Counterfeit Christianity, Part 3 – Real vs. Fake
“Hypostasis”, image of Jesus Christ by Gladys Torres de Pirela, Author Gladys Torres de Pirelaa (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
Though they may not agree in all respects, proponents of postmodernism generally align themselves with feminism, multiculturalism, and postcolonialism [1][2]. While none of these concepts is by itself evil, they have become idols Progressives worship.
Progressive Christianity markets itself as accepting of all, in the supposed name of Christ [3][4]. Diversity and inclusivity are touted, as are political issues like voter rights [5][6]. The United Methodist Church illustrates this, prompting a schism with its approval of same sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy. Of course, not even Progressive congregations necessarily remain united [7].
It must not be overlooked that many people who have turned to Progressive Christianity or left the church entirely (including many who consider themselves homosexual or transgender) have done so because of the hypocrisy, lack of compassion, or genuine abuse they have experienced within the church.
Their pain has not been adequately addressed; their doubts have not been adequately answered. The blame for this falls on the church. Self-righteousness and legalism are as sinful on our part is they were on the part of the Pharisees.
Real Christianity
The evangelical philosopher Norman Geisler traced real Christianity through early creeds, Scripture, and history. He identified the following essential tenets, impacting Salvation:
- We are all sinners. This runs counter to the messages our society sends: You are perfect just as you are. Trust your instincts. Listen to your heart. Live your own truth.
- There is one God, not a pantheon of gods. A true believer cannot simply incorporate Hindu beliefs in karma and reincarnation or the Wiccan use of crystals with a few favorite Bible verses.
- Christ is fully God (John 1: 1, 14; Col. 2: 9).
- Christ is fully man (Heb. 2: 17) [8].
- Christ died for our sins. This is the substitutionary death previously discussed.
- We are saved by grace, not through our own efforts.
- Christ rose bodily from the dead.
- We must put our trust in Christ for Salvation.
There are certain conclusions which follow logically from these tenets, including the Trinity and the virgin birth of Christ. But belief in these is not essential to Salvation.
The challenge for Christians is to live out the real Gospel, not some gospel of political correctness or Woke ideology. Those who know the difference will never settle for a counterfeit.
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[1] Wikipedia, “Postmodernism”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodernism.
[2] University of Alabama, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology, “Postmodernism and Its Critics” by Daniel Salberg et al, https://anthropology.ua.edu/theory/postmodernism-and-its-critics/.
[3] Wikipedia, “Progressive Christianity”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Christianity.
[4] Another Gospel? By Alisa Childers, Tyndale Momentum Publishers, release date October 2020.
[5] NPR, “Preaching Gospel of Love and Justice, William Barber Mobilizes Progressive Christians” by Tom Gjelten, 10/31/18, https://www.npr.org/2018/10/31/659837563/preaching-gospel-of-love-and-justice-william-barber-mobilizes-progressive-christ.
[6] NPR, “Pastor’s book ‘Queer & Christian’ is about more than LGBTQ acceptance” by Jason DeRose, 6/19/25, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/19/nx-s1-5413540/pastors-book-queer-christian-is-about-more-than-lgbtq-acceptance-within-churches.
[7] Houston Public Media, “How culture wars divided one small progressive church in Philadelphia” by Terry Gross, 10/28/24, https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/npr/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5165379/how-culture-wars-divided-one-small-progressive-church-in-philadelphia/.
[8] Desiring God, “Jesus Is Fully Human” by David Mathis, 12/15/16, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/jesus-is-fully-human.
Parts 1 and 2 in this series were posted 8/17 and 8/24/25, respectively
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
A Lawyer's Prayers 
Thank you Anna for yet another outstanding post concerning what I believe to be one of the most harmful attacks on the church today: Progressive Christianity.
Reading your series and comparing it to what we see taking place in our churches leaves no doubt that the Church has forsaken the old paths. In exchange for Biblical righteousness and personal holiness we have swallowed the lies of Satan that there is good in all religions, thus opening the door to a host of perverse ideas that elevate man to god-like status.
Please-keep up the great work. It is very much needed!
I do not deserve such praise, Ron. I do what little I can, relying on God to do the rest.
Always so helpful, Anna. Appreciate your discernment and research.
Many thanks, Erroll.
Good message!
Thank you, Julie.
Thank you, Anna, for a clear and concise presentation of the gospel. Jesus said something progressives seldom, if ever, quote: “Do not think I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” That sword is the Word of God, and it separates those who believe in it from those who don’t. I have loved ones who are in the other camp, and I pray for them daily, because only the Holy Spirit is going to be able to get through to them.
Lots of progressive Christians. But I’m sticking with God. It is absolutely correct that many people who are watering down the gospel and changing things that are foundational are doing so because of church hurt, because of legalism among Christians, lack of compassion, hypocrisy etc.
Those same Christians often only point out that the progressive Christians are flawed and fail to look in the mirror. It’s sad.
At least we can be better examples of godliness and pray for people, living in God’s truth and sharing the truth with them as we have opportunity.
Well said, Petrina. ❤