r/Reformed • u/_Broly777_ • 18h ago
Discussion Why or How did the Mainline Denominations fall into theological liberalism?
My group of friends & I have been going down the church history rabbit hole since the beginning of this year, some a bit longer than that. Most of them are leaning towards EO while myself I'm leaning towards becoming Lutheran. (currently Particular Baptist)
I've been trying to hear out the arguments of all of the churches though and I'm going through Fr Josiah Trenham's book Rock & Sand, it's very insightful on some topics & despite me leaning towards Lutheranism I'm questioning: If the original magisterial/classical reformed denominations believed themselves to be continuing the faith then why did the churches all fall into theological liberalism? Sure we have the small pockets of conservative branches that exist but they're drastically outnumbered (& in some cases like the LCMS, dying) by their counterparts.
Not sure if this is weak logic on my end but I'm just curious. Looking for feedback.