We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

How Humanism Entered the Church


At its core, therefore, the Reformation was the removing of the humanistic distortions which had entered the church.

It is worth reiterating the ways in which the infiltration by humanistic thought--growing over the years but fully developed by 1500--showed itself.  First, the authority of the church was made equal to the authority of the Bible.  Second, a strong element of human work was added to the work of Christ for salvation.  Third, after Thomas Aquinas there had come an increasing synthesis between biblical teaching and pagan thought.  This synthesis was not just a borrowing of words but actually of content.

Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live?, p.82

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