I am reading Iain Murray’s book, Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the years 1950 to 2000. It is both a fascinating and sad read, since it basically explains how pragmatism infiltrated the local church and continues to influence ministry today. Murray basically begins with Schleiermacher and shows how his philosophy ultimately  impacted church leaders in England. Doctrine became less and less important while unity (at all costs) became all important. Murray details how bible believing leaders bowed the knee to ecumenicalism, accommodating at every turn.

Murray’s book is a stunning, but sadly accurate critique, of how liberalism impacted the church of the latter half of the 20th century. Let the reader be warned: many sacred cows are exposed in the book, from the man-made institution of altar calls to perhaps your favorite TV evangelist.

Categories: Books, Church, Church history, Culture, Doctrine, Evangelism