The Decline in the Mainline
Analyzing the Role of Liberal Theology
Over the past several decades, mainline Protestant denominations in the United States and other parts of the Western world have experienced significant declines in membership, attendance, and influence. Churches such as the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, once central to American religious life, now find themselves struggling with aging congregations, dwindling numbers, and financial instability.
While many factors contribute to this decline, one of the most frequently discussed reasons is the influence of liberal theology within these traditions. Liberal theology, which emphasizes reason, historical criticism of scripture, and social justice, has often clashed with the more conservative and traditional expressions of Christianity, creating a divide that some argue has contributed to the decline of mainline churches. In this article, we will explore how liberal theology has shaped the trajectory of these denominations and examine the ways in which it might have played a role in the decline of mainline Protestantism.
Understanding Liberal Theology
Liberal theology emerged in the 19th century as a response to the intellectual and cultural changes brought about by the Enlightenment, the scientific revolution, and the rise of modern philosophy. Mainline churches, especially in Europe and the United States, began to adapt to these new ideas by reinterpreting traditional doctrines. For example, liberal theologians questioned the literal interpretation of the Bible and sought to reconcile Christian beliefs with contemporary scientific discoveries.
Theologically, liberal Christianity tends to emphasize several key elements:
Historical Criticism of Scripture: Liberal theologians argue that the Bible must be understood solely in its historical and cultural context rather than as a literal or infallible text. This perspective challenges traditional Christian teachings that recognize in addition to the historical context of scripture the Bible is also divinely inspired and without error.
Emphasis on Reason: Reason and human experience take precedence in interpreting faith, often sidelining traditional teachings or supernatural elements of Christianity.
Social Justice: Liberal theology often emphasizes what it calls “social justice”, advocating for issues such as the affirmation of the LGBTQ+ sexuality, the acceptance of gender-queer theories (ie. that there are more than two sexes/genders), and support for the theories of climate alarmism. While these issues align with broader cultural movements, they may alienate conservative members who see these issues as secondary or incompatible with orthodox Christian teachings.
Progressive Views on Salvation: Some liberal theologians espouse more inclusive views of salvation, arguing that God's grace extends beyond Christianity, embracing other religions and paths to truth and denying the exclusive claims of Jesus to be the only way to the Father.
The Impact of Liberal Theology on Mainline Churches
The influence of liberal theology on mainline denominations has been profound to say the least. Many church leaders and theologians adopted liberal ideas in the mid-20th century, leading to shifts in both church doctrine and worship practices. While this shift was initially seen as a way to make Christianity more relevant in the modern world, it also sparked division within congregations and denominations.
Loss of Doctrinal Identity: One of the most significant impacts of liberal theology has been the erosion of traditional Christian doctrines. The rejection of biblical inerrancy and the diminishing focus on the supernatural (such as miracles and the resurrection) led some churchgoers to feel disconnected from the core tenets of Christianity. For many, the traditional understanding of God, salvation, and the afterlife is central to their faith experience. As these beliefs became marginalized in favor of more abstract or symbolic interpretations, some individuals and families began to leave, seeking out churches where the Bible was still seen as divinely authoritative.
Cultural Alienation: The embrace of progressive social issues, such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, and abortion rights, often put liberal mainline churches at odds with more conservative elements of society. In communities where these issues are contentious or where a more traditional form of Christianity is dominant, liberal mainline churches were seen as out of step with the beliefs of their surrounding culture. This alienation from conservative members, as well as from the larger public, contributed to a loss of membership, particularly among families who valued a more conservative or traditional religious experience.
Worship Practices and Church Community: As liberal theology encouraged churches to focus more on social activism, inclusivity, and intellectual engagement, it also led to changes in worship practices. Traditional liturgies, hymns, and doctrines were often replaced with more contemporary services or a focus on social justice issues. While this shift appealed to some, it alienated others who felt that worship should remain focused on spiritual growth and the sacred rituals of the church. This shift in emphasis could contribute to a loss of community and a sense of belonging, making it harder to retain younger generations who may not have felt the same connection to the church's mission or values.
Theological Shifts and Declining Evangelism: The liberal emphasis on social justice often overshadowed evangelical outreach and personal conversion. For many mainline denominations, the decline in evangelism—an essential part of church growth—became apparent. As liberal theology shifted the focus away from personal salvation and the preaching of the Gospel, fewer people felt compelled to join or even to invite others into the faith. This decline in evangelistic fervor compounded the demographic decline that was already taking place in mainline denominations.
Not All Decline Can Be Attributed to Liberal Theology
While liberal theology plays a significant role in the decline of mainline Protestantism, it is important to recognize that it is not the sole factor. Several broader cultural and societal trends have also contributed to this decline:
Cultural Shifts Toward Secularism: Western society has become increasingly secular, with fewer people identifying as religious at all. The rise of individualism, technological distractions, and the increasing dominance of secular ideologies have all played a part in diminishing the role of religion in daily life. Mainline churches, by embracing liberal theology, may have sought to adapt to these changes, but they have been caught in the larger cultural wave of secularization.
Generational Transition: The aging of the Baby Boomer generation and the disinterest of younger generations in organized religion have led to demographic shifts that affect all churches, not just mainline denominations. Many young people today are less likely to affiliate with any church, but when they do, they often prefer more traditional, orthodox expressions of Christianity.
Scandals and Institutional Trust: The mainline church’s decline has also been fueled by broader societal distrust of institutions, including religious ones. Scandals, financial mismanagement, and questions of moral leadership have led many to step away from institutional religion altogether.
Wrapping it Up
The decline in membership in mainline Protestant churches cannot be attributed solely to liberal theology, but its role as the main influence for this decline is undeniable. The theological shifts toward historical criticism, views that are inclusive of lifestyles deemed sinful by scripture, and an emphasis on social justice work over focusing on evangelism may have alienated more conservative churchgoers and caused a theological disconnect for those seeking a traditional Christian experience. At the same time, the changing cultural landscape, with its increasing secularism and generational shift, has compounded these challenges.
Mainline denominations now face a dilemma: how to remain relevant in an increasingly secular world while retaining their theological identity. Whether they can find a way to balance liberal theological commitments with the need for doctrinal clarity and a focus on spiritual renewal will likely determine their future in the years to come.