead to God. This teaching, however, directly contradicts John 14:6, where Jesus clearly states, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Progressive Christianity, by claiming that all religions are equally valid, rejects the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation. This is not just a minor difference in opinion; it is a fundamental denial of the gospel.

Gotcha Question: If all religions lead to God, why did Jesus say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)?

Conclusion: The Cold, Colder, Frozen Truth

Beloved, we cannot afford to be deceived by progressive Christianity. It may appear attractive, compassionate, and inclusive, but it is not the faith that was delivered to us by Jesus Christ. It distorts the truth about Christ, salvation, sin, the Bible, and the exclusivity of the gospel. Those who teach such doctrines, even if they are popular evangelists like Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, or Brian McLaren, are leading people away from the true Jesus and the true gospel.

We must stand firm in the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Let us hold fast to the real Jesus—fully God, fully man, the Savior of the world who died for our sins and rose again, and the only way to the Father.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the clarity of Your Word and for the precious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We pray that You would help us discern truth from error, and protect us from the dangers of progressive Christianity that distort Your gospel. Give us courage to stand firm in the truth of Scripture and to proclaim Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. May we love those caught in these false teachings enough to share the gospel with them clearly and compassionately.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.