FOES OF THE FAITH

Introduction

During the nineteenth century, several influential movements emerged that posed threats to the Christian faith. These movements challenged the traditional beliefs upheld by the church throughout history. In this handout, we will explore three significant adversaries: biblical criticism, materialism, and communism. Understanding these challenges will provide insights into the intellectual and social forces that have affected Christianity.

I. Criticism of the Bible

Biblical criticism arose from a combination of factors, including the individualistic and humanistic climate of the Renaissance, rationalism, and individualism of the eighteenth century, as well as the historical outlook of the Romantic Movement and German idealistic philosophy. These influences led to a diminished reliance on the Bible as the authoritative standard for faith and life. The introduction of the theory of evolution further eroded the authority of the Bible by treating Christianity as a product of religious evolution.

Biblical criticism emerged from the Renaissance, rationalism, Romantic Movement, and German idealistic philosophy.
Industrial revolution and higher standard of living shifted focus away from the Bible.
The theory of evolution undermined the authority of the Bible.

II. The Philosophic and Theological Background of Biblical Criticism

The philosophies of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Georg Hegel, and Albrecht Ritschl played crucial roles in shaping the background favorable to biblical criticism.

Immanuel Kant

Kant’s idealistic philosophy denied the possibility of knowing God through senses or reason.
He emphasized the moral sense as the starting point for religion, excluding historical and objective revelation.
Kant’s philosophy laid the groundwork for both biblical criticism and modern liberal theology.

Friedrich Schleiermacher

Schleiermacher emphasized religious experience rooted in feelings and emotions.
He viewed religion as a subjective apprehension of Christ, leading to a dependence on God in Christ for a satisfactory religious experience.
Schleiermacher’s philosophy contributed to the rise of modern theology.

Georg Hegel

Hegel’s philosophy highlighted the manifestation of the Absolute through a logical process of reconciliation.
His dialectic or logic influenced theology and critical approaches to the Bible.
Hegel’s philosophy was later adopted by Marx and used to glorify the state and the dictator.

Albrecht Ritschl

Ritschl accepted religious feeling as the foundation for religion, emphasizing the social consciousness of dependence.
He saw the historical Christ as the practical revelation of sin and salvation.
Ritschl’s subjective approach opened the way for critical study of the Bible.

Kant denied objective revelation and emphasized moral sense.
Schleiermacher focused on religious experience and feelings.
Hegel’s dialectic influenced theology and critical approaches to the Bible.
Ritschl combined religious feeling and historical investigation.

III. Biblical Criticism

Biblical criticism can be divided into higher (historical and literary) criticism and lower (textual) criticism. While lower criticism aims to ascertain the accuracy of the biblical text, higher criticism has been associated with destructive views.

Higher Criticism

Higher criticism seeks to study the historical background of each book of the Bible.
Radical higher criticism has challenged the unity and Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.
Critics have divided books like Isaiah and Daniel and explained the development of doctrine in evolutionary terms.
Biblical archaeology has confirmed conservative views of the Bible.

Lower Criticism

Lower criticism examines the text of the Bible to determine its authenticity.
It affirms the accuracy of the biblical text, ensuring that the writings come from the original authors.
Lower criticism does not call into question any doctrine or ethical teaching of Scripture.

Higher criticism challenges the unity and authorship of biblical books.
Lower criticism confirms the accuracy of the biblical text.

IV. Materialism

Materialism is a viewpoint that emphasizes material values and a high standard of living. This perspective can lead to neglecting spiritual values and focusing solely on the present life. The abundance of goods resulting from the industrial revolution has played a significant role in promoting materialism, particularly in America.

Materialism emphasizes material values and a high standard of living.
It can lead to neglecting spiritual values and eternal life.

V. Creationism vs. Evolution

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has posed significant challenges to traditional religious beliefs, particularly the doctrine of special creation.

Charles Darwin

Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
He argued that species evolve through a struggle for existence and adaptation to the environment.
Darwin’s theory was applied to man, suggesting a continuity between humans and animals.
Evolutionary ideas have been used to undermine the concept of sin and the need for Christ’s redemptive work.

Darwin’s theory of evolution challenges the biblical concept of special creation.
Evolutionary ideas have been used to minimize the need for Christ and the concept of sin.

VI. Communism

Communism, rooted in the materialistic philosophy of Karl Marx, presents a significant challenge to Christianity.

Karl Marx

Marx developed the philosophy of Communism, emphasizing class struggle and the redistribution of wealth.
He considered religion as the “opiate of the people” and believed that it would fade away in a classless society.
Communism opposes absolute standards, including the belief in God and the authority of the Bible.
The church has faced hostility under Communist regimes due to its conflicting values and ideals.

Communism opposes religion and absolute standards.
The church has faced opposition under Communist regimes.

Bibliography
Cairns, Earle E. Christianity through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church. Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.