FOUNDER
Unitarianism to Humanism, which influenced Christianity, starting in European seminaries in late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Higher Biblical Criticism undermined authority of the Bible. Affected all mainline denominations, all but Missouri Synod Lutheran and SBC. Formed National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches

NAME
‘Liberal’ summarizes their beliefs and positions

AUTHORITY
Bible just a collection of writings which represent man’s best efforts & strivings after God
Much of it out of date and useless, some possible harmful; must separate helpful from rest
RSV translation by them, change “blood” to “sacrifice,” weaken atonement, inspiration, etc.

VIEW of GOD
Not a person but infinite & eternal energy, the First Cause, no existence apart from creation

VIEW of the TRINITY
Use the term, but don’t believe in 3 divine persons (barely believe in 1); redefine it entirely

VIEW of CHRIST
Good man, probably best man who ever lived (master product of evolution)
So good his deluded followers superstitiously thought He was a god!
No resurrection, no miracles (legends which got exaggerated); just good principles and teachings

VIEW of the HOLY SPIRIT
“Force” of God

VIEW of SIN
Sin is the product of the environment, not personal responsibility
Sin = man failing to live up to his full capacity (will outgrow/evolve past this)
Evil = not a principle at war with good but whatever doesn’t satisfy

VIEW of SALVATION
No real need of for eventually a loving ‘god’ will save all (nothing to really be saved from)
Live by Golden Rule and do your best, that is enough
‘Universal Fatherhood of God and common brotherhood of man’
Evangelical Christians: “slaughter-house religion of the dark ages,’ “gospel of gore”

VIEW of HEAVEN & HELL
No hell, not sure of heaven or immorality (just do your best and don’t worry about it)
“A God without wrath brought men without sin into kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.”