I have a question. I just read Sproul's article on The Liberal Agenda in this month's Tabletalk where he describes the roots and definitions of theological liberalism. He gave a brief history of its movements. It cross the Atlantic in the 1800s making inroads into our seminaries and churches. And, we all know about the Social Gospel doctrines which became popular in the early 1900s.

Now my question. Was the establishment of Christian hospitals and other Christian institutions in years past the result of the theological liberalism influence? Which later brought out the social gospel doctrines. Instead of belief in a supernatural remedy, liberalism change the mission of the church to that of a help-works paradigm.

Or, was the establishing of these hospitals and etc driven from sincere Christian love of brother and neighbor, and along the way they became co-opted by theological liberalism?

IOW, should Christians look favorable on the beginnings of these Christian institutions, or should we realize that it was founded by those who wanted to change the course of the Church from preaching Christ Jesus as God to that of a help-works model?

John Chaney

"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7