Where in the Bible . . . ?

[Craigbythesea]

Where in the Bible does it say that conservative theology is good and that liberal theology is bad?

 

[Bible-boy]

I don't think that you could accurately make either argument directly from the Scripture so to speak.

However, when Liberal Theology causes you to doubt or reject the clear teachings of Scripture such as the reality of Jesus' miricles, the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc. then you have a strong case for claiming that it is bad or wrong.

 

[Watchman]

What I see when I open my Bible to the gospel records is the most conservative Man that ever walked the planet.
Give a writing of divorcement? No.
Don't commit adultery? Don't even look.
Do not murder? Don't even hate.
Old Testament miracles and events: Jesus spoke of them.
The flood: "...as in the days of Noah..."
Sodom: "...it will be more tolerable for Sodom..."
Jonah "...there shall no sign be given...Jonah..."
Moses write the first five books of the Bible? "...he wrote of Me"

Bible-boy has well said. If Liberal Theology means a departure from the clear teaching of Scripture, and what God says is right and wrong, than it is bad.
That said, you can also depart to the right as well: the Pharisees did that and it is summarized in the words of Jesus, "Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men."

 

[saturneptune]

Really, I think when it comes to a description of Jesus, the Bible and spiritual things we could come up with better terms than what we use for the corrupt, money hungry, power structure that exists in political America. Please, no more "liberal" or "conservative." How about Scriptural or not Scriptural. A Holy God and our rotton to the core politicans have nothing in common and should not be mixed, and that includes both sides of the political aisle. A pox on both their houses.

 

[rbell]

and also...
"Conservative" and "Liberal" can radically change meanings depending on the era and issue.

In 1960, wouldn't those in the South who opposed separate water fountains for blacks be called "liberal?" Yet the equality of all races, in my mind, is a "conservative" ideal.

It can get confusing...

 

[exscentric]

It is the people that label theology liberal or conservative or something else, the Bible has nothing to do with it. It is what people do with the Bible.

 

[Charles Meadows]

The bible says what it says.

And it clearly speaks of a divine Jesus who was not just a good man.

I find that some of us in the conservative camp tend to throw the term "liberal" around easily, applying it to those who disagree with us in any way.

I personally have found great benefit in reading those who some would consider "liberal". While I do not necessarily agree with them I think John Howard Yoder, Karl Barth, and others like them have a great deal of good insight.

 

[Scott J]

Originally posted by Craigbythesea:
Where in the Bible does it say that conservative theology is good and that liberal theology is bad?

Are you talking about the classic academic meanings of those words where "conservative" might better be "fundamental"? Or are you talking about modern inferences? Are you talking about theology proper or interpretations?

 

[gb93433]

Originally posted by Bible-boy:
However, when Liberal Theology causes you to doubt or reject the clear teachings of Scripture such as the reality of Jesus' miricles, the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc. then you have a strong case for claiming that it is bad or wrong.

You can also have a case against conservative theology on a different basis. So many Christians could not name answers to prayers they have prayed, men and women they have discipled, and those who have made a decision for Christ. They are simply practical atheists by their practice. JAmaes talks about that kind of practice. James talks about a real, genuine, saving faith and a pseudo faith simply written down or only intellectually believed. "The demons believe and shudder."

Whereas radical Christianity is what the Bible actually teaches.

There were many times when Jesus would have been viewed as a moderate. Such as picking grain on the sabbath.

 

[EdSutton]

Better question from the OP- Where in the Bible does it say anything 'PERIOD!' about 'theology' per se?
Ed

 

[Shiloh]

Jude 15

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Craigbythesea:
Where in the Bible does it say that conservative theology is good and that liberal theology is bad?

It doesn't. But I think we're mostly in agreement that conservative theology is generally preferred.

Now, what we're not in agreement on is what constitutes conservative and liberal theology. For example, KJVOism, the ban on women wearing pants, and the ban on any consumption of alcohol, are all typically viewed as consirvative, yet they are examples of liberal theology, since they all add to scripture.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

 

[Johnv]

Oh, good one! I'm going to use that!!

 

[donnA]

From what I see, liberal, is the name given when theology deviates from scripture. Any deviation from scripture is bad.

 

[Paul of Eugene]

Well, since my own theology is the very best theology I know (And if I know something better, I change to it of course)

Then any theology that differs from mine is liberal.

Conservative, of course, means keeping my theology as I have it.

Is that the way to use the terms?

 

[Johnv]

Good post, PoE.

Most often, liberal theology is defnied by people as "any theology that doesn't coincide with my own".

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Craig,

For us to have a productive discussion here, perhaps it would be good to agree on a definition of the term, liberal theology:

I, therefore, offer the following definition of the characteristics of liberal theology for consideration:

Liberal Christianity, progressive Christianity—or liberalism within a modern Christian context—is a movement within Christianity that is often characterized by the following features:

internal diversity of opinion
an embracing of higher criticism of the Bible with a corresponding willingness to question supernatural elements of biblical stories (e.g., the virgin birth)
the rejection of biblical literalism and the inerrancy of the Bible
the freedom to construct one's own personal view of God
broader views on salvation than those held by conservative Christians, including universalist beliefs
an emphasis on inclusive fellowship and community, often applied in recent years to racial minorities, women and homosexuals
a willingness to consider and adopt viewpoints which have their roots outside of Christianity (e.g., other faith/philosophical traditions)
a willingness to combine theology with modern scientific theories

Liberal Theology

Would you accept this characterization of liberal theology as fair and accurate? If so, then I think we could discuss reasonably the merits or demerits of each idea.

Joseph Botwinick

 

[genesis12]

I accept that as fair and accurate AND I still prefer scriptural or non-scriptural, as someone else has suggested.

 

[OldRegular]

Originally posted by Craigbythesea:
Where in the Bible does it say that conservative theology is good and that liberal theology is bad?

Frankly I don't like the term conservative theology or liberal theology. Since I reject dispensationalism many on this Forum would call my theology liberal even though I believe in the plenary verbal inspiration of the Bible. However in the context you are asking the question perhaps the following Scripture apply:

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.