The typical Evangelical approach to the faith is that of a Zwingli-influenced doctrine of Sola Scriptura; that is, a reliance on Scripture alone combined with a dedicated rejection of Holy Tradition. It is interesting when one claims to be an adherent of both effortless-Christianity and the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, yet remains wholly unaffected by […]
Category Archives: Effortless Christianity
For the Orthodox Christian, the Church is essential for salvation; and of all Orthodox doctrines this is perhaps the most reprehensible from the Evangelical’s point of view, and in particular those of the effortless-Christianity persuasion. The difference lies in how salvation is understood between the two theological camps. For the Orthodox salvation is union with […]
In his new book entitled, “Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy,” Fr. Andrew Damick (Orthodox priest) describes with biting honesty the state of many American churches that have turned Christianity into a large self-help program. He writes: “Being consumer-oriented and consumer-driven, Christianity as self-help appeals to the selfishness of believers and caters to the cafeteria mentality of most […]
One of the major ways the modern effortless-Christianity movement has gained popularity is through its conformity to the western ideal of individualism. Most of us in the west have made a clear mental link between individualism and freedom in such a way that it is difficult for us to even think of one without the […]
Let me begin with a statement that may sound bold at first: Faith is not a matter of static intellectual belief, it is not an ‘absolute knowledge’ of one’s spiritual convictions, and it is not a feeling or even a strictly personal relationship between the believer and God. Faith is rather a dynamic relationship of […]
We were always worried about maintaining the “victory.” We had the ultimate recipe for any trouble that dared enter our bubble of triumphant Christian living: we “rebuked” the trouble and “claimed” our victory – the victory won by Jesus Christ. In a way, trouble – i.e. any sort of physical illness, emotional pain, financial difficulty, […]
Does “Effortless Christianity” Exist? The modern idea of effortless, easy, triumphant Christianity is a popular one. It seems impossible to browse popular bookstores, Christian radio, TV or church marquee signs without encountering this seemingly wonderful approach to the Christian life. In a world where effort, difficulty and failure await a person at every turn it […]
