New Dogs, Old Tricks

"Often what modern innovators consider a new discovery, and wish to pass off as a scheme suited to remove all difficulties, is found upon examination to be nothing else than some ancient heresy clothed in a new dress."

This is a quote from an 1831 (yes, EIGHTEEN THIRTY-ONE) article in the Biblical Repertory from Princeton Theological Seminary regarding the "New Divinity" that was gaining a foothold in New England, especially in the state of New York. Charles Finney is the one name most closely associated with the movement, which featured a disbelief in original sin and the substitutionary atonement of Christ, a downplaying of the depravity of man, and an emphasis on the will of man as the main factor in salvation.

The brand of theology and soteriology Finney and others championed was nothing more than Pelagianism, a (then) 1500 year old heretical doctrine.

*sigh* Modern history is full of other examples of teachings that really aren't new. They're old tricks of the enemy, being performed by new dogs. "Modern apostasy usually mirrors some error from the past."

As Sergeant Phil Esterhaus used to say: "Let's be careful out there." Know the Scripture, know the Truth.


Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:17-18