Sinclair Ferguson, Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, states that the greatest threat is “probably Christianity in this century”:
That’s a greater threat than Islam. Christendom. A far greater threat to Christianity than Islam is. Islam can never destroy the Gospel, but Christendom can easily destroy the Gospel and is destroying the Gospel.
One cannot destroy Christendom according to the tenets of Christianity, which Ferguson should know theologically, in accordance with Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” In addition, the Church is thriving well, particularly in the Southern hemisphere.
In addition, Ferguson is spreading a dangerous message and perpetuating a blindness and navel gazing within the Church. This reduction to irrelevance in the current day has caused the Church to lose numbers, “lose its salt,” and lose its compassion for victims of jihad terror. Worst of all is Ferguson’s implied message that the world’s problems are the fault of Christians. Not only is this patently false message promoting an insensitivity about the sufferings of the persecuted Christian Church worldwide, but even worse, it minimizes the atrocities committed in the name of Islam against Christians and other minorities, and against women and girls globally. Ferguson absolves Islamic supremacists of responsibility while jihadists not only continue to wipe out Christianity in the Middle East, but have been attempting to destroy Israel since soon after its birth in 1948 and continue on that quest today.
Shame on Ferguson! Contrast his statement with that of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X Yazigi, who called the Church “the beacon of truth in this agitated world.” Yazigi also called on “Western partners to help keep Christianity in its ancient homeland,” knowing full well that Islamic jihad is to blame for its rapidly dwindling numbers.
However, President of Reformation Bible College Stephen J. Nichols stated–very differently than that of Ferguson–that the modern institutional Church can be a major issue for Christianity: “Especially with the Church in America, we have far too casual a view of God and that might be right at the center of some of our theological malaise.”
If “theologians” such as Ferguson will heed the Scripture “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” the Church would be in better shape.
“Biggest Threat to Christianity in 21st Century Comes From Within, Theologians Say,” by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post,October 31, 2017:
The biggest threat to Christianity in the modern day comes from within, a panel of theologians said at an event hosted by Ligonier Ministries Tuesday evening to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
During a Q&A session, scholars were asked what they believe is the biggest threat to Christianity in the 21st century.
Sinclair Ferguson, Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, responded that the greatest threat is “probably Christianity in this century.”
“That’s a greater threat than Islam. Christendom. A far greater threat to Christianity than Islam is. Islam can never destroy the Gospel, but Christendom can easily destroy the Gospel and is destroying the Gospel,” said Ferguson, adding, “the Church is the greatest threat to real Christianity in the world. God help us.”
Stephen J. Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, also answered that the modern institutional Church can be a major issue for Christianity.
“Especially with the Church in America, we have far too casual a view of God and that might be right at the center of some of our theological malaise,” noted Nichols.
Krazy Kafir says
Wow. Just wow. We need a dhimmi of the year trophy, so this, weak, simple-minded, stooge can win it.
mortimer says
Agree. The persecuted Christians feel even MORE abandoned when Western church leaders like Ferguson underestimate their persecutions! Shameful!
James Fisher says
Shameful. What’s wrong with you? Look around and tell me that the church is strong today. Think! Only 17% of so-called Christians have Biblical world view. 17%!!! The church is destroying itself from within just like our nation.
Don’t just agree with the writers. Think. We are in trouble. Not because of islam but because a lack of faith in the literal Word of God!
John Forbes says
THIS STATEMENT IS LIKE SOMETHING A GUY ON LSD WOULD MAKE !
LEAVES EVERYONE AROUND HERE UTTERLY SPEECHLESS & THEN VERY ANGRY !
WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING WITH THESE PEOPLE ?
NO ACCESS TO THE INTERNET & SOCIAL MEDIA ???
Walter Sieruk says
The scholar as well as author, Nabeel Qureshi of the book entitled ANSWERING JIHAD who in the past was a Muslim but now a Christian had explained clearly that god of Islam is not the God of the Bible. For on page 113 in his book he informs the reader that “Islam roundly condemns worship of the Trinity [5:73], establishing in contrast its own core principle of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God. Tawhid emphatically denies the Trinity; so much that it is safe to say the doctrine of God in Islam is antithetical to the doctrine of God in Christianity. Not just different but opposed.” Further on page 116 he elaborates that “Tawhid is antithetical to the Trinity, fundamentally incompatible and only similar superficially and semantically, Muslims and Christians do not worship the same God.” Therefore it’s fitting then to make a reiteration of the following essay on this very important subject.
There are a number of apologists for Islam, some are imams and mullahs and strangely enough, even some so called “Christian” pastors, who have made the outstanding claim that Christians and Muslim both believe in and worship the same God. So it stands to reason that it’s important to know if this claims valid and true or invalid and false. The facts are that the god of Islam or the Muslims is a single being. In great contrast the God of Christianity, of the Christians consists as the Trinity. By the Trinity it means that “Within the essence of the one True God there are Three Persons. Being God the Father. God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Not three gods in one But Three Distinct Persons in One God. Being the Tri-Personal Nature of God, Matthew 3:13-17. Second Corinthians 13:14. . The Bible teaches, the Father is God, Galatians 1:1.The Son is God, First John 5:20. The Holy Spirit is God, Acts 5:3,4. Not three gods but the one and only Triune God.
As further explained in the Christian book MAJOR BIBLE THEMES by Lewis Sperry Chafer on page 39 which informs the readers that “Many believe that the doctrine of the Trinity in implicit in the use of the word Elohim, as the name of God which is in a plural form and seems to refer to the Triune God. “ Likewise, in the Christian magazine PERHAPS TODAY November/December 2013 on page 8 it reads about Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God [this is the plural noun Elohim, meaning ‘more than one’] created the heaven and the earth.” Furthermore, a bit of a view of the inner workings of the Trinity together may be seen in that the God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. Romans 10:9,10. Jesus raised Himself from the dead, John 2:19,20. The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, Romans 8:11.The inner-workings of the Trinity of God may also be seen in the fact that the Father sanctifies, First Thessalonians 5:23. The Son sanctifies, Ephesians 5:26. Hebrews 2:11; 9:12,14;13:12.The Holy Spirit sanctifies ,Romans 15:16. Second Thessalonians 2:13. Getting back to the Bible book of Genesis. In Genesis 1:26 in reads “The God said let US make man in Our image , according to our likeness…” The words are the plural “Us” and “Our.” As in “We the Trinity” For the very next verse, 27, it further reads “So God created man in His own image…” In verse 26 it’s the plural “Us” and “Our” to the singular “His” That is Three Persons in One God. In addition, in the New Testament in Matthew 28:19 It further reads the Jesus said “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the the Son and the Holy Spirit.” [N.K.J.V] That is “name” not “names.” In conclusion the many apologists and propagandists for Islam for Islam who make the claim that Christians and Muslims believe in and worship the same God are make an untrue and outright false claim. For the God of Christianity, Christians and the Bible is not the god of Islam Muslims and the Koran.
There is the Christian site http://www.answering-islam.org
Ted Gilbert says
Nabeel has gone home but his work on this planet was too short but oh so powerful. Most Muslims were terrified of him. The Truth always hurts. Within Christianity we have those who call themselves Christians but are not. Men pleasers. Legends in their own minds. Narcissists who have nothing to contribute but cause a lot of harm to the gullible. They forget that sooner or later we must all stand before the almighty judge and give an answer for what we did. That time draws near. These dispensers of a false gospel need to be prayed for.
abu_lahab says
I would argue that it’s the inevitable increase in education and critical thinking.
Ban islam, save the civilized world.
john spielman says
well he is correct because the Gospel of Christ can NEVER BE DEFEATED BY ISLAM NOR ANYTHING ELSE
it is the dhimmi pastors who refuse to describe islam as an antiChrist doctrine of Satan that it is that is the problem!
islam could never prosper in the west if the the majority of the population was Christ followers! but the majority have kicked Christ out of the public life – schools, courtrooms, businesses and government
we will either worship Christ Jesus voluntarily, or the antichrist (of islam?) involuntarily
Linda Davis says
Amen
Jong Ha Lee says
Normally I value the articles on Jihad Watch, but this is a crappy article. It completely misrepresents what Ferguson was saying. The biggest threat to the Christian religion is false forms of Christianity. Read the New Testament and find out for yourselves. Ferguson does not say Islam is a not a threat. It is a threat; its not AS BIG a threat to the church as false forms of Christianity. Douglass-Williams’ comments display a naive, high-school level of research. Time to brush up on your research skills, Christine.
Linda Davis says
Amen.
Januk36 says
Thanks. Not the first “catchy” headling on Jihad Watch but even so magnitudes better than 90% of other sites.
Wellington says
I disagree with you, Jong Ha Lee, for two reasons.
First, this Sinclair Ferguson means by Christendom, for the most part, those Christians who are conservative and not a leftist like him.
Second, who is to determine what is a false form of Christianity? Why people like Sinclair Ferguson of course. Yep, if you’re not a multicultural, left-leaning Christian then you pretty much have to be part of that nasty Christendom that Ferguson has made into a straw man and then knocked down.
SK says
This is wrong, Wellington. He is not clearly concerned about anything like Trump or anything, and he isn’t a political commentator of any kind. His Twitter is 100% theology, and 0% politics.
He’s of a certainty NOT discussing immigration or how anybody might feel about “open borders”.
I don’t think you have actually looked at him in context of what he has to say. He would likely define “false form of Christianity” in a theological sense, not a political one.
Wellington says
Not wrong, SK. But OK, you tell me what this turkey means by “Christendom.” Give it a shot. And while you’re at it, why not tell me just who is to determine what a false form of Christianity is? My God, to say in our age, as Ferguson did, that ANYTHING is a greater threat than Islam is foolishness on its face. It’s ipso facto evidence of the built-in crap detector we were all born with having become terribly rusty in this giuy and essentially out of service.
Your turn.
thismtngirl says
Wellington, you are right. This Ferguson guy is slipping in a rebuke to Conservative Christians by calling out Christianity as the worst enemy of Christianity. It is an affront to God, no doubt.
Pablo says
Jong, from your post, Christine Douglass-Williams did a fly by; it is sad that you are a victim.
Sola Scriptura says
You are exactly right Jong Ha Lee.
Sinclair ended up sounding foolish because of his attempt at making a grandiose statement. His point seems to be that the greatest threat to the Church is spiritual:
Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NASB)
It’s amazing that the writer could miss that Sinclair was addressing a spiritual issue, when she uses Ephesians in her rebuttal!
I would agree with much of Sinclair’s point. However, to say that the Church can destroy the Gospel, and not just hamper the visible movement of it, is nonsense.
I think it is important to note that Sinclair does not include those who believe in Faith + Works as Christians, e.g. those that say we can contribute merit to our salvation with our own works in the same way Jesus did. I think the writer gives away her bias against the Biblical/Protestant doctrine of Sola Fide by mentioning “In addition, the Church is thriving well, particularly in the Southern hemisphere.”.
Only Roman Catholicism is booming in the Southern hemisphere. In addition she mentions a Greek Orthodox leader positively. Do you see the trend in her thinking?
She’s going after Protestant Christians who don’t want to join in the ecumenical “Christian” party and instead stick to their guns and focus on the the spiritual Gospel of Christ. The writer of this article seems very focused on the physical/political threat of Islam. Sinclair is not concerned with losing his life, he is concerned with preserving his and other’s souls.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
2 Corinthians 5:1 – For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (NASB)
God lives within people, not buildings. God promises eternal life, not temporal comfort.
God bless you Jong Ha Lee.
thismtngirl says
Where in the Bible does it ever say that Christianity is the biggest threat to Christianity, false or not? The tares grow up with the wheat…not a threat. Now, Sinclair is a threat to himself…for he has discredited God and made HIm out to be a weak God who can’t see to it that Christianity will survive just fine, especially in the face of persecution. Shame on him.
Anti Jihad says
Jesus crucified by Jews that is the main issue last 2000 years. If you ask a Christian or Muslim they say that is correct. Yes new testament is correct. But why clergies can not follow that? Just change mentality by corrections in bible and Koran. Otherwise all two or three group will have troubles, esp common people are victims.
gravenimage says
More crap from the ludicrously named “Anti Jihad”. It was not the Jews who crucified Jesus, but the Romans. But “Anti Jihad” has ranted about the Jews here before.
And of course, as Cortez notes, Islam denies that the crucifixion ever happened. “Anti Jihad” almost certainly knows this.
LeftisruiningCanada says
And, further to that point, in the fourth chapter of Acts we see Peters understanding of who really brought Christ to the Cross. It was God. Nobody took Christs life from Him. He gave it willingly and by choice.
Acts 4 should have put an end to the ugly antisemitism associated with Christs crucifixion just about the time it was first spoken.
Paul N Silas says
Having my theology degree from the Seminary where Ferguson teaches, I fully understand where he is coming from. I served as a Southern Baptist. Some would say a “Fundamentalist” .
My Commie little brother and his wife Pastor in the PCUSA, where the gospel of grace has been replace with a gospel of social justice.
Plus look at what they call the “Emerging Church” movement, one big Sunday morning rock fest with very little worship of The Creator.
Islam is a weapon of the Left to turn people away from religion and Christ.
Lydia says
You said it regarding the emerging church, they are truly submerging the church!
It is the true gospel that transforms a society into a place thriving with social justice, but the lack of the first produces the lack of the second. Only addressing the latter solves nothing, the gospel is central.
LeftisruiningCanada says
would agree. trust the left to focus on ends rather than how you get there.
LeftisruiningCanada says
Greetings. I’ve not looked much at the writings etc of Mr Furguson but, would you say that he is a “lefty” at all, as has been mentioned in the comments here?
RTS has a great reputation, and it would surprise me if it were the case.
c matt says
If his point is that Christianity can only be destroyed from within, and therefore is always its own greatest threat, then I can agree he has a point. A confident Christianity cannot be defeated, not even by Islam. A sniveling, weak, compromising, self-doubting, cowardly Christianity is ripe for the picking, whether by Islam or atheistic materialist forces. So yes, in some sense, Christianity can be its own worst enemy. Of course, the elephant in the room is that the Protestant Revolt was the beginning of the end of Christendom. The very thing he celebrates is the cause of Christendom’s demise, and is the very proof that Christendom is its own worst enemy.
Lydia says
And many have shrugged off this real and present danger of infiltration by the devil. When persecution did not work, he tried infiltration. Sadly, it works much better. So does temptation and the bait of luxury and appeals to the flesh, and Christians go a-stumbling. Which is why Jesus warned about “wolves in sheep’s clothing”!
Westman says
Could one be excused for suggesting that Christianity has become weak in the West because the standard of living has risen to meet the ancient perception of “Paradise”? This leaves etermal life as the remaining gift through Christianity; coupled with a vague description of what that life entails.
Islam is specific about the Muslim male’s physical pleasure rewards, servants, and nature of life after death; painting a life of pleasure..
Some newer versions of Christian religions, like mormonism, believe in specific details of life after death and a continuation of family life – which largely expains their growth while traditional Christianity declines.
Perhaps this is also a factor in the rise of the Left – tossing out traditional religion and substituting their own version of “Heaven” which can only be achieved by forcing it on everyone who disagrees. It appears as a new globalist religion of liberalism (for its own), that, like Islam, has the supremist goal of world domination and no limits upon how to acheive it. All Islam needs to get on that new “soul train”, is deceit.
gravenimage says
Westman wrote:
Could one be excused for suggesting that Christianity has become weak in the West because the standard of living has risen to meet the ancient perception of “Paradise”? This leaves etermal life as the remaining gift through Christianity; coupled with a vague description of what that life entails.
…………………..
Dear Westman–with all respect–the implication that it is better for Christianity if people are living in abject misery is a bit questionable. One can be Christian and work for people having better lives.
Malcolm (South Afric) says
To be ecuminicaly correct lets just say it was a million Christians in Poland that prayed the rosary in comemoration of the defeat of …….
However we know who they are.
It might interest those to know that in Brussels (who would have thought) a small group of catholic youth make a brave stand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA6Ox_Ax_TI
https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/rosary-protest-member-speaks-out
mortimer says
Sinclair Ferguson has clearly ASSUMED that he knows something about Islam.
I doubt Sinclair Ferguson has read the primary Islamic source texts or even knows the names of all of them. I doubt Sinclair Ferguson has read Sharia law or the canonical commentaries of Islam or the history of dhimmitude. It seems Sinclair Ferguson is totally DEVOID of information from the primary Islamic source texts and the history of Islamic persecution of Christianity, and yet, preposterously, he presents himself as an instant and spontaneous authority on Islam.
Any of students who tried his stunt would get an immediate ‘F’ for fail.
Wellington says
Agreed, mortimer. I’d bet a case of one’s favorite beer that Sinclair Ferguson knows diddly shit about Islam.
common sense says
This kind of behavior is outlined and predicted in the bible.
Jean Terry says
Our Christian God is a god of love, unlike the Muslim God.
Genao Anothen says
Well… I greatly respect Robert Spencer for the scholar that he is. I have more books (5-7) from him than from Sinclair Ferguson (only 1 – The Holy Spirit). This is about fine tuning the truth on TRUE Christianity vs. TRUE Islam. Sinclair Ferguson is a SOLID defender of true Christianity, whereas, Robert Spencer, regrettably, IS NOT. Ferguson said what he said from a divine, sovereign perspective, where, even the Devil does God’s bidding every time. Islam is a wicked religion yet it nevertheless NEVER thwarts God’s plans. Even when the Devil thought he had won when Christ died on the cross, that was when his head was crushed (Genesis 3:15). Even though politically and geographically Islam is gaining ground, Christ’s Kingdom (being spiritual-invisible in nature), has been advancing and winning victory after victory since the day of Pentecost. Muslim’s are coming to Christ in numbers never seen before, but is largely not publicised. Understand that evil must run its course and become worse before the 2nd coming of Christ. How Islam is advancing is truly an ANTICHRIST movement – the greatest one ever. And it seems to me that Islam is God’s tool to allow evil to run its course to its greatest potential… and then Christ will return. Only Islam has the potential of affecting and infecting the whole world with evil as nothing else before, as it is a “religious – political” (a false theocratic) movement.
So… sorry Robert, you are wrong here… Sinclair is a true presenter of true Christianity. In a debate with him, you will easily lose. Ferguson represents the “Reformers” (like Martin Luther) who restored the true Gospel, as the RC church had departed from it. Churches that continue with the fundamental doctrines which Luther, Calvin, Knox, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Lloyd Jones, Charles Spurgeon, JC Ryle (an Anglican), and Ferguson of today, represent the true Church which the early leaders of the Church stood and died for – men like Augustine, Athanasius, Justin Martyr, Origen, etc… The RC church takes these early leaders of the church as their own, but if it would actually read their writings, it would affirm that Ferguson is correct.
Yes, many the things that Robert Spencer says above in his response regarding Islam ARE true, but an even greater threat than Islam IS INDEED “CHRISTIANDOME” with all of its false representations of Christianity – such as the RC church of today, Eastern Orthodox church, liberal-heretical “churches”, cults, pseudo “churches” like Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar… ALL THESE POSE A GREATER THREAT THAN ISLAM!!! ABSOLUTELY!! Many Muslims, by the grace of God, are searching for the true God and have great difficulty finding it because of these utterly false representations of Christianity. In comparison, Islam is actually nothing, and it cannot ever stop Christ’s kingdom from advancing.
Well, much more to say… some things to think about.
With all of this being said, I will say that I do check Jihad Watch EVERY day to see what is truly going on in the world. Robert Spencer is actually correct… 99% of the time, not all the time!! LOL
Robert Spencer says
One thing you might wish to do is note that Christine Douglass-Williams, not I, is the author of this piece. As for the other things you say, they’re beyond the purview of this site.
Geneo Anothen says
Well said. I sincerely apologize. Great work for all you do in the name of free speech and presenting the truth about Islam. You are very scholarly and a professional. But I do wish to note again that Ferguson is a well-respected scholar and a true defender of the Christian faith. He may have been misrepresented here in this post.
Wellington says
It would be difficult, GA, to be more clueless than you are. Sinclair Ferguson is obviously just another touchy-feely, multicultural, leftie Christian.
And what in the hell does Ferguson mean by the term “Christendom.” I say he means conservative Christians who disagree with his stupid, leftist, multicultural world view.
Should you think otherwise, go ahead, give it a shot and tell me why I am wrong. While you’re at it, perhaps you might want to reflect upon what Sinclair Ferguson really knows about Islam, because to assert, as he did, that any ideology (oh yeah, surely that monstrous ideology he calls “Christendom”) is more of a threat to the world in our time than Islam is absurd on its face.
Your turn. Yeah, waiting. I aver you cannot refute me but I do wish you’d give it a try since argument for me is a sport I play to win——-for the truth above all, which, quite frankly, I think you are seriously deficient in as of date.
Wyldeirishman says
While the differences between the aforementioned groups and my own Lutheran circles would differ markedly (the Sacrament is a mere symbol because Christ cannot be in heaven and on earth simultaneously?!? Bitch, please…), it’s worth noting that Ferguson is talking out of his arse here, owing mainly to a) a predominantly North American context for his remarks, and b) none of the groups that espouse said heterodoxy and/or hersy in North America are in the business of butchering those with whom they doctrinally disagree.
Lydia says
There are more Biblical reasons that it is only symbolic, see the book of Hebrews for one. But profanity only makes ones point weaker as a professing ‘Christian.’
Wyldeirishman says
Seriously. And a “real Christian” wouldn’t listen to heavy metal, play cards, or drink beer, either; since I enjoy all three, I guess I’m triple-damned…unless it really *is* about what Christ did (and does) for me. Without being anti-nomian in the least, a thorough-going understanding of *both* Law and Gospel would prove helpful here.
Further, without trying to belabor the point in a thread concerned with the broader topic, telling Jesus that He didn’t really mean what He said re: the Sacrament is more than I am wont to do; reason can be a glacier…or a snowflake.
I apologize, and acquiesce to the weaker sister for my “troublesome” verbiage, and do solemnly swear never to do it again, lest people think that I am a fellow, fallen sinner in need of a Savior…well, maybe…
gravenimage says
Genao Anothen wrote:
Well… I greatly respect Robert Spencer for the scholar that he is. I have more books (5-7) from him than from Sinclair Ferguson (only 1 – The Holy Spirit). This is about fine tuning the truth on TRUE Christianity vs. TRUE Islam. Sinclair Ferguson is a SOLID defender of true Christianity, whereas, Robert Spencer, regrettably, IS NOT.
…………………..
How can taking a stand against *evil*–like the Muslim slaughter or Christians and other innocents–*not* be a defense of Christianity?
Any defense of Christianity which excuses such evil is very questionable at best.
Lydia says
Don’t forget Rick Warren, Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Leonard Sweet, Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, and all the other pillars of the apostasy, and the word of faith prosperity gospel line up of scoundrels and thieves that every poor victim falls into when they turn on the trap of “Christian” TV! Poor seekers never had a chance with the likes of these wolves and that is how the devil wants it, if he were to get his way.
Anders says
So…are you one pf the thousands that abandoned Christ? See John 6:66. And read starting at John 6:43
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Pseudo-intellectual self-hate.
Genao Anothen says
An added note here… Spencer correctly confronts Islam from the political standpoint… this is his forte. But Ferguson goes beyond that, making statements from the perspective “of above” – the spiritual, divine standpoint, how God sees it. One needs to hear more about what Ferguson has to say to get the bigger picture here. “Shame on you” is an incorrect charge, for it fails to see where he is coming from. As the Roman Catholic church had become apostate back 500 years (and still is today) and needed to return to biblical roots, even so today, the so-called “churches” of the world (“Christendom”) which deny the true Gospel (which is this: salvation is “By Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, In Christ Alone”), ARE a very grave threat to the world and to the true Gospel. False gospels hate the true Gospel.
gravenimage says
I notice that you slam Catholicism, but have not a word of criticism for the abject horror of Islam. I suppose you have no problem with the rape and slaughter of Christians and other innocent people?
Joshua Peck says
That was quite possibly top ten grossest misrepresentations of what one said.
He was saying that the abandonment of orthodoxy in Christendom is the largest issue the church faces, larger than Islam. He did not minimize Islam, merely stated that it’s not the largest problem for the church because, well, it’s not.
Eccumenism and liberalism are FAR more impactful because they parade around as Christianity, meaning Ephesians 6:12 applies directly to what Ferguson states as well.
I submit this article partly as the problem as you imply an Eastern Orthodox clergyman as being representative of Christianity when they believe not in Grace Alone, but Grace And…
So thank you for proving Mr. Ferguson’s point.
gravenimage says
You may believe that Orthodox Christians are more of a threat than are Muslims–but they are not slaughtering Christians.
How can you not consider the mass murder of innocent people evil?
Richie says
The biggest threat to Christianity are leftists who are destroying the faith from within. A local ‘United Church of Christ’ spends more time pushing homosexuality and the ‘Black Lives Matter’ group than the teachings of Jesus
I’m a Christian but stopped going to my church as the leftists have ruined it
The ones trying to destroy the gospel are leftists and progressives
LeftisruiningCanada says
Sorry that happened to you. Same with our nearest congregation, only it was the emergent stuff that got into the place. Social Gospel stuff is no better. There are solid churches around. Hope you find your way to one. Peace
Alicia Sinclair says
The theologians put it glibly, but don`t they have a point?
Of course, Islam is a physical threat and is running unchecked by the security forces we used to have.
But Christianity is imploding and dissolving from within, and may leave Islam free to paddle in the deliquescense. They sought s cheap soundbite and headline-it worked.
Maybe if they said the enemy without can be fought with courage, faith and historical knowledge of what Islam always does, when in the ascendent. But the enemy within-the fainthearts, the lazy and the quisling ignorant-will defeat us without Islams violence being necessary. Maybe then it would have read better.
Joy Greggo says
Well stated. Those critics here, including Ms. Williams and the person who reported it, have taken a knee-jerk reaction to one wildly decontextualized statement without considering the decades of teaching and writing to which Dr. Ferguson has devoted his life.
Daniel Knezacek says
The bible itself warns against false Christianity, and clearly states that Babylon the Harlot, of Revelation 17, is made-up of Christian denominations uniting with false religions! Indeed, all of the apostolic letters of the New Testament were written to combat errors that were creeping into the Churches in the first century!
The bible also predicts two attacks against Israel in the last days, the Psalm 83 war, and then a few years later the Gog-Magog war. The first is an attack by the Sunni Muslims, who surround Israel, and they will be defeated by Israel herself.
Later the nations of Europe from Ireland in the west to the borders of China in the east, and including Iran, Turkey, Sudan and many others, will attack Israel. This time it will be so bad that God Himself will come to Israel’s defense!
These two wars will destroy Islam’s influence, and then the biblical Tribulation will be able to begin, with False Christians supporting the Antichrist! These false Christian denominations will be the ones who will put the Beast on the world’s throne!
He is right, false Christianity is the greater danger!
James Fisher says
Very well said!
gravenimage says
Christian theologian: Biggest threat to Christianity is “Christendom,” not Islam
…………………….
What a load of tripe, and a vicious slap at Christians who are being violently persecuted in Dar-al-Islam.
Christians have always faced some laxity among other Christians–this has never been a serious threat unless devout Christians allow it to be.
gravenimage says
He is especially targeting American Christians.
Chris Manc says
You are misinterpreting Sinclair Ferguson’s comment totally. Islam will never be a threat to Christianity, since the church is the bride of Christ, and He prays for His own people. Islamic terrorists can kill our bodies, but they cannot kill our soul. As Matthew 10:20 tells us, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Islam cannot destroy Christianity. It can make us miserable. It can persecute us. But it cannot destroy the church.
That is what Ferguson is saying. The biggest threat to Christianity is liberal preachers spewing the prosperity gospel messages from the pulpit. Preachers and churches that entertain rather than preaching the gospel of Christ. Churches that are nothing more than social clubs where idolatry is the god of choice.
I’m stunned that this website would permit an article that so grossly misrepresents a fine theologian.
LeftisruiningCanada says
In this felllows defense, although he came across as somewhat short sighted, and is perhaps laying on the humility a little thickly, i understand what he said to be referring to the idea that Christs Church cannot be defeated by any outside threat of doctrine or physical violence. Persecutions throughout its 2000 years have shown that to be amply true.
The question seems to be about threats specifically to the Church in terms of it’s effect in the world, and perhaps also with regards to the purity of its teachings, rather than what the most serious threat to individual Christians might be. Those are things which can really only be brought down by apathy etc from within,
He may also be alluding to the idea that the best cure for violent jihad is in fact preaching the Gospel to muslims…
Being a Calvinist, he believes that the Gospel is Gods means in bringing about conversion and, that if an elect muslim hears that preaching, he would be converted irresistibly.
Also, because of Calvinist doctrine, he would not see the reduced numbers of Christians in the visible Church as a sign that islam is overpowering the Church – it is merely that persecutions have historically had a ‘pruning’ effect. This is consistent with certain of Christs teachings (Parable of the Sower, for example). That is of course not in anyway to be read as being uncaring about the sufferings of people at the hands of violent jihadis.
On the contrary, Christians are very mindful of the persecuted, who feature constantly in communal prayers.
Linda Davis says
wonderfully expressed…
Lydia says
And as Jesus said, “the gates of hell will not prevail against the church”.
( :
Amen!
LeftisruiningCanada says
and also amen. What could overcome Christs Church, since Christ has overcome the world?
Joy Greggo says
I suppose that Dr. Ferguson’s critics here would also take issue with Christ’s statements regarding the Seven Churches in Asia in the Book of Revelation. His point
is “strengthen what remains.” They have also forgotten the entire OT and the cycles of destruction caused by false prophets within weakening the faith and will of God’s people. They must really hate Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Lydia says
There are two things at work here. I am not sure what is really being said under the surface by them, but here goes.
1. The modern church truly is in a state of apostasy. They are falling away from the truth of the gospel, and they are falling into sin and accepting sin as ‘okay,’ and are looking more and more like the unsaved world surrounding them. That is a fundamental problem and diligent Christians who are not new believers are well aware of this issue, which did ’emerge’ around the turn of the millennium. Some of the main culprits are the ’emergent church’ (compromise with the world as Constantine did), purpose driven (rick warren’s harlotry), seeker sensitive (cater to the goats, more $ is the outcome they seek), new age heresies, dominionism (trust in man), false unity and ecumenism with apostate groups, false revival (see Golden Calf story in OT, many parallels there), and eastern mystical practices (yoga, etc.), thinking they can usher in a global utopia without the Lord, that man can be ‘god,’ and they are following after pope francis. All of this leads to the one world religion, government, and economy (mark of the beast) under antichrist. And yeah, that is a real problem!!!
2. Then you have some of the apostates within the church (infiltrating wolves) who are blaming the true church for problems in the world, and holding up the model of the false church as ‘the answer,’ but they are the ones responsible for the problems, not the true church.
Examples:
True church-
We ARE to be holy and separate from the world
We are the example, the light of the world
Share the gospel and love people
We are to share the truth of the Bible and truth in general, even if painful.
We are to emulate the ways of God, if people are not drawn to that they won’t want God either.
We know Jesus opened the only way to heaven.
We help the poor and do care about social justice, but we know the ultimate solution lies in God, when Jesus returns, He sets up paradise restored. Individually and as the whole world, Jesus saves us, not our ‘good works.’
We have a relationship with God and experience the joys of that communication and interaction.
We don’t unite spiritually with those who are not in orthodoxy. (prayer, communion, etc.)
True revivals do come as a fresh move of the Holy Spirit, and historical books have been written on this. But if it’s not authentic, there is no point.
False church-
Tells you to join with the world and not be ‘too holy,’ but Jesus saved us so we could be holy, as He wants us to be!
Tells you to compromise with the world, but then you have lost your light, nothing for the unsaved to desire, you look and act just as they do and have nothing to offer them!
Omits sharing the gospel, just focuses on ‘loving others,’ but the credit then goes to you, not the glory to God.
They don’t want to focus on ‘doctrine,’ or ‘exhort’ anyone, claiming this divides. Only they forget, that is exactly what it is supposed to do, divide the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 10; 34)
They compromise with the world to ‘win’ people, but all they win them to is a false gospel and back into the world.
They embrace all religions.
They believe they can usher in a man-made ‘utopia’ by themselves, this goes by many names (God’s dream, dominionism, kingdom now theology, etc.) They think they can bring God’s kingdom without God, which is unbiblical.
They have sin that is in the way so they don’t enjoy a healthy relationship with God, and try to substitute it by all these spiritual replacements and counterfeits (contemplative, centering, labyrinths, breath prayers, mantras, yoga, etc. etc.) to find their ‘inner peace.’
They unite with anyone and see it all as ‘one.’ But it’s not. There is saved, and unsaved. Period.
They want to force and manipulate a counterfeit ‘revival,’ which can’t be done apart from God. They use methods of the world as if that could stimulate it. There is no true repentance, only a Golden Calf Festival of frenzily embracing sin.
The differences are vast, and need addressing.
By the way, another case in point is rick warren, who called true (fundamental) Christians “the enemy of the 21st Century”. Can you believe that?! (And, he loves pope francis. Lighthouse Trails Research Project has vast amounts of information on topics like this. By the way, he defined fundamental himself, as holding to five main pillars of the Christian faith such as the virgin birth, the atonement, etc., so this is not just a gaff of some sort!) He also spearheaded Chrislam (interfaith). And, the term ’21st century’ is a key word for new agers and their ‘new era,’ which is hostile to true Christianity.
Joy Greggo says
Sinclair Ferguson is a Scot. He is only too aware of the dhimmitude of the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, He is seeing the invasion of Christendom being accomplished in his own homeland. The worldwide slaughter of Christians by jihadis would not be as virulent if the Church had not become as weak and degraded as it is today because of the false teachers (greedy, ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing is how Christ describes them) leading it astray and not having the will or vision to put an end to Islamic mayhem and other current day evils.
Lydia says
Anyway, this one really opened up a hornet’s nest, eh?
: D
MFritz says
He’s right in one regard: Christianity’s weakness is islam’s strength.
Joy Greggo says
Very disappointing, Jihad Watch, to read such a badly researched article. It was very impulsive of you to publish it without, apparently, contacting Drs. Ferguson, Nichols, Ligonier Ministries, or RTS for clarification.
Derek Edwards says
Christine Douglass-Williams and Rev Sinclair Ferguson are speaking of different issues affecting Christianity.
In the context of the Reformation Ferguson is referring to the MESSAGE of Christianity (the Gospel). Douglass-Williams however is focusing on CHRISTIAN SOCIETY.
Clearly, Islamic violence has had a devastating effect on multitudes of Christians around the world from the 7th century right down to the present day. Ferguson is neither addressing or denying this.
The corruption of the Gospel message however, in the nature of the case, cannot be endangered by Islam in the same way. It takes Christians to corrupt the Christian message. It is not imams standing in Church pulpits. The attack had been from within. From Church Councils, theologians, preachers & writers introducing ideas and practices never taught in the Bible. This is what the Protestant Reformation dealt with in the 16th century, seeking to clear it out and get back to basics.
Those with an informed understanding of recent Church history will know that the attacks continue. This is what Ferguson is focusing on.
NELSON M says
This man Fergusson is SICK, with an explosive in his pocket. guys you need to understand that this man is trying to be like the pope to gain some ground becoming a friend with Muslim. though I did not say that you cannot befriend a Muslim. but according to the Quran, it is difficult to have a genuine Muslim friend. because we are all Kafirs, infidels etc…
there is problems in every religion, but in term of surviving these problems are not the major downfall of these religion. this man should wake up.
In this present time what will extinguish Christianity or any other religion beside Islam, is ISLAM. if it was not for Democracy there could be killing every day, because the passport for someone to be a martyr, or the passport for someone to go into paradise to have 70 virgins waiting for him. is the killing of the infidels, the Kafirs. so how come this Fergusson cannot see this?
Dear Walter Sieiruk, as a Christian myself I don’t believe in the so called TRINITY hullabaloo. what I believe in is ONE GOD he is ECHAT He is ONE GOD JHWH. who have been working in 3 ways with Human beings. He is so intense and Holy, He is so great and Awesome, He is so Mighty to the point He cannot not be contained. that is why in order to deal with Human being He had to come to our level, through Yeshuah.
Remember, before Yeshuah (Jesus Christ) God dealt with Human Himself in His Godliness, please do a research to find how many people died in the process. then he needed to redeem mankind to himself he send his Word “Yeshuah”. after finishing wit the redemption work, there was a spiritual establishment link between Man and GOD the promise of RUAH HA GODESH ( The Holy Spirit). His work is to witness more about Yeshuah and keep the connection between human and God. SO THERE IS NO 3 GODS ONLY ONE GOD.
FYI says
No.
It is the Theologians ,”Christless” Judas Priests and the heretical pope francis who are destroying Christendom.
It is however,an illusion to think that Christianity is on the way out.
Theologians take the essential truths of the Gospel and corrupt them.Do not listen to their lies.
If they actually understood the Gospel(..and they don’t..) and the prophetic teachings they contain they would understand that such treachery and betrayal ,such apparent decline of Christianity was predicted by no less then Jesus Christ..
“Many will give up the faith at that time”
Matthew 24 v 10
“But will the son of Man find faith when He returns?”
Luke 18 v 8
..which is precisely why Christians of any denomination need to hold on to their faith.
{The Jews also should remain steadfast in their faith in these times..}
Beware False prophets! 1 Timothy 6 v 3 -5
So,if you subscribe to any form of Christianity,read the Gospel YOURSELF:you do not need to listen to the lying tongues of many modern theologians!
It is easier for a billionaire to enter the kingdom of God than it is for a theologian.
James Fisher says
It is not an illusion. Christianity is dying in America. According to the Berna Group who does pooling on Christianity, only 17% of Christians have a Biblical world view. In other words only 17% believe in the literal Word of God. A lot has changed since the 60’s. Most of it not good!