J. Gresham Machen's Christianity & Liberalism was published in 1923. Understanding the context in which this book was written, not only the year but also the location (the United States) adds an interesting take on this book.
In the first chapter, Machen introduces the problem -the rise of modernism, or liberalism, in Christianity. He states that really, Christian Liberalism is a failure to both Christianity and modern science.
One thing that was frustrating in reading this chapter was the lack of elaboration for terms he used. Without knowing if he will expound on these ideas (or his ideas of these words), I don't want to say too much negative about it. However, I felt like even his brief description on what he sees liberalism as was not enough to help me process his point of view. He used other terms as well (e.g. "Christian convictions," "scientific history," "higher aspirations of humanity," and "materialism") that are so subjective in today's world that it seems necessary that he explain what he views them as.
Apart from this, one thing that particularly stood out to me is how "American" his ideas are. This is not necessarily good or bad, simply an observation. He mentions ideas of utilitarianism robbing human aspirations, as well as how the government controls things such as education which ends up removing individual freedoms. Clearly the picture he is painting is a negative one. However, as I read this, I take it with a grain of salt, recognizing the American ideals ringing loudly.
His point of the chapter can be summed up in his thought-provoking statement, "Material betterment has gone hand in hand with spiritual decline" (13). While this is an interesting statement, and I have seen evidences of this when visiting Christian cultures in other countries such as Haiti and then comparing them to that of my own culture, I simply do no think one can make a blanket statement such as that. While yes, scientific and technological advances can push society to be more comfortable and more dependent on them, and most likely even idolizing them, I believe 1) "spiritual decline" cannot be measured on a societal level, and 2) humans are always sinful and will always look for something to idolize and worship aside from God, with or without these scientific advances.
I do want to highlight to a phrase he says in his closing paragraph of this chapter:
"...by showing what Christianity is not we hope to be able to show what Christianity is" (13).
The age-old question of "what determines what is Christian is and is not" is still one in many minds, including mine. But often before we can start to say what it is, we have to start learning to say, "Nope. That's not it."
