Page 137 - History of Christianity - Student Textbook

For example, because experience is valued more highly than reason, truth becomes relative. This opens up all
kinds of problems, as this lessens the standard that the Bible contains absolute truth, and even disqualifies
biblical truth as being absolute in many cases. If the Bible is not our source for absolute truth, and personal
experience is allowed to define and interpret what truth actually is, a saving faith in Jesus Christ is rendered
meaningless.

There will always be "paradigm shifts" in thinking as long as mankind inhabits this present earth, because
mankind constantly seeks to better itself in knowledge and stature. Challenges to our way of thinking are good,
as they cause us to grow, to learn, and to understand. This is the principle of Romans 12:2 at work, of our minds
being transformed. Yet, we need to be ever mindful of Acts 17:11 and be like the Bereans, weighing every new
teaching, every new thought, against Scripture. We don't let our experiences interpret Scripture for us, but as
we change and conform ourselves to Christ, we interpret our experiences according to Scripture. Unfortunately,
this is not what is happening in circles espousing post-modern Christianity.
(https://www.gotquestions.org/post-modern-Christianity.html)

25.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What was John Hick’s major views about Christianity and other religions?

2. How has Christian grown in Africa since 1900?

3. Name the six leading nations in Africa whose population has the highest percentage of believers:

4. Name the two British men who championed the spread of the Gospel in Africa, while never setting foot on
African soil:

5. What was the theme of the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65?

6. Before the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Church was basically isolated from the world. What did Pope
John want to change about that profile?

25.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: As we come to the end of our study in church history, we can clearly see how God has moved
among men, but equally active, we can see how Satan has resisted Him in every aspect. But we do see
that history is moving to a conclusion. The history of the church is a history of God’s reconciliation –
of bringing men to salvation through faith. It is a history of warfare. We see how true the Scriptures
are when Paul said:

Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

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