Indeed, it is precisely because I find so much to agree with in [Charles] Hodge’s critique of liberal theology that I am also pleased that he added the personal footnote about Schleiermacher. I believe he was sending us a signal””one that we very much need to hear today as evangelicals.
Many evangelical commentators these days insist that salvation is closely tied to doctrinal clarity. Here, for example, is how one prominent evangelical leader criticized those of us who have endorsed the various “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” documents: “What those signers ”¦ are saying is that while they believe the doctrine of justification as articulated by the Reformers is true, they are not willing to say people must believe it to be saved. In other words, they believe people are saved who do not believe the biblical doctrine of justification.”
I can’t speak for others who look for common ground with Roman Catholics, but he certainly has me right: I am passionate in my agreement with Martin Luther on justification by faith alone. But do I believe that a person can be confused about this doctrine and still be saved? Absolutely. I wish that many of my Catholic friends would subscribe unambiguously to the views about salvation by grace alone that I hold preciously. But is their failure to do so a reason for me to doubt their salvation? Here I side clearly with Charles Hodge: “To whomever Christ is God ”¦ Christ is a Saviour.”
A delightful essay. “Convicted Civility” is an excellent concept. I still think Schleiermacher has it right theologically, but I appreciated the author’s honesty and generosity.
This essay hits home for me. I am a former Roman Catholic who is now in a conservative Anglican Parish (APA). When I am talking with some people and the topic comes up, I have to tell them I am in a “mixed marriage”. My wife is Southern Baptist. Is this a problem, NO. We both worship the same God, both proclaim and believe that Jesus Christ is our Saviour. What matters is that we are both Christian, that we confess our sins and believe in the salvation that comes from our belief in Jesus Christ as saviour. Does this cause problems in Church attendance, not really. Both Churches are on the same street, approximately two blocks apart. When scheduling allows, she attends Adult Sunday school classes with me and then goes on to her Church for worship services. I attend Mass at my church, and sometimes go with her to Sunday evening services at hers. We have only been married for four years, and are in our 60’s. We didn’t try to change each other, but to celebrate each other as we try and live as Christians today. Her Pastor preaches the same message I hear from my Rector, he just says it a little fireyer.