What happens when churches embraces a liberal theology? (Liberal theology is a theology which is characterized by "the movement away from traditional orthodoxy often in an attempt to harmonize biblical teachings with science, humanism, or other secular fields." (CARM)
It's a question which many theologians and Christians already know the answer. Once you remove the essential "biblical doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His resurrection, and salvation by grace" you end up with a church which more closely remembles a Kiwanis club than the body of Christ.
They still have regular meetings; they do good things for their local communities; and often they give their members some sense of a purpose larger than themselves. However, they don't proclaim the bible as being the eternal; transformational; and living word of God. Additionally, they often take the road of compromise on hot topic moral issues such as a abortion; homosexuality; and gender issues (especially in regards to church leadership).
What results is a muddled and confusing view of Christianity and God.
As a result, we should not be surprised by news articles telling us about a church in Los Angeles which has started to offer worship services for dogs in order to boost church attendance.
AP: Gone to the Dogs: LA church starts pet service
I guess when you throw Matthew 28:19 out the window you can justify all manners of things to grow your church attendance.
After all, surely Jesus didn't literally mean that we should go to every tribe, every nation, and to every people group to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to disciple and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit... I'm being facetious if you couldn't read my tone.
Albert Mohler has a good commentary on this trend among liberal churches which I'd recommend you read if you are intrigued.
As for me, I think the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the oldest love story ever written is enough to draw people into the church.
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