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The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity, by Michael J. Kruger (a Cruciform Quick booklet)
Endorsed by Collin Hansen, Michael Horton, Kevin DeYoung
Not long ago, I came across a list of ten principles set forth by proponents of progressive Christianity. They are, in effect, a new Ten Commandments. What’s striking is that they are far less about God revealing his desires and far more about man expressing his own—less Moses, more Oprah.
Yet each of these “commandments” is partially true. Indeed, that is what makes this list, and progressive Christianity as a whole, so challenging. Half-truths can sound quite appealing until you recognize their foundations and implications. In this booklet, I diagnose and critique each of these tenets and offer a brief biblical and theological response.
Liberal Christianity never really goes away. If the church is going to hold fast to “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), we must, in every era, be able to distinguish the true faith from the false.
–Michael J. Kruger
Author
Michael J. Kruger is the President and the Samuel C. Patterson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America.
Endorsements
“It’s amazing just how many of these new ‘Ten Commandments’ are taken for granted in our culture and also roll easily off the tongue in Christian circles. As a highly gifted surgeon, Michael Kruger refuses to offer a light diagnosis or superficial cures. This is a timely and convicting analysis that we all need to hear.”
— Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary California
“I recognize these Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity from growing up in the Protestant mainline and from many churches in my community today. There’s nothing new in their message, even as such churches portray themselves as our future. Michael Kruger helps us see the internal inconsistencies of their teaching as they decry certainty with, well, certainty. We must be equipped to see why such attempts to revise Christianity will never turn the world upside down, as did the apostles with the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
— Collin Hansen, editorial director, The Gospel Coalition; author of Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church
“Don’t let the brevity of this book fool you. Mike Kruger has written a trenchant critique of the intellectual bankruptcy and theological deviancy of progressive Christianity. Churches, pastors, students, youth groups, Christian schools, and Christian colleges would do well to appropriate the wisdom in this short, but devastating, little book.”
— Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church (Matthews, NC); Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte
Aaron Lee –
There is a greater divide between traditional and progressive Christianity than ever before. As a Sunday School teacher who teaches the Doctrines of Grace, I find myself needing to combat liberal claims and questions on a regular basis. In “The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity,” I have a trustworthy and practical guide to help me hold fast to the truth.
Cruciform Quick
This book is a part of the Cruciform Quick series, an imprint of Cruciform Press. While Cruciform Press is known for producing books of about 100 pages, the Cruciform Quick series aims to produce booklets in the range of 40-60 pages each.
This entry was authored by Michael J. Kruger, President and the Samuel C. Patterson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America and also serves part-time as Pastor of Teaching at Uptown PCA in downtown Charlotte.
Half-Truths
The book looks at ten half-truths set forth by proponents of progressive Christianity. Just by reading them aloud, I did not think of any red flags. But Kruger points out the error in their beliefs and brings us to the Biblical truth at the heart of each issue. His answers are succinct and clear, with Scriptural support to ground his positions.
I was most impressed with Chapter 9: We Should Care More About Love and Less About Sex. Kruger gives a complete breakdown of the opposing strategy for sexual freedom, and takes the time to clarify and condemn each step. His writing tone is blunt yet gracious, acknowledging when there is truth to the claims but attacking when there are falsehood and deception.
True Faith
This book is a refreshing and encouraging read because of its faithful adherence to the truth. It is not ashamed to proclaim the true Gospel. It is clear, convicting, and courageous. And I am inspired to be the same.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity in exchange for an honest review.