There's a false version of Christianity sweeping through North America today called moralistic therapeutic deism. Although you may have never heard this term, you are most likely familiar with its concepts and beliefs. On this week's episode, Emily and Bethany unpack moralistic therapeutic deism, discuss its problems, and refute it biblically.
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Main Points & Biblical Refutations:
1. A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth.
• Hebrews 13:20 - 21
• Ephesians 5:15 - 17
2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.
• 1 Peter 1:14 - 19
• Ephesians 4:15 - 16
• Isaiah 1:16 - 17
3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.
• Romans 11:33 - 36
• Revelation 4:9 - 11
4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.
• John 5:19
5. Good people go to heaven when they die.
• Romans 3:21 - 24
• Ephesians 2:4 - 9
(Points are taken from "Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers" by Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton.)
Other Resources:
• What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD)? (Got Questions)
• Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: Not Just a Problem with Youth Ministry (The Gospel Coalition)
• Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (Theology Gals Podcast)
