Seven Characteristics of Liberal Theology

The National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

What is theological liberalism?

Liberalism is both a tradition—coming out of the late-18th century Protestant attempt to reconfigure traditional Christian teaching in the light of modern knowledge and values—and a diverse, but recognizable approach to theology.

Like any “ism,” liberalism is not easy to pigeonhole. But Gary Dorrien’s magisterial three volumes on The Making of American Liberal Theology present a coherent picture of a movement that has been marked by identifiable hermeneutical and sociological commitments. Even if one wishes to avoid liberal theology, it would still be wise to know something about a movement that has exerted such considerable influence over the past two hundred years.

Below are seven characteristics of liberalism that have been culled from the first volume of Dorrien’s trilogy. The headings are mine; the indented text is from the book. Read More

What may surprise some readers is the degree to which liberal theology has come to permeate the thinking of evangelical and Catholic churches that view and identify themselves as conservative. Since it is not radical in its claims, it has gained acceptance. Often as not these churches are unaware of its liberal character or origin.