What do truth, love, and history have in common?
They are all being redefined to fit a worldview that doesn’t actually contain truth, love, or history. And this worldview is facing the 21st-century Church head-on.
Not only is this worldview creating outside pressure, but it is rising up within the Church as well. This belief system that has taken root is trying to reframe the world in its own image. An ever-growing mindset called progressivism is sweeping our nation.
More and more people are falling for progressivism because it sounds good. Its arms are warm and welcoming, but that warmth is a façade and will leave you with confusion, bitterness, and frustration.
In Narrow, Brandon Foster invites you to walk along a path that winds through topics like what is an ideology, what is truth, and what is love. Each chapter dives into a specific topic and explains:
the progressive worldview on that topic
the Christian worldview
the fundamental flaws of the progressive view theologically, logically, and, when it applies, historically
Come walk the narrow path, and discover the power of truth, love, and history.
What do truth, love, and history have in common?
They are all being redefined to fit a worldview that doesn’t actually contain truth, love, or history. And this worldview is facing the 21st-century Church head-on.
Not only is this worldview creating outside pressure, but it is rising up within the Church as well. This belief system that has taken root is trying to reframe the world in its own image. An ever-growing mindset called progressivism is sweeping our nation.
More and more people are falling for progressivism because it sounds good. Its arms are warm and welcoming, but that warmth is a façade and will leave you with confusion, bitterness, and frustration.
In Narrow, Brandon Foster invites you to walk along a path that winds through topics like what is an ideology, what is truth, and what is love. Each chapter dives into a specific topic and explains:
the progressive worldview on that topic
the Christian worldview
the fundamental flaws of the progressive view theologically, logically, and, when it applies, historically
Come walk the narrow path, and discover the power of truth, love, and history.
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. —Matthew 7:13–14 ESV
As with all beginnings, there must be an explanation as to why. Why was it written, and really why was it conceived? As for why this project was undertaken, I have one simple belief in life. That belief is that a person can only complain about something long enough before they either have to remain silent on the topic or do something about it. That was the dilemma that I was in back at the end of 2020. I had been complaining about progressive Christianity for a while by that point, and I realized that I had reached my crossroad. As a believer in the Bible being the word of God, I had become annoyed at this popular group who claimed to follow God while simultaneously casting aside almost every aspect of His character and teaching. Many progressives believe things like the Bible is not God’s infallible word, or they do not believe the idea that truth can be known. NAR RO W — 4 — Now I know that this is not the case for every progressive Christian. There are many out there who wrestle with Christianity because the church they grew up in or the pastor whom they dedicated their life to abandoned them. This is a sad reality both for the conservative Christian as well as the liberal. Too many pastors grow arrogant in their “leadership” of the church. Too many have caused pain leading more away from God than to Him. Now it is my belief that those who belong to God will always belong to Him, and those who have wandered will come back under His loving arms. But it is horrible to see and hear about these churches and the consequences. I do not want to invalidate the emotions and experiences of those who have lived through painful times. The leaders in the church who have caused pain or who have led many astray do need to be held accountable. But, that is not the topic of this book. I also want to be clear that just because a person has experienced a traumatic event does not mean that the theology that they have drifted toward is correct. Many people who experience church trauma are hurt not by God or His theology but by man and his. In every story of church trauma I have heard, the person was hurt by extrabiblical theology and abusive people. I hope that this book can be used as a shepherd’s crook leading the straying sheep back to God. I am not arrogant enough to think that I know any better based on my own intellect. Everything I am and everything that I know is because of the grace of God. I thank Him every day for keeping me on His path, no matter how painful His corrections can be.1 This meant that as a believer who could be used as an instrument of healing and guiding, I had one of two choices. Either I had to accept that this was how the world was, or I had to do something to help guide people back to God’s narrow path. I either had to remain silent and allow the wandering of my fel1 More accurately, how painful my mistakes can be T he B eg i nn i ng — 5 — low brothers and sisters, or I had to speak up and act like the lamp that I am called to be.2 That is when I decided to write a book. Now I am sure that you are wondering what kind of book you have picked up. You are also probably wondering why the book is titled Narrow. Those are both good questions. I will start with the title first. Narrow is referencing the concept from Matthew 7:13–14. God’s path is narrow, not in how it treats the world, but in reference to how we live our lives. I know that is a little confusing so let me explain it like this. In life, we have many choices. We can categorize those choices in two ways. Either they are God’s or the world’s. If we desire to follow His ways, which lead to life, we have to follow His desires and decrees. When we follow Him, we walk down the narrow path. When we follow the world’s advice, we travel down a wide path that will lead us to destruction. Unfortunately, life does not provide signs that inform us which path we are traveling. That is why I have written this book. God has shown us what He desires for us to stay on His road. Therefore, we only need to read His word, pray, and stay in Christian community, and we will be fine. Hopefully, this book will help as a navigational tool to differentiate between God’s path and the world’s path. As for the second question, this book is a theological discussion on why progressive Christianity is incorrect both in action and in belief. They walk down the wide easy path, not God’s narrow path. I have used the term above before, and I realize that it might need a small explanation. For those who are unsure of what a progressive Christian is, let me sum up the current popular trend. The quickest explanation is that a pro2 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV) NAR RO W — 6 — gressive Christian follows the current liberal, post-modern sway in thinking. I know there are some big concepts in that explanation, and I promise I will explain them more later, but for now, just know that progressives follow the current trend of the liberal side of culture. While being liberal is not inherently a bad thing, our culture has now swung the pendulum too far. A more religious way of explaining progressive Christianity is that they stick closer to their political party3 or cultural ideals4 than to the Bible and Christ. To put it more bluntly, they follow Christ only as the last option or belief on a subject. This last part is for the most extreme cases. As said above, there are many fellow disciples who are genuinely confused. They have been given a lot of contradicting information in their life, and they are honestly trying to process it all. For those who are in this camp, I commend you as well as hope that this book helps. You are why I am writing this book. I know how confusing this world is, and I know that there are many beliefs being taught that all sound like they can be true. Sometimes we feel like the rope in tug-o-war. We are being pulled one way and then the other, and neither side seems to be winning, but we are just getting tired and feeling the pain. The modern progressive believes many interesting things, but the worst one of them all is that they claim their beliefs are unique or original. I know that may sound a little harsh but hear me out. In my studies, I have learned that progressives are following almost step by step the beliefs held by an ancient cult called the Gnostics. The Gnostics were a cultish group that reached their height during the early church.5 So, why do I think that a group that 3 This would be the Democratic Party at the moment. 4 Acceptance of self-love, homosexual marriage, cancel culture, deconstruction, and scriptural dismantling to name a few. 5 First to fourth centuries A.D. T he B eg i nn i ng — 7 — died out centuries ago has been revived in the modern progressive? Well, here are the top similarities. Gnostics believed that they had secret revelations from God, and even if these revelations contradicted God, Scripture, or the apostles, it did not matter. Their revelations had precedent over these other sources.6 They believed that they had an intimate relationship with God, and because of this, it was fine if their teachings contradicted who Christ appointed.7 They claimed that there were more writings than the ones deemed canonical.8,9 Because of this, they added new teachings that contradicted the apostles. They contradicted not only the apostles’ teachings but the teachings of Christ as well. Basically, the Gnostics also chose the wide, easy path instead of the narrow path. They sought inclusion and acceptance over God’s truth and love. Some specific teachings of classic Gnostics were that Christ either did not come in the flesh,10 but only in the spirit pretending to be corporeal, or he inhabited the body of a human and possessed him during his mission.11 They also believed that since the physical world was evil, they did not have to sacrifice earthly pleasures because it was only the mind and spirit that mattered.12 Another teaching was that sexual intimacy did not 6 Rudolph, Kurt, and R Mcl Wilson. Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism. San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1987, p. 55. 7 The apostles 8 Rudolph, Kurt, and R Mcl Wilson. Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism. San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1987, pp. 44–48. 9 The books we have in Scripture are deemed inspired by God and have gone through intensive scrutiny. Gnostics claimed that there were many more books, but these books could never pass the tests of holy inspiration. 10 At that time, the physical world was considered evil. 11 “Jesus Christ in Gnosticism—Gnosticism Explained.” Gnosticism Explained, 22 May 2021, gnosticismexplained.org/jesus-christ-in-gnosticism/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2022. 12 “The Gnostics and Jesus.” Monergism.com, 2022, NAR RO W — 8 — need to be between only a man and a woman but that bisexuality was a holy thing.13,14 They also twisted many biblical stories such as creation, the fall, and the need for a savior in general.15 The primary concept of Gnosticism, and why it was vehemently opposed by the church, was that God was either pure evil16 or self-centered and should not be trusted. Obviously, this did not sit well with those who believed that Christ did come in the flesh and that God was a gracious, loving, benevolent God. These teachings can be found in the Gnostic gospels and other texts from the Nag Hammadi texts. While not every teaching is the same, there are too many similarities to be ignored. It seems that each day, more and more Gnostic beliefs appear in sermons and on the internet. The main similarities lie in the idea of special revelation, Jesus not being the only way to heaven, that the Bible is not holy or inspired by God, and that the apostles taught incorrect theologies. These teachings forced other theologians to meet and debate over these heresies, and just like back then, it is happening again. Modern pastors are being forced to either combat these new ideas or join them. Some progressives believe that they are fighting a battle that has never been fought before, meaning that they do not think the church has dealt with things like sexuality, defining truth, or why the Bible is the way that it is. This is not correct. One point of this book is to show that most, if not all, of the www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/gnostics.html. Accessed 30 Mar. 2022. 13 ---. “Gnosticism a Basis for Same-Sex Marriage.” Eternity News, Eternity News, 10 Aug. 2021, www.eternitynews.com.au/opinion/gnosticism-abasis-for-same-sex-marriage/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2022. 14 Many of the deities in Gnostic mythology were bisexual. 15 Rudolph, Kurt, and R Mcl Wilson. Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism. San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1987, pp. 97, 99–100. 16 Since he created the physical world and the evils within. T he B eg i nn i ng — 9 — progressive teachings are just recycled thoughts of ancient people claiming to be Christians. This does not inherently make them wrong, but it does deflate their balloon just a little. The modern progressive believes and teaches many of the same ideas as the Gnostics did. But I have said this already. Because of their many similarities, progressives will not be named progressives anymore. They will be called Neo-Gnostics because they are not progressing the church or theology. They are, in fact, moving it on a path of regression. I call them Neo-Gnostics because neo means new, and they are just Gnostics wrapped in a more modern package. It is my hope to explain throughout this book the parallels between classic Gnosticism and Neo-Gnosticism. I am also going to try and show why their teachings are a regression not only theologically but also socially. What we believe becomes how we act. When we have wrong theology, as well as wrong beliefs about love, truth, charity,17 and history, we are more apt to treat others incorrectly. These wrong things may not always be as extreme as stealing, adultery, or murder, but they will change how we treat others. That can be bad enough on its own. My greatest hope is that my writings never come off as arrogant or too aggressive. It is my greatest hope and prayer that this book comes off humbly and filled with God’s desires, not mine. Also, I understand how important tact can be when discussing controversial matters. Saying something humbly or aggressively can change the outcome of the conversation. There will be, of course, tough sections that might put some out of 17 Charity is being used here in the classic form, as giving up not only money but also time. NAR RO W — 10 — their comfort zone. But I hope my tone does not take you off of God’s path. I believe that what we think becomes our outward actions. Because of this, if my arrogance is more evident than my love, that is a problem. As a disciple of Christ, it is my duty to share the gospel, fight the good fight, and run the good race. None of these things can be done if I am not walking the correct path. A large part of staying on God’s path is how I am on the inside. God cares more about how we think and who we are on the inside. Again, this is because our actions are only the fruit of our thoughts. This is what Jesus was getting at in Matthew 5:21–22 and 27–28. The thought of hate or lust was just as bad as the action toward God. As Matthew wrote in the verse above, if the gate is narrow, the path will be as well. John Bunyan, the Puritan preacher, describes it well in his book The Pilgrim’s Progress by showing over and over again the main characters failing to stay on the road. All too often, they wandered off the road because they were following what they thought were good intentions. But our good intentions may not always be God’s. It is very hard to stay on the straight, narrow path prescribed by God. That is why he guides us. If I am to do my duty to Him, I have to be in continual meditation on His word. It is my hope that this book will help guide some back to God. No book should be treated on the same level as God’s holy Word, especially not this one. But it is still my hope that this book can be used by God. This book’s purpose is to argue for the beliefs held by disciples of Christ. I do not want this book to become a stand-alone book nor a book read without reading Scripture first. I humbly hope this book helps you on your journey to and with Christ. Let us now begin walking the narrow path following God together.
'To be saved, there is only one requirement, and that is to believe in Christ.'
Christianity is not a 'works-based' faith. We don't have to earn our ticket to heaven. Many Christians use the Nicene Creed as a summary of what they believe in and endeavour to live a life that will please God and bring others to Him. 'We must believe these primary theologies in our minds, hearts and mouths to be professing disciples of Christ.'
In today's society, it seems to be the case that anything goes and consequently, Churches have succumbed to the need to move with the times. While one can understand the desire to fill the seats, does that mean we should abandon the fundamental truths of Christianity? Are we really witnessing by condoning what the Bible clearly denotes as sin? Romans 6:23. ' For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
Undoubtedly, this book will prove controversial and I commend the author for tackling a difficult subject. However, perhaps it will instigate important discussions and debates.
The author structures the book as a journey, with many paths leading to nothing or damnation but only one leading to God. The imagery was helpful in painting a picture for the reader- trails lined with pretty trees but have nothing else to them, suggesting the lure of false idols and progressive contemporary Churches. Old and worn paths which have seen many travellers but have lost meaning over time. Is this how progressive Christians view traditional churches?
Foster chooses to refer to progressive Christianity as Neo-Gnosticism believing that like the Gnostics who rebelled against the early church, they favour cultural ideals above the Bible and Christ. By the end of the second century, many Gnostics broke away or were expelled from the church. They formed alternative churches with belief systems deemed heretical by the Christian church. Does this sound familiar?
'Instead of coming to terms with their sinfulness and accepting our need for a saviour, they believe that what they are doing is acceptable and that is actually God or scripture that is mistaken.'
The author details that Neo-Gnosticism features a rejection of many traditional Christian beliefs notably on' sexuality, marriage, the supremacy of Scripture and on God himself.' They take the culture and the world as their base, as opposed to Christ, God and the Bible. They justify this by stating that Scripture is not complete but needs to evolve to reflect cultural issues and the popular argument that the meaning has been altered in translation. With regards to homosexuality, 'Neo-Gnostics either try to explain away any Bible verses condemning this or alter them entirely.'
An example of altering the context of a Bible verse is Romans 8.28, where people focus on the first part 'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good', omitting the end of the verse 'who have been called according to God's purpose'. The full verse means that it is not enough just to love God, we must also live and work for God's purpose.
Another section in the book which will prove controversial is where Foster discusses murder and abortion. I believe this also pertains to Euthanasia, although this is not stated. 'Why would God allow an individual to destroy a gift that He has given? Life is precious and He has crafted every individual personally.'
Foster concludes the book by acknowledging that Christians cannot just justify the Bible by citing verses, instead, we need to do as Jesus did, love and befriend people and show love and kindness.
This book is interesting and informative and a reminder of how important it is to stay true to our Christian faith and Biblical truths.
'Every time the heavens break open and rain pours from the sky, we can look up and see the glorious bow stretching across the sky. We can take heart that God is still there. His promises still hold.'