Liberal Protestantism
With the emergence of scientific revelations in the 19th Century by people such as Charles Darwin, the development of Liberal Protestantism adapted beliefs of Christianity to modernized ideals of science and knowledge.
History & Beliefs
In the 17th and 18th Centuries, Europe underwent radical changes in thought during the period known as the Age of Enlightenment. Intellectual theories regarding areas of study such as science and philosophy began to prevail within society and simultaneously undermine outdated doctrines of politics and religion.
Advances in technology and scientific theories continued after the Enlightenment and began to gain both popularity and criticism from public and private intellectuals.
In November of 1859, Charles Darwin published his most famous work On the Origin of Species, which explained his theory of evolution based on natural selection. Within a decade the theory was viewed as a fact by many different communities, scientific or not.
The theory of evolution, particularly natural selection, contradicted early Christian scripture such as the creation narrative presented in the Book of Genesis within the Old Testament.
In order to adapt to the changing times and knowledge, liberals developed what is known as “liberation theology” in order to allow religions such as Christianity to enter a more modern context. Liberal Protestantism became an early example of combining Christian principles with modernity.
Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834): German theologian and scholar who is considered by many to be the “Father of Liberal Theology,” his work emphasized that religion could and should be experienced through feeling, not through reason. He attempted to take ideas of the Enlightenment and reconcile them with Protestantism.
Opinions vary in liberation theology, though pertaining to the branch of liberal Protestantism:
The Bible is open to criticism and interpretation, while examining early scripture and the figure of Jesus Christ from a historical perspective rather than simply based in faith.
Instead of being the direct word of God, some liberal Protestants view the Bible as merely scripture about God, through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Human experience, particularly that of the individual, is emphasized greatly.
Elements of superstition were rejected in light of new knowledge and reason (the miracles of Jesus Christ were seen rather as metaphors).
The teachings of Jesus Christ are a model of ethics and morality for human beings in the context of the society in which they reside.
Liberal Protestantism in the United States
Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy: During the 1920s and ‘30s in the United States, a major schism occured in light of opposing views within Christianity. Though taking place primarily in the Presbyterian church, liberation theology was at the heart of much of the debate.
Social Gospel: Amidst the transition from the 19th to the 20th Century, this major social movement within Protestantism applied Christian ethics to problems within society such as poverty, inequality, racism, and labor wages.
Visit to Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
Website: https://www.trcnyc.org/
Riverside Church is known as one of the most prominent liberal Protestant churches in the U.S. It was funded by Rockefeller fortune and was completed in 1930. Harry Emerson Fosdick was one of the most famous liberal ministers of the early 20th Century and founder of the church.
Fosdick, Harry Emerson. “Shall the Fundamentalists Win?” a sermon preached at Riverside Church in 1922.
King, Jr., Martin Luther. “Beyond Vietnam,” King’s famous anti-war speech delivered at Riverside Church in 1967.
Readings/Resources
Demerath, N. J. "Cultural Victory and Organizational Defeat in the Paradoxical Decline of Liberal Protestantism." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 34, no. 4 (1995): 458-69. doi:10.2307/1387339.
Johnson, Benton. "Liberal Protestantism: End of the Road?" The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 480 (1985): 39-52. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1045333.
